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HISTORY 


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Our Living Ward; 


mene Gr, VV OOD’S 


Peewee AT rt ISTORY 


OF 


ANIMATE CREATION. 


REVISED AND ADAPTED T0 


pV eee ZOOLOGY, 


BY 


JOSEPH “By HOLDER, M-D:; 
Fellow of the New York Academy of Nciences ; Member of the Society of Naturalists, H. U. 8.; Member 
of the American Ornithologists’ Union; Curator of Vertebrate Zoology, American 
Museum of Natural History, Central Park, New York. 


FULLY ILLUSTRATED WITH SCIENTIFIC ACCURACY. 
VOL. I. 


NE VW Y © ERK : 
Se LEMAR HESS. 


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COPYRIGHT, 
1885, 
BY SELMAR HESS. 


TO 00 


ain) ain) 
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ORT EM, Pg a ae 
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47% smira & McDovea Jos MG D. G. F. CLASS as 
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NEW YORK__ NEW YORK 


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Pees Ome IN OT i. 


HE original text of the Rev. Dr. Wood’s Work on Natural History, well known as 
the most fascinating collection of description and anecdote ever published, was 
most wisely selected as a basis of a new issue, entitled ‘‘Our Living World.” 

With the original text the writer has no connection, excepting so far as 
relates to American animals. Where the latter are treated the subject matter is revised, the 
latest information is added in full, and the classification and nomenclature now most 
approved is adopted. 

The ‘‘Compendium of Generic Distinctions,’ at the end of each volume, determines the 
classification adopted for the original work by the author. Besides this, we introduce at the 
end of each volume a table of classification, embracing the latest and best approved views, as 
applied to American Zoology. Thus, the reader finds, in addition to the charming descriptive 
text of Dr. Wood, instructive modern views of Zoology of peculiar service to the student. 

The classification adopted by the writer for the American subjects, is as follows :— 

For the Mammals, Prof. Flower, of London Zoological Society ; for Birds, Robert Ridg- 
way; Nomenclature of Birds of North America, Smithsonian Publication. Works of Dr. 
Coues and Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway have been freely utilized. 

For Fishes and Reptiles, the works of Jordan and Gilbert have proved of great service, 
well-nigh indispensable. 

The Invertebrate Animals having during the last ten years received especial attention from 
officers of the U. 8. Fish Commission, we have availed ourselves of their valuable publications 
and Yearly Reports. The immense amount of original work done by Prof. Verrill and his 
assistants in the Commission, and the exceptional opportunities for such work accorded natn- 
ralists by the courtesy of Prof. Baird, Chief of the Commission, are highly appreciated. 

For the very liberal use made of the above-mentioned works, the editor of this edition 


would express his grateful acknowledgments. 
J. B. H. 


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ott tc capital we nil) agian lite alt eet Peller lotigiv wilt 10) dviqohe ook 
we ~wole bevontje tel bie tone atl -qittanddiy siitinsitieeel) to olds 4 unulor s 
riche gales ofl} oh oot ahe at alia bow oi! } wadl  -ruatea’ sands “ved, of 
taaheie off Ot osiyees tellowes Sa palo ol iwaly aiteitrbtocwreddnl baove At 1a ; 
-ewollol ee ef stodfiine sedtworhk of i tothe Wit yd Ketqute moitesiinals oft 

“bi yedofl AlwiA sol > qelien@:lnoieoioght abhmal. Qo vereiTT Jew! alee. ad 2 roe 
AU lw mh V¥i not esticGr' |) sethoetid heath dia Ws nil i” eee weno) 


fealty vihatt aad ead vowuhtl bee: dawont ieel hee - 
wre tere Ws trea, ated totiie hen oabwal to adtor nit yeglngont Sng elute 
Sidicia ad bur dite beak 
tren cmabtaendy Lukyages Levviicinn woney cnt teal add aorto imine aul nhanintA servbibereat ait : 
Samad ae vibedasey atdmiia’y hud Wn evwleeud fallen esas oe w xxokeaeer il2 ‘ill ext tn : 
ste Gren <1 tei"t qs neal show Iaighuy Io dean) vetparntl aft abv ‘fea Yi : 
ante Babrinvai FV Koos 20) sania rao g® famabiresee nh lt ingen rit wt. stinatyfiels 
fobadornin “Likud ete nbatarent edi ie fait) syste Sere ‘yw sgostiteny oak Set hing 
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In the present Voluine I have endeavored to carry out, on a more extended scale, the principle which 
has been partially indicated in several of my smaller works; namely, to present to the reader the outlines 
of zoologic knowledge in a form that shall be readily comprehended, while it is as intrinsically valuable as 
if it were couched in the most repellent vocabulary of conventional technicalities. In acting thus, an 
author must voluntarily abnegate the veneration which attaches itself to those who are the accredited pos- 
sessors of abstruse learning, and must content himself with the satisfaction of having achieved the task 
which has been placed in his hands. In accordance with this principle, the technical language of scientific 
zoology has been carefully avoided, and Hnglish names have been employed wherever practicable in the 
place of Greek or Latin appellatives. 

The body of the work has been studiously preserved in a simple and readable form, and the more 
strictly scientific portions have been removed to the ‘‘ Compendium of Generic Distinctions” at the end of 
the volume. In this Compendium the reader will find a brief notice of the various characteristics which 
are employed by our best systematic naturalists, such as Owen, Gray, Van der Hoeven, and others, for the 
purpose of separating the different genera from each other ; and by its aid he will be enabled to place every 
animal in that position which it is at present supposed to occupy. Even in that Compendium simplicity 
of diction has been maintained. For example, the word “five-toed” has been substituted for ‘* pentedac- 
tylous ;” “pointed” for “‘acuminate;” ‘“‘ringed” for “annulate ;” together with innumerable similar 
instances which need no separate mention. 

Owing to the inordinate use of pseudo-classical phraseology, the fascinating study of animal life has 
been too long considered as a profession or a science restricted to a favored few, and interdicted to the 
many until they have undergone a long apprenticeship to its preliminary formule. So deeply rooted is 
this idea, that the popular notion of a scientific man is of one who possesses a fund of words, and not of 
one who has gathered a mass of ideas. There is really not the least reason why any one of ordinary capa- 
bilities and moderate memory should not be acquainted with the general outlines of zoology, and possess 
some knowledge of the representative animals, which serve as types of each group, tribe, or family ; for 
when relieved of the cumbersome diction with which it is embarrassed, the study of animal life can be 
brought within the comprehension of all who care to examine the myriad varieties of form and color 
with which the Almighty clothes His living poems. 

The true object of Zoology is not, as some appear to fancy, to arrange, to number, and to ticket 
animals in a formal inventory, but to make the study an inquiry into the Life-nature, and not only an 
investigation of the lifeless organism. I must not, however, be understood to disparage the outward form, 
thing of clay though it be. For what wondrous clay it is, and how marvellous the continuous miracle by 
which the dust of earth is transmuted into the glowing colors and graceful forms which we most imper- 
fectly endeavor to preserve after the soul has departed therefrom. It is a great thing to be acquainted with 
the material framework of any creature, but it is a far greater to know something of the principle which 
gave animation to that structure. The former, indeed, is the consequence of the latter. The lion, for 


example, is not predaceous because it possesses fangs, talons, strength, and activity; on the contrary, it 
Vou. I. 


yi PREFACE. 


possesses these qualities because its inmost nature is predaceous, and it needs these appliances to enable it 
to carry out the innate principle of its being ; so that the truest description of the lion is that which treats 
of the animating spirit, and not only of the outward form. In accordance with this principle, it has been 
my endeayor to make the work rather anecdotal and vital than merely anatomical and scientific. The 
object of a true zoologist is to search into the essential nature of every being, to investigate, according to 
his individual capacity, the reason why it should have been placed on earth, and to give his personal service 
to his Divine Master in developing that nature in the best manner and to the fullest extent. 

‘ What do we know of Man from the dissecting room? Of Man, the warrior, the statesman, the poet, 
or the saint? In the lifeless corpse there are no records of the burning thoughts, the hopes, loves, and 
fears that once animated that now passive form, and which constituted the very essence of the being. 
Every nerve, fibre, and particle in the dead bodies of the king and the beggar, the poet and the boor, the 
saint and the sensualist, may be separately traced, and anatomically they shall all be alike, for neither of 
the individuals is there, and on the dissecting table lies only the cast-off attire that the spirit no longer 
needs. What can an artist learn, even of the outward form of Man, if he lives only in the dissecting room, 
and studies the human frome merely through the medium of scalpel and scissors? He may, indeed, obtain 
an accurate muscular outline, but it will be an outline of a cold and rigid corpse, suggestive only of the 
charnel-house, and devoid of the soft and rounded. form, the delicate tinting, and breathing grace which 
invest the living human frame. A feeling eye will always discover whether an artist has painted even his 
details of attire from a lay figure instead of depicting the raiment as it rests upon and droops from the 
breathing form of a living model; for such robes are not raiment, but a shroud. So it is with the animal 
kingdom. The zoologist will never comprehend the nature of any creature by the most careful investi- 
gation of its interior structure or the closest inspection of its stuffed skin, for the material structure tells 
little of the vital nature, and the stuffed skin is but the lay figure stiffly fitted with its own cast coat. 

The true study of Zoology is of more importance than is generally conceived, for although “the proper 
study of mankind is Man,” it is impossible for us to comprehend the loftiness and grandeur of humanity, or 
even its individual and physical nature, without possessing some knowledge of the earlier forms of God’s 
animated organizations. We must follow the order of creation, and as far as our perceptions will permit, 
begin where the Creator began. We shall then find that no animal leads an isolated existence, for the 
minutest atom of animated life which God has enfranchised with an individual existence, forms, though 
independent in itself, an integral and necessary portion of His ever-changing yet eternal organic universe. ° 
Hence every being which draws the breath of life forms a part of one universal family, bound together by 
the ties of a common creaturehood. And as being ourselves members of that living and breathing family, 
we learn to view with clearer eyes and more reverent hearts those beings which, although less godlike than 
ourselves in their physical or moral natures, demand for that very reason our kindliest sympathies and 
most indulgent care. For we, being made in the image of God, are to them the visible representations of 
that Divine Being who gave the Sabbath alike for man and beast, and who takes even the sparrows under 


His personal protection. 


Vou. 1. 


CON THN TS. 


PAGE 
INTRODUCTION. 1 
Order QUADRUMANA; on THE MONKEY TRIBE. 13 
Family Stm1aD# : 
Gorilla—Troglodytes Gorilla ..........cce ec ee cece ecee 15 
Orang-Outang—Simia satyrus 23 
Siamang—Siamanga syndactyla.... 0.2.2.0. cece eee e ee 28 
Gibbons—Aylobates. .........c cece cece cece ee eecueues 30 
COLO DUS GOOG US ie ara cinis ais =isiercrarslesole sie einselehere « afore ows 36 
Miarcaques—Macacus. .. 2... cccececccccccescececvecces +h 
Baboons— Cynocephalus........cccecececcceceeeeececs 55 
Family CeBip : 
American Monkeys........ lately isis ites far aiotate ietagallstean(o 72 
Family LemuriDz : 
Lemurs—Lemur ........+.00005 ln sfafalefofelotslelelsie ole l=jaieiae 92 
Family GALEOPITHECIDE : 
Colugo— G@aleopithecus volitans...........0..+4- siete 101 
Order CHEIROPTERA ; on WING-HANDED ANIMALS. 102 
Vampire Bat— Vampyrus spectrum...........-0.2e00e 104 
. Great Horseshoe Bat—/hinolophus ferrum equinum.. 107 
Flying Fox—Pteropus rubricollis........ 000. eeeeeees . 112 
Order FER A. 
Family FELD; OR THE CAT TRIBE............ dodeessouds 116 
MOE I70). = oddeoodonddacad coos cudsoodocacsnadsacede 117 
CUED: TBI RGY ES (alelalalelalniatalelntcsleinlala(elanialelalalste|atelelatals cle iclniste 130 
Leopards—Leopardus ..........0.eecesceeeececeecees 187 
OE A21 os eSgone ~ coo eanc can scace scooq sas eessaome. 158 


Family VIVERRID& : 


Hyenas—Hyenda.........+.- eveee 

Civets—Proteles 

Genetts—Genetta .... 2... cc cece cece cece cece ee eeee cog iter? 

Ichneumon—AHerpestes.......2022csee eee eeceececeece 189 
Family Canty ; OR THE DoG TRIBE ...........-..2-.0ee eee 198 

Domesticated Dogs—Canis familiaris.............++. 200 

DWV TL DO Car 88 aia wie ore are dain lala eynlat elu whetutee ofcicvoiolsfateleix« 255 

WWW OLY es —— Oct aa eratlcteleimatelcielnl=lsieleiem sicieisielelelnieleieicistelelieisle 260 

Woxe8— Vulpes... 00sec eee cncencesces pagudiasooosg0d . 267 


Family MusTELIDZ ; OR THE WEASEL TRIBE 
Polecat—Putorius ......2.22eeeee. ee 
Weasels— Mustela. ...-..--++2--seeeee 
Ratels—Wellivora ... 


Skunk—Mephitis............ 5 
Bad ger—Meles..0. 00 .ceccveweraeeweee eens hah opetetada i's «2 303 


Otters—LUra .., cr eveveyersseeres marreresyie= sietoreieicvore 305 ! 


Vou. I, 


BEAR A MIDY — USED Ati scrote < alo cits ais <falasiosicla\slelcia.s cislelsiele's « « “SM 
rue Bears— Ursus cco acces ceca osetia ee een xc 312 
Suni Bears—Helarcr assent cei e oes iors sie cate cictescic 324 
Aswail, or Lipped-Bear—U. labiatus................. 326 
Sea-Bears— Thalassarctos ........0..0cceccccececccces 328 
Racoons—Procyon BBP 
Coats NOS UES 5 o)oso) oie anlnetetereete sta = aie slo) sioreretersvarsis cee 
Kinkajou— Cercolentenscermtaa ier ceeeriaciaseeesee cies 336 
Cat-Bears—A slerress, «yeasts wroomyeler=cietotaietelale atsiciebatcfeis «'« 3387 

INSECTIVORA ; or INSECT-EATERS. 

Family TALPIDz : 
MEO) OS a LAUD Oita sagen craroccinntsiniers sioieeialsiaisiofeieierers inte eae 338 
Tupaia-Tana—Cladobates tand........0.0cecceeeecees 344 
Pen-Tail—Fiilocercts Lowi. . ccc cows so cscwcseessecss 345 
Long-Nosed and Long-Legged Shrews—Wacroscelides. 346 
Shrews— Sore coca saieeeestyseoe acest ein ns ccieechie ss 347 
Water-Shrew8—Ciossopus. <2 osccjccis tess serene eee cia 350 
Solenodon—Solenodon paradoxum. .........00.00- 020. 352 
True Hedgehog—Hrinaceus europaeus............0.. 354 
Thorny Hedgehogs—Centetes............0.0.ececeeee 361 

Tribe MARSUPIALIA ; POUCHED ANIMALS. .............2.00005 363 


Family MACROPODID : 
Squirrel Petaurus—Petaurus sciureus 


PAP TURN —ALELAUPISLR «=, 5)0\a{<(cie)6)«/= a)n (sini <\oteintols <'s cisieie,e.eieinis« 
Vulpine Phalangist—Phalangista vulpina ............ 370 
Koala—Phascolarctos cinereus. .......cec.ecees veccces 371 
Tree Kangaroo—Dendrologus ursinus..........020+05 373 
Kangaroo-Rats—Hypsiprymnus .... 02.2020. ecececeee 374 
True Kangaroos—WMacropus...........0.ccecececeees 376 
Whallabee—Halmaturus walabatus..... 0... cece cece ee 380 
Rock-Kangaroo—FPetrogale penicillata..............5- 380 
Wombat—Phascolomys latifrons...........0eceeceees 381 

Sub-Family SALTATORIA : 
Band icootseerseccererceceacereeseeeceecececmeries 383 
Cheropus—Cheropus castanotus.........0.0eeeee eee 384 

| Sub-Family DasyuRIDa; DASYURINES ................- 45080 

Tasmanian Wolf—Thylacinus cynocephalus 
Tasmanian Devil—Diabolus wrsinus........+++0+0+-+ é 
Common Dasyure—Dasyurus viverrinus....- 2.00002. 
Tapoa Tafa—Phascogale penicillatd..........-.-- 
Pouched Mice—Antechinus.......---++++0ee+00+ 
Myrmecobius—Myrmecobius fasciatus......--+++++++++ 
Opossums—Didelphys. ...1 0200 eeeeceee cece cere eeeeee 
Yapock Opossum—Cheironectes variegatus 

Order PINNIPEDIA. 

Family PHocipz ; Common Seals........+++6++ S8§78% décucnc 398 

vu 


7 


Win 


viii 
PAGE 
Sub-Family PHOCINA: 
Sea Leopard—Leptonyz leopardinus..........++++- --- 400 
Crested Seal—Cystophora cristata..........+-+++++00+ 402 
Common Seal—Phoca vitulina..........-++.++e-020e+ 404 
Walrus—Trichecus rosmarus.... 0.2.2 0eee cece eee eeees 410 
Sea Elephant—Cystophora proboscidea .........+++++- 413 

Family OTarrup2 ; EaRepD SEALS: 

Sea Lion—Olaria jubata. .......2..ceeceeececeeeeneee 416 
Sea Bear—Arctocephalus ursinus........0-+++22e+eeee 417 

Order CETACEA. 

Family BaL2zNmDz ; Whales...........---.+-++-- . So cnoagisce 418 
Greenland Whale—Balena mysticetus.........s.eeee+ 421 
Hump-Backed Whales—Megaptera..........+-0++0+0+ 425 
True Carnivorous Whales—Balenoplera............. 426 
Rorqual—Physalus antiquorum. .... 02.0 0eeceeeeeeeee 427 

Sub-Order ODONTOCETI; Toothed and Sperm Whales........ 430 
Spermaceti Whale—Catodon macrocephalus.........+ 431 
Black Fish—Physeter tursio.......00-0eeceeeeeeeec eee 454 

Family Deter ; Dolphins.............--...0eeee eee ee 435 
Narwhal—Vonodon monoceros. . Sie HOS CGS sors 3 
White Whale—Beluga leucas..... 2. e seen cece eee eens 489 
Sea Hog—Phoceend comMUMIS .... 02.0 e seer eee eee eee 441 
Grampus—Orca gladiator .........+++2+ceeeee eee eee 445 
Dolphin—Delphinus Delphis.......ccc-0cceeceeceeces 4 
Soosoo—Platanista gangelicd........scceseeseeceeees 446 

Sub- Order STRENTA. 
Manatees—Mamnatus.........ccccccccccccccecevcvccss 447 
Dugongs—Halicore.......2-.22.ceccecceccsseessccces 448 
Rytina—Rytina Stelleri........ cece cece ecee cece eecces 449 

Order RODENTIA ; GNAWING ANIMALS. 450 

Mouse Family ; Mur: 

Black: Rat—M us aug so aie oo cses me sininininn aol eine coiece 451 
Harvest Mouse—Micromys minutus..... 2.200.020 000e 455 
Hamster—Cricetus frumentarius. .......2 000 ceeeeeee 461 
Lemming—Myodes lemmus......2.2-00cececeecereces 462 
Sub-Family CASTORINA : 
Beny Gis — Oasis cers ocainaeiaiee ain seine ofa lelalecialetelets ices 463 
Racoonda—Myopotamus COYpU.....0.ceccecececcecees 466 
Ondatra—Tiber zibethicus.......0cccecsnccccecsnccses 467 
Beaver Rat—Hydromys chrysogaster ......0.+020+000% 469 

Sub-Family Ecurmyna ; PoRCUPINES : 

Ground Pig—Aulacodus Swinderianus.......++++++00+ 469 

Family Hystricwa>”% ; Sub-Family HysTRICINA : 
Porcupine—Hystriz cristata ........0eseeesceccceeces 469 

Sub-Family CERCOLABINA : 

Urson—Frethizon dorsatum. .....cccceccccceccceseces 471 
Coendoo—Cercolabes urchensilis ......00cccececcecees 473 
Sub-Family SUBUNGULATA : 
Agouti—Dasyprocta aguti......ccccccccccecececceces 474 
Dusky Paca—Coalogenys pacd......ccccecececcceceees 476 
Capybara—Hydrocherrus capybard......c.ceeceeceees 477 
Guinea Pig—Cavia apered........cccsccccccesscevece 478 

Family Lerorm#%; Hares: 

Biare—Lepus Hh des o.6.o0 5600 cecedihan hwplasweweele «. 479 

Family Jersoiww2 ; Sub-Family Cunxcri0a : 
Chincilla—Chincilla laniger......0.0+000+ cbcaes . 
Lagotis—Lagotis Cuviert....,... issep epi chevweceueus 485 


Vor. L. 


CONTENTS. 


Sub-Family Drersa : a 
Spring Haas—Pedetes caffer..... 2.20. seeeeeeeceees --. 486 
Gerboa—Dipus cegyptius.........2.eeeeeeeeeeee so nAcs Eo! 

Sub-Family Myoxina ; DorMIceE : 

Loire—Myorus glis......cc.2ceccecceces sovccccccees 488 
Common Dormouse—Muscardinus avellanarius...... . 489 
Sub-Family ScroRINAa : 
Taguan—Pleromys petaurista........seeeeeceeceecees 491 
Assapan—Sciuroplerus volucella.........s.eeeeeeeeeee 492 
Black Squirrel—Sciwrus niger. .........+eeeeeeeeeeeee 4938 
Chipmuck—Tamias Lysteri........0.02.0eee cece eens 494 
Prairie Dog—Cynomys ludovicianus .......-.+-++++++ 496 
Hood’s Marmot—Spermophilus Hoodii.............+- 498 
Bobac—Arctomys bobac.......++++++ SobSscogesSsecc54 499 

Family ASPALACIDZ ; MOLE RATS...........0000- eee eee eee 501 
Slepez—Spalax lyphlus. ...0.00-00eceeceecee eee ences 502 
Canada Pouched Rat—Geomys bursarius...........++ 564 

Order UNGULATA; CATTLE, SHEEP, Ero. 507 

Tribe Bovina ; Sub-Tribe BOVES : 

Domestic Ox— Boss onc sae a n'a lense soins anne teeeiaiels 508 
Zebu—Bos indicus .......0.2-eeeeeecereeeees soo075 -. 512 
Buffalo—Bos bubalus.........seceeecececcescecee wee. O14 
Gatr— B08) Gurus. a. . ~ <= otintenisinivielnin so =\n\oiemeseiiels -- 517 
Bison—Bos americanus.........eeeccerceseccecsccces 518 
Yak—Bos grumniens..... 22-0 0.0sc-+ocnncncscccceone 520 
Musk Ox—Ovibos moschatus....c..0.eceeceeeeeeeeees 521 
Musk Sheep—Ovibos moschatus........++sssseeeeeeee 523 

Sub-Tribe ANTILOPEZ ; Antelopes ..........+.+--++- Sondano. 523 
Gazelle—Gazella Gorcds... 12.2.2 ccce cece ceeeeeenecees 524 
Spring-Bok—Antilope euchore.......+++0eeeeeeeeeeeee 526 
Chouka—Tetracerus quadricornis......c.ceesceeeeees 527 
Duyker-Bok—Cephalophus mergens......++0+2+s00-0+ 528 
Kookam—Oryx Gazelld ......0-.2c0eeeeeeee aaagsaa0¢ 529 
Cabrit—Antilocapra americand,...-....0eeeeeeeeeeee 532 
Gnoo—Conmochetes (GN. oc: a: 01s\c =\<\n/0\e\e/«\s\e sisi lenin sini isie 534 
Hartebeest—Bibalis cada, ... 1. .eseeccececeeeeeecs 5385 
Bubale—Alcephalus bubalis........ccceceesecececeves 535 
Sasin—Antilope bozoartica...........+++- oh ones bs ania .. 586 
Kainsi—Oreotragus saltatrix..........eeceeeeeseenees 538 
Madoqua—Weotragus saltianus. .......0ceeeeeececeeee 538 
Natal Bush Buck—Cephalophus natalensis. ........... 539 

Sub-Tribe CAPRE ; GOATS AND SHEEP: 

Jemlah Goat—Hemitragus jemlaicus. ......0..ceeeeees 543 
WDEX— Oar WOE a erietenonteieieeis eee varelch steve eteister 544 
Angora Goat—Capra hireus angorensis...........++ .. 546 


Sub-Tribe OVER : 


Sheep—Ovis aries........20eee2e++ 

Argali—Caprovis Argali..... 

Aoudad—Ammotragus tragelaphus........22s0-000e -. 558 
Tribe GIRAFFINA; Giraffes...... pialaistatalalafelsia)p'sicinielsietele aerate 556 
Tribe CERVINA ; Deer......e.eeccccceces dsc boanaietiohe iietstslais 558 
Sub-Tribe ALCEX : 


Blk—Alce americanus ...ccccccececcccccsescccccescese OOD 


Sub-Tribe RANGERINE DEER : 
Reindeer—Rangifer tarandus..... 


Sub-Tribe Rustwe DEER : < 
Axis Deer—Asis maculata,........+.+. 


CONTENTS. rs 
PAGE PAGE 

Sub- Tribe CAPREOLINE DEER : Sub-Family RHINOOERINA : 
Roebuck—Capreolus capreerd.......6.++ pusouescocoss 567 Rnmoceros! 617 
Carjacou—Cariacus virginianus ........0eecceee neces 569 Hyrax—Hyraz abyssinicus.......0.ccceceececeeveeess 622 


Tribe MoscHINA : 


Musk Deer—Moschus moschiferus..........0. cece ees 571 
Kanchil—Tragylus pygm@eus. 0.22.60 ccee cee cence eee 572 

Tribe CAMELINA : 
r PATTEM CO AIAG lerctetetatote roofers (elaterelaiorarstalle/els statela\sie(ars(ejoieletare)aisi« 573 
Bactrian Camel—Camelus bactrianus........--.0.2005 576 
Liama—Auchenia lama... .....c.0ccecccenseeceences 577 


Family Equip : 


Horses—HQui......ee. cece eeees 581 
Ass—Hquus asinus 


Family ELEPHANTID A, ....... 2020.02 eee ee cece reece eee c ec eee 597 


Sub-Family ELEPHANTINE : 


Asiatic Elephant—Zlephas indicus........-..++++++5+ 599 
Sub-Family TAPIRINA; Tapirs............2.0220005 ceeeees 606 
American Tapir—TZapirus terrestris. ........-.-++++++ 607 


Sub-Family Sura ; SWINE: 
Se SULe é sca osocdoooss onSaoc oco0 canon DoSoooOSneS 
Emgalla—Phacocherus africanus 
Peccary—Dicotyles torquatus 


Sub-Family HipPpopoTaMIna : 
ET WO POLATNUB cetctetelstelafeic/elefelsiclatc\clerateisleietaisiaictels cisterersiere 62: 


Order EDENTATA ; ARMADILLOS, ANT-EATERS, ETC. 626 


Sub-Family MANINA : 


Phatagin—Manis longicaudata...........2sseeeeeeeee 627 
Sub-Family DASYPINA : > 

Armadillo—Dasypus sexcinctus........cceceeeeeeeeeee 628 

Apara—Tatusia tricincta,.......0.0..2.00eceseeee cane 629 


Sub-Family MYRMECOPHAGINA : 


Aard Vark—Orycteropus capensis. ......2+0+000000000e 
Tamandua—WUyrmecophaga tetradactyla 


Family BRADYPID& ; SLOTH: 
Two-Toed Sloth—Cholepus didactylus...........+0005 636 


Family ORNITHORHYNCINA ; MONOTREMES : 


Mullingong—Ornithorhynchus paradoxus .........+... 637 
Echidna—Zechidna hystrix. ... 0... cece cece cece cece eee 639 


Vou, & 


——t ee 


eS Oe ILLUSTRATIONS. 


ILLUSTRATIONS PRINTED IN COLORS. 


PAGE 
InTHE Seana atocte beste ccebcouocoondude 150 
Aswail, or Sloth Bear ................. 326 
Common Seals 
Sea DION no sasisnixiee nisin coin’ 


Harvest Mouse. 


PAGE 
ROFCUpING meee sieteecieietreetecteteei ieee 470 
Chillingham Cattle.................... 508 
WWallachian‘Sheep:..0-2-<2.c<.cecssnee 550 
Stag, or Red Deer 
IRD OCELOBs ope opesetate)-t-laisiatela)-ielele ere es/eteriers 


FULL-PAGE WOOD ENGRAVINGS. 


PAGE 
Gelli, Sago nonpemosunoagnosoemoacoD = aki} 
OhimpANZeel= 2. sels ie clseieeiass = elal= sis = 20 
[Li@ a coodosebonpeDDO BOR EHBSraupacnod 116 
WISE oan sbasnaascocoseecpaooosuacdod 134 
Lai a be ote eso paoougpSeoedecsosesongs 138 

PAGE 
Frontispiece. 
CGI coogesaccancuapocoon 18 
OMnMpANZee «(a \clctee scl eyeeele as <li 22 
Orang-Outan............-2-.6- 


Green Monkeys 
Kra, or Dog-Like Macaque. . 
Senegal Lion................ 
Barbary Lion 
Leopard. 
Jaguar 


Wolf 


MONKEYS. 

PAGE 
Skeleton of Man and Gorilla........ .. 14 
GiiGiiEhn| Sono seqnupgoesboancoogudnaess 19 
Orang-Ontan..........--.2 ee eee eee eee 24 
ar GibBGR!. 2-2-5 os cee eee men erences 30 
Silvery Gibbon 3 
Budeng..--. 22.2 .-...-.. 32 
Entellus........... 33 
UGB apn aS enposebo.ce Dp EnSoneEoogad 35 
Ursine Colobus and Black Colobus. 37 
(CEE 63 ee CeppeopucoureppeoLoTogodoa o8 
PERS acharctot tel ereicfel 2 rotons hi Ael a deere ste avon 41 
SANA aeteetetelciaeteteiate =m <l> = = Q 
Sooty Mangabey 44 
IMA CAGUEB a gio ccc aaceecnce eens see 45 
Rhesus, or Bhunder Monkey.......---- 47 
Magot, or Barbary Ape..........--. -- 49 
Black Macaque. .............--.------- 51 
Pig-Tailed Macaque.......-.......---- 52 
WiEMO OO) Sasa becusesoussodondceonoode 54 
SAPO DISH 2,2 cist ciatatesicicete wnietw ctstels miele relm 56 
2G HV a a oy A St 57 
(ChEGHTET 5a GeananaaoobSboDeSueenco aos 58 
Blgek Macaquey ns. 222s002cesuiecte sla ste 60 
ES ADIOO DIE! ee ese lesuet ona a) esto elas shat aie otetate fai =leiets 65 
Mendrills a aacsacae fe cctcscnes ae de diee hot 68 
SYA seyaara asia sista dism ete belerao atolelicte croelateta vel 
NOHARIE CS oc wcrc nia sat oi ein alt te ieleiots 73 
@aaitam wey acs yd cee ccs tees wdiciaidrewtarere 74 
INVA TKGy seen goin aor ereic ore datelel aeieteisjalcletreare vis) 
Howling Monkeys.........-...-++-+00- 81 
Capucin Monkeys............-+2++-0+- 
Post ote te tepsroretalny cd nat ctoyattceroreiclat dioicicy ofaicteluiete 
PCC MCC acral Seal aiat ad slot areinivio) el atolsfaluie =) 
SEAT oe eee Dene OC UECULOEOOODOE 
Blacks Marke ws 9-12 ose eratieyeereiere oe 
Cuxio, or Bearded Saki............-..- 
Night Monkey, or Douroucouli........ 


Vol. I, 


PAGE 
Brown Bear..........++ Shale rete 312 | Moose, or Elk 
Polar Bear Rede Deer neeracisar clear cnisrrceiesiestriiec 
Kangaroo’ cece-csoese Fallow Deer. 
Sipe aie ovate etapa ee (Roebucky.jsase ce eis 
(OPTHTIGe Ae asp S acs bee de ass TOO e SaaSe 
DAUW os cclssiscencene ae eter e ees cet 
Apiatic BMlephant..~ <<<(j2. 2-2-2 = oe --ne 600 
African Mlephant: 2502.22. jc eae et aes 604 
WW Glory cccdedodno dos dad! obouncds 610 
African’ WHinocerOBwe- ..-5 11 a= 620 
15 bis) 810) a0 OVEN asnedonaoneanagsnencaDoe 624 
Tamanoir, or Great Ant-Eater......... 632 
Ai, or Three-Toed Sloth .............. 636 
HXT. 
PAGE PAGE 
Group of Marmosets..........-.-+++-+ G0) || times sconsopesecnooAudonD GosoDAnEDHOO 149 
PINCH sc. seaketwcns ccm mcriaeh eee eee ON | PY OMANONG I rmterteiclerel-tetasietartsieieiniclere) 152 
Marksman | <:0 rosette ote ntslarctetarevols ele jniers 2) | Pree DLE Cait aratai< > clea «/nrs sivabs sisisis cieiecsie 152 
Ritted|Lemurspeeec as eaceee nesta OS iOcelotesee cect cen vowel ae serves 153 
Ring-Tniled Lemur...-........---+-0.« (ell WETEhy ano ononodadcinion somes cdododno as 155 
Propithece, or Diadem Lemur......... 
Slender Morisss- soso ssc foe cscs ee 
Kukang, or Slow-Paced Loris.......... Ord pbampas\ Cate ctacscieccnectines cee 
LY AlN @gluiG hh ocosenca dens cpossosce -. 98 | Egyptian Cat 
WLC Stra aerate = setectaii cies wmtenrarnt= 
WV OMERLIC IO aibereretere oyevayayataleleteiaiel aie oratories = 162 
Manx Cat and Angola Cat 
(GlithiascosbyacencsecassaqesSsonpeUOasG 
Caracaleeete seein isciasce a ereeiaar 
WING-HANDED ANIMALS. European Lynx 
Group of Water Bats.............-.... 40g | Southern Lynx...........-------+++-+- 
Skeleton ofsBaty 7. cocser= sass eeiae cere 103 | Canada Lynx ..........-.--. JOEOMOE RG 170 
VAMIDIFGLDAt aoe ce crcea sok RtEe 104 | Booted Lynx... 20.0... 0s sees esses ees 17 
Great Horseshoe Bat..............--. 107 Whetahiacccemecceseecose anes ets sts 172 
Banbastelles sje). <= tei: seisieeeetisaaie 
Long-Eared Bat. HYENAS, CIVETS, GENETTS, AND 
Noctule, or Great Bat................. 111 ICHNEUMONS. 
Edible Kalong........-+- -+++-++++++- 113 | Striped or Crested Hyena........... . 176 
Hair of Indian Bat .........---.+.+++-- dil’ BrownlHyena.Js.)eeeeeecnas so eeeee- 177 
Spotted Hyena, or Tiger Wolf......... 178 
FELINES. [sired | Wiolfi,\ Sos, cs ccteene Se osteo 
Jaws and Teeth of Lion.....-.... sane 10) | [KEM Giisoop ona ncosnonacucscobodocuoudees 
Glaw of bion..-2--.-- AADeb le pacraaie aictoctie vee eters isialel=iciaie(oeiata i=! 
Monpue oflionsyas.\sccciee echoes IDETI Reno aodeacicodeo Cecadner souoccne on 
South African Lion LGM toy es cogeedoo. paceageuduor Ube 
Blotched Genett. .. 
Caxomixle ss hesce tase fete he ms wletate! Solu eiente 
Banded Mungous 
Garangan........--.-----2--+ essences 
Urva, or Crab-Eating Ichneumon.. ... 190 
Ichneumon 191 
MOODgUS .... se ee cere eee e ese rere ee eee 


LIST OF iluJSTRATIONS. 


xu 
INSECT-EATING ANIMALS. 

Meerkat.......cceseeceececeseeeeeneee ae 
Zenick ... 2000-220 ve eeee sees Molo: jcaccceeeee ceeeeer rane. ene 338 
Mampalon ......------- Cape Chrysochlore, or r Changeable Mole 343 
Masked Paguma Radiate Mole, or Star-Nosed Mole ..... 344 
Luwack ........+++eeee ees Tupaia-Tana ...........0.. eee eee esses : 
Musang............0ce ee eee sere eececees Elephant Shrew.........---+ 

Erd Shrew and Sondeli 

Agouta, or Solenodon..... 
Buansuah..........-----+- Dassen eee 
Thibet Dog......#------ Hedgehog..........+++s00+ 
Great Danish Dog..... STANTECs sec nleties sissies eaeeeeeereet 36% 
Greyhound ..........- 
Irish Greyhound...... KANGAROOS, OPOSSUMS, Etc. 
Italian Greyhound...........+.+..seee awe aes : 
Nevfounaland Dog cue Saucer ray 
Esquimaux BORE tee ~~ | Koala, or Australian Bear.. 
Pomeranian Dog ROA SHacbesdssavoda anc 211 TPEOICG ERG ee ee 
Bee Spe Seer ~ | Young Kangaroo ia its Mother’s Pouch 378 


St. Bernard’s Dog Whallabec 


(TTI EE SAS osoeeaenn goondecsesoSsedasues 
WOnIDAE sei csssateelettere 
2 bene Long-Nosed Bandicoot 
2 aaa See coat GHARCKOPUR. ce ee ee ene sinensis nintels nibielain 
PS Tasmanian Wolf 
iN cae at Tasmanian Devil.. 
BAB et SacoeenoDencoscaOroocooS AG 
Je peneet Doe Crab-Eatine Opossum..........++..06 . 396 
2 emcees Yapock Opossum .........--..es+eceee 397 
Shepherd's Dog......--.-.++++++2++--+ SEALS, WHALES, Ero. 
Ae ea Sine cee cietaes cinicle meiniefolers\aiais Sea Leopard 
Crested Seal 
Boarhound Skeleton and Teeth of Common Seal... 407 
BROUL-DOS wo ness =3 0 ane eC eaae Harp Seal, or Atak............0..00008 408 
Mastiff......-.- SkeuMiof Walrus... o.scc--msceacanctend ail 
Bkye Terrier. «on 6-0 econ sein soci ssc Bea Mlephant.s..ccccsaseensesaeceeetee 413 
PEUX PI 0-3 oriale we noi io ai eco Reank ion srcccessan aetae ccc eee 416 
Bog Dg «= oo onan nla gains eos Sea Bear, or Ursine Seal.............+- 417 
LW) su pee BO SEO ORC ae SUES ISI Ge Skull of Greenland Whale ...........+ 421 
SACKAL 3 -niencecenee se elo eae sq | Atlantic Right Whale ..............++. 424 
Black-Backed Jackal.........---+--++- 25! Hump:Backed Whale ..<¢.09e2) 002 496 
g PP Te sWialle yeesistelstascialeleisei-s se oromtareteisiele 427 
WOEYES ae ee Lier} Cleanings regovecodscoacescododsS 428 
Skeleton of Rorqual.................0 429 
Spermaceti Whalc.........--........-- 431 
Skull of Spermaceti Whale ............ 482 
canara ee a Saiee Piast arses chavoteretoloreictotatle mene ioele ciate a 
Silver Fox of our Southern States...... 269 Z 
WPCC WOKS iac cnc co.cc ecinnineic c's sin'am sink 271 | 


WEASELS, SKUNKS, BADGERS, Ere. 
Pine Marten 27 


Beech Marten ae GNAWING ANIMALS. 
Bee ear ee pas: pba GA pec. 979 | Black Rat and Brown Rat.............. 451 
plaratencasesneseer seen ee «ee seceeees 280 | Barbary Mouse.............+..2+s+ee0e 456 
MATIOE fo conto eee nea 981 | Hameter............ wae Guie'd ueiuateisieltale 461 
11 Ch Raeaenales Dips, We PRR eee Hegre PRS | aS My soto eles x stats ule clatninleleleleini steam 462 
Wonsell-.niccc ct cerca nce serene wpe 985 | Copyu Rat, or Racoonda............-+- 467 
Reaat: or oMmineen scinnse cara <sser eer 9y9 | Ondatra, or Musk Rat..............0-+ 468 
ay re Ae SRE sce een 995 | Tufted-Tailed Porcupine .........---+. 471 
HoneysRatelonsoentcrette acadese cee 997 | Canadian Poreupine, or Urson......... 472 
Mbtinkktse1arc'cre vores bedod mates. cameos 300 | Coendoo, or Brazilian Porcupine. ...... 473 
Sand-Bear, or Balisaur............+++++ B03 | Agouti......... ss eeeeeeee eee e eee eeeee 
Ban gerici/ocse cseciene a alelaaaivn suite me 304 | Mara...........+0 
Sea Otter, or Kalan.............2ss0008 305 Dusky Paca 
| Capybara.......... 
BEARS. Muines Pg... . - siais:ciis nos adisoc cae meee 
Brow WGBL croc nusiace cov se tones nee Bis | HANG... Sexi sc anise ion ep.e nae ee ane 
Musquaw, or American Black Bear.... 318 | Alpine Hare 
Grizzly Bear... ...ccosccsccvcecssonees 320 | Rabbit 
Bruang, or Malayan Sun-Bear......... Bob | Chincha. oo sees. cms ae ee 
EA POUS conc awcc sass os epe > \nspee ame ae 
RACOONS, COAITI, Ere. Spring Haas. . 
ROXDOR ies a cn annes cocks sin cause enone ae 
883 | Loire, or Fat Dormouse 
Kinkajou, or Potto.. .......e0--eeees 336 | Common Dormous« 
Vanda, or Wah........06. secesscscese BST) LAQUAD vom vivge aceite es « Wsieuincye pemene 491 | 


Vou. I. 


paca 
SABSADAN cnn nine eicivies/o\ele b c)njaiNsinie(emiutaie 492 
Baek SQuinrel oni) vsiereean es esis 493 
Ohipmachswcereiociscle aie sins etal se sinless Slee 495 
rsinies Open eeisemeeeen cscs eee 497 
MGOMS MANMDE series eeeeien sols s sels 498 
TWN Goss odkgaan eI no caO SOR COgm aE sa* 500 
Mole Rat, or Slepez...........--..----- 502 
Canada Pouched Rat.................. 504 

CATTLE, SHEEP, DEER AND 
ANTELOPES. 

LINAS 5 = spasooosagodadadasssasuocb 507 
ROR Coreen -lainaleleteistore ciate ata telat 508 


. 513 
. 521 


Gazelle or ccenne nines caesar 524 
Spring-BOksecs sncisssineids session 526 
Chousingha, or Chouka............---- 527 
Duyker-Bok. .-. <6 . 5 osc nce nen coun 528 
Gems-Bokeneeaeecieseiisn= cise eee 529 
(Ol Ree Soon gdesanaooseoeessosoescen ent 530 
American Spring-Buck...............-+ 533 
(Cine Ceo gc mcogaasondsdesGsAcodseso wos. 534 
Harbebeest 2 mcisnc eo sicle sees 535 
Thex, or Steinbock ........ 2.0. --cscen 544 
PAT ONE (G Of soreelnte=tainineleele|= = eae 546 
SING eeaeaades oossonaoeeaececc cos: 547 
Sardinian Mouflon...............020.0- 551 
GAGA Sosa apagacsccrsacponoec: s-e6o05—- 552 
13a 3 boyy boodapdeoceenasdsonsbosssac7 - 553 
AOUG AGH. asec aeuainicelecle se heen . 5d4 
Rocky Mountain Goat...............++ 555 


Giraffe Grazing upon Level Ground.... 


1G Gir eegepeneaneneeesonetofo. boc. 561 
(Chm Shes adpadanasconegscssasocoas: 563 
PASS DCG ec cerele alate) (aletaseieisiae ae - 568 
Carjacou, or Virginian Deer........... 569 
Wi) eID Gh) Becnnposogcand Jooonenoce oko 571 
Kanchil, or Pigmy Musk Deer......... 572 
CAMELS. 
Bactrian Camel. ............0ccsseaee +. 573 
Mita Pa sasise do opp EERO con doprooo= +6 -. 576 
Yamma, or Llam’..............ssce00 577 
Alpaca, Or Paco... 00... 6... = seenne 578 
HORSES, ASSES, Erc. 
WRarpany.cusscceereece ress wse ers eee 
IMRIGLEN 28 G5 o Sono gooonasboosodacOs soc 7 - 
MATA JELOFSB jetjane > aintelsininl-teisisicislelaicaaete tei 
TRUE oso oacaporgunogeouobpsuOd? 
Shetland Pony................. 
LAS SoG ae saa sao doapice: 2 2s005C 
Dziggetai, or Koulan 
African Wild ABS. .../<-j<\-05 ses veeteieiate 
Quagga 
/AS\ 0) WRBRR OG HOSOO IA Onto qdoS Ss oetn 
TAPIRS, SWINE, ARMADILLOS, AND 
SLOTHS. 
American’ Dapir, os .0. 0 aemeeseve salsa 607 
Kuday-Ayer, or Malayan Tapir........ 603 
IBADYTODBES fc sace.nomininie see inivle mine ele 612 
(BOSCH) Vath ccs cieisie saa sentence meee 618 
Viseke! VArks vacsscs054-50> senses sete 614 
ROCGANY sine ca cages seeny cess nmi awaiter 615 
Hyrax, or Rock Rabbit..............++ 622 
PALS OUT. a5:5 sinisicieinaasca niles ee See 627 
Bajjerkelt......c.cccescnencanqeseneces 
ATMAAINO. «000. cccncceavcnenagavancsis 
Apara, or Mataco......cescssccececssee 
WAtON..., -<keesqeenuue 
PACH ata P| so, <:njaisiaiaisiersisicisinjolemeysiesicin'y vie 
ard Vark «<<ousaxcangecqnnniesisiccdenias 
Tamandua......... 
Little Ant-Eater. 
Two-Toed Sloth.. 686 
Duck-Bill, or Mullingong. dee opiveretentds -. 638 
WchlAna. 655.60 ncveecesnaess Sivonen Oe 


Neb Ui Cano N:. 


N order to understand any science rightly, it needs that the student should proceed 
to its contemplation in an orderly manner, arranging in his mind the various 
portions of which it is composed, and endeavoring, as far as possible, to follow 
that classification which best accords with nature. The result of any infringement 
of this rule is always a confusion of ideas, which is sure to lead to misappre- 
hension. So, in the study of living beings, it is necessary to adhere to some 
determinate order, or the mind becomes bewildered among the countless myriads 

of living creatures that fill earth, air, and water. 

That some determinate order exists is evident to any thinking mind, but the discovery of 
the principle on which this order is founded is a problem that as yet has received but a partial 
solution. We already know some of the links of that wondrous chain that connects Man with 
the microscopic animalcule, but the one plan on which the Animal Kingdom is formed, has 
yet to be made known. 

It is impossible to contemplate the vast mass of animal life without the conviction that the 
most supreme harmony has been observed in their creation, and the most perfect order exists 
in their connection one with the other. Whatever may be the key to this enigma,—and it is 
of a certainty a very simple one, possibly eluding us from its very simplicity—from the days 
of Aristotle to the present time zoologists have been diligently seeking for the true system of 
animated nature ; and until that auspicious discovery be achieved, we must be content with 
making as near an approximation as possible. 

As a general arranges his army into its greater divisions, and each division into regiments 
and companies, so does the naturalist separate the host of living beings into greater and smaller 
groups. The present state of zoological science gives five as the number of divisions of which 
the animal kingdom is composed, the highest of which is that in which Man himself is, by 
some, placed. These are called Vertebrates, Molluscs, Articulates, Radiates, and Protozoa. 
Of each of these divisions a slight description will be given, and each will be considered more 
at length in its own place. 

1st. The VERTEBRATES include Man and all the Mammalia, the Birds, the Reptiles, and 
the Fish. 

The term Vertebrate is applied to them because they are furnished with a succession of 
bones called ‘‘vertebree,’’? running along the body and forming a support and protection to the 
nervous cord that connects the body with the brain by means of numerous branches. The 
Vertebrates, with one or two known exceptions, have red blood and a muscular heart. 

2d. The Moxuusca, or soft-bodied animals, include the Cuttle-fish, the Snails, Slugs, 
Mussels, &c. Some of them possess shells, while others are entirely destitute of such defence. 
Their nervous system is arranged on a different plan from that of the Vertebrates. They have 
no definite brain, and no real spinal cord, but their nerves issue from certain masses of nervous 
substance technically called ganglia. 

3d. The ARTICULATES, or jointed animals, form an enormously large division, comprising 
the Crustaceans, such as the Crabs and Lobsters, the Insects, Spiders, Worms, and very 
many creatures so different from each other, that it is scarcely possible to find any common 
characteristics. It is among these lower animals that the want of a true classification is most 
severely felt, and the present arrangement can only be considered as provisional. 

4th. The next division, that of the RapiaTED animals, is so named on account of the 


2 VERTEBRATES. 


radiated or star-like form of the body, so well exhibited in the Star-fishes and the Sea-anemones. 
Their nervous system is very obscure, and in many instances so slight as to baffle even the 
microscope. Many of the Radiates possess the faculty of giving out a phosphorescent light, 
and it is to these animals that the well-known luminosity of the sea is chiefly owing. 

5th. The Prorozoa, or primitive animals, are, as far as we know, devoid of internal organs 
or external limbs, and in many of them the signs of life are so feeble, that they can scarcely 
be distinguished from vegetable germs. The Sponges and Infusorial Animalcules are familiar 
‘examples of this division. ; 


VERTEBRATES. 


The term Vertebrate is derived from the Latin word vertere, signifying to turn; and the 
various bones that are gathered round and defend the spinal cord are named vertebra, because 
they are capable of being moved upon each other in order to permit the animal to flex its body. 
Were the spinal cord to be defended by one long bone, the result would be that the entire 
trunk of the animal would be stiff, graceless, and exceedingly liable to injury from any sudden 
shock. In order, therefore, to give the body latitude of motion, and at the same time to afford 
effectual protection to the delicate nerve-cord, on which the welfare of the entire structure 
depends, the bony spine is composed of a series of distinct pieces, varying in form and number 
according to the species of animal, each being affixed to its neighbor in such a manner as to 
permit the movement of one upon the other. The methods by which these vertebra are con- 
nected with each other vary according to the amount of flexibility required by the animal of 
which they form a part. For example, the heavy elephant would find himself prostrate on the 
ground if his spine were composed of vertebre as flexible as those of the snakes; while the 
snake, if its spine were stiff as that of the elephant, would be unable to move from the spot 
where it happened to lie. But in all animals there is some power of movement in the spinal 
column, although in many creatures it is very trifling. 

Anatomy shows us that, in point of fact, the essential skeleton is composed of vertebree, 
and that even the head is formed by the development of these wonderful bones. The limbs 
can but be considered as appendages, and in many Vertebrated animals, such as the common 
snake of our fields, the lamprey, and others, there are no true limbs at all. 

The perfect VERTEBRA consists of three principal portions. Firstly, there is a solid, bony 
mass, called the centre, which is the basis of the whole vertebra. From this centre springs an 
arch of bone, through which runs the spinal cord, and directly opposite to this arch a second 
arch springs, forming the guardian of the chief blood-vessel of the body. Each arch is called 
by a name significative of its use ; those through which the spinal cord runs being termed the 
neural, or nerve arch, and that for the passage of the blood-vessel is named the hzemal, 
or blood arch. There are other portions of the vertebree which are developed into the 
bones, called ‘‘ processes,’’ some of which we can feel by placing a hand on any part of the 
spine. 

It will be seen that, strictly speaking, the vertebree are not of so much importance in the 
animal as the spinal cord, of which the vertebra are but guardians, and that the division should 
rather have been defined by the character of the nerve than by that of the bone which is built 
around it. 

Indeed, wherever the chief nervous column lies, it seems to gather the bony particles, 
and to arrange them round itself as its clothing or armor. This may be seen in a very 
young chicken, if the egg in which it is formed is opened during the first few days of incu- 
bation. 

The position of the spinal cord is always along the back in every Vertebrate animal. The 
insects, the lobster, and other invertebrate animals exhibit the principal nerve-cords running 
along the abdomen ; the position, therefore, of the chief nervous cord settles the division to 
which the animal belongs. This rule is of great importance in classification, because in every 
group of animals there are some in whom the distinguishing characteristics are so slight that 
they hardly afford a real criterion by which to judge. In the lower divisions the number of 


MAMMALIA. 3 


these enigmatical animals is very considerable, and even in the highest of all, namely, the Ver- 
tebrates, there are one or two individuals whose position is but dubious. The best known of 
“these creatures is the Amphioxus, a small, transparent fish, not uncommon on sandy coasts. 
In this curious animal the vertebral column is composed of, or rather represented by, a jelly- 
like cord, on which the divisions of the vertebree are indicated by very slight markings. The 
spinal cord lies on the upper surface of this gelatinous substance, and there is no distinct brain, 
the nervous cord simply terminating in a rounded extremity. The blood is unlike that of the 
generality of Vertebrate animals, being transparent like water, instead of bearing the red hue 
that is so characteristic of their blood. Neither is there any separate heart, the circulation 
seeming to be effected by the contraction of the arteries. 

On account of these very great divergencies from the usual vertebrate characteristics, its 
claim to be numbered among the Vertebrates appears to be a very hopeless one. But the spinal 
cord is found to run along the dack of the creature, and this one fact settles its position in the 
Animal Kingdom. 

It must be remembered that the Amphioxus is to be considered an exceptional being, and 
that when the anatomy of Vertebrate animals is described, the words ‘‘ with the exception of 
the Amphioxus’”’ must be supplied by the reader. The character of the nerves, bones, blood, 
and other structures, will be shown, in the course of the work, in connection with the various 
animals of which they form a part. 


MAMMALIA. 


The Vertebrated animals fall naturally into four great classes, which are so clearly marked 
that, with the exception of a few singularly constructed creatures, such as the Lepidosiren, or 
Mud-fish of the Gambia, any vertebrate animal can be without difficulty referred to its proper 
class. These four classes are termed MAamMALs, Brrps, REPTILES, and FisHEs,—their prece- 
dence in order being determined by the greater or less development of their structure. 

Mammals, or Mammalia, as they are called more scientifically, comprise Man, the Monkey 
tribes, the Bats, the Dogs and Cats, all the hoofed animals, the Whales and their allies, and 
other animals, amounting in number to some two thousand species, the last on the list being 
the Sloth. The name by which they are distinguished is derived from the Latin word mamma, 
a breast, and is given to them because all the species belonging to this class are furnished with 
a set of organs, called the MAMMARY GLANDs, secreting the liquid known as milk, by which 
the young are nourished. 

The number of the mamme varies much, as does their position. Many animals that produce 
only one, or at the most two, young at the same birth, have but two mamme, such as the 
monkey, the elephant, and others; while some,—such as the cat, the dog, and the swine,— 
are furnished with a sufficient number of these organs to afford sustenance to their numerous 
progeny. Sometimes the mamme are placed on the breast, as in the monkey tribe; some- 
times by the hind legs, as in the cow and the horse; and sometimes, as in the swine, along 
the abdomen. 

The glands that supply the mamme with milk lie under the skin, and by the microscope are 
easily resolvable into their component parts. Great numbers of tiny cells, or cellules, as they 
are named, are grouped together in little masses, something like bunches of minute grapes, and 
by means of very small tubes pour their secretions into vessels of a larger size. As the various 
tube-branches join each other they become larger, until they unite in five or six principal vessels, 
which are so constructed as to be capable of enlargement according to the amount of liquid 
-which they are called upon to hold. In some animals, such as the cow, these reservoirs are 
extremely large, being capable of containing at least a quart of milk. The reservoirs are much 
smaller towards the mamma itself, and serve as tubes for the conveyance of the milk into the 
mouth of the young. Of the milk itself we shall speak in another part of the work. 

The BLoop of the Vertebrate animals is of a light red color when freshly drawn from the 
arteries. This wondrous fluid, in which is hidden the life principle that animates the being, 
is of a most complex’structure, as may be imagined when it is remembered that all the parts of 


ae DESCRIPTION OF THE BLOOD. 


the body are formed from the blood ; and therefore to give a full description of that fluid 
would occupy more space than can be afforded to one subject. It is, however, so important a 
substance that it demands some notice. 

When it is freshly drawn, the blood appears to be of a uniform consistence, but if poured 
into a vessel and suffered to remain undisturbed it soon begins to change its aspect. A com- 
paratively solid and curd-like mass, of a deep red color, rises to the surface, and there forms a 
kind of cake, while the liquid on which it floats is limpid and almost colorless. The solid 
mass is called the clot, and the liquid is known by the name of serum. The whole time con- 
sumed in this curious process is about twenty minutes. While thus coagulating the blood: 
gives out a peculiar odor, which, although far from powerful, can be perceived at some distance, 
and to many persons is inexpressibly revolting. 

The upper part of the clot is covered with a thick film of an elastic and tenacious nature, 
which can be washed free from the red coloring substance, and then appears of a yellowish 
white tint. It can be drawn out and spread between the fingers, as if it were an organic mem- 
brane; and, as its particles arrange themselves into fibres, the substance is called fibrin. 
When a portion of fibrin is drawn out until it is much lengthened, the fibres are seen crossing 
each other in all directions, sometimes forming themselves into regular lines. 

The red mass, which remains after the fibrin and serum have been removed, is almost wholly 
composed of myriads of small rounded bodies, called corpuscules, which can be readily seen 
by spreading a drop of blood very thinly on glass, and examining it with a microscope. 
Some of the disc-like corpuscules are seen scattered about, while others have run together and 
adhered by their flat sides, until they look somewhat like rouleaux of coin. There is sufficient 
distinction between the blood corpuscules of the various Mammalia to indicate to a practised 
eye the kind of animal from which they were taken ; while the blood of the four great divisions 
of the Vertebrates is so strongly marked, that a casual glance will detect the ownership of the 
object under the microscope. The blood corpuscules of the Mammalia are circular, while those 
of the other three divisions are more or less elliptical. 

That the blood contains within itself the various substances of which the body is composed, 
is evident to the intellect, although as yet no investigator has discovered the mode of its 
operation. 

How the blood corpuscules are generated from the vegetable and: animal substances taken 
into the stomach, we know not; but we do know that each globule possesses life, passing 
through its regular stages of birth, development, age, and death. When yet in their first 
stages of existence, the blood corpuscules are colorless, not taking the well-known ruddy tint 
until they have attained their full development. . The living current that passes through our 
bodies is truly a fathomless ocean of wonders! Even the material formation of this fluid is 
beyond our present sight, which cannot penetrate through the veil which conceals its mysteries. 
Much less can we explain the connection of the blood with the mind, or know how it is that 
one thought will send the blood coursing through the frame with furious speed, crimsoning 
the face with hot blushes; or another cause the vital fluid to recoil to the heart, leaving the 
countenance pallid, the eyes vacant, and the limbs cold and powerless, as if the very life had 
departed from the body. 

Not without reason do the earlier Scriptures speak so reverently of the blood, 
accepting the outpoured life of beasts as an atonement for the sin, and witness of the 
penitence of man, and forbid its use for any less sacred office. Nor was it without a still 
mightier meaning that the later Scriptures endue the blood with a sacramental sense, giving 
even to its vegetable symbol, the blood of the grape, a dignity greater than that of the former 
sacrifices. 

A few words must also be given to the mode by which the blood is kept continually run- 
ning its appointed course through the animal frame. This process, commonly called crRcuLA- 
TION, takes place in the following manner, Man being an example :— 

In the centre of the breast lies the heart, an organ composed of four chambers, the two 
upper being termed auricles, and the two lower being distinguished by the title of ventricles. 
These are only conventional terms, and do not express the office of the parts. The auricles are 


THE CAPILLARY VESSELS. 5 


comparatively slight in structure, but the ventricles are extremely powerful, and contract with 
great force, by means of a curiously spiral arrangement of the muscular fibres. These latter 
chambers are used for the purpose of propelling the blood through the body, while the auricles 
serve to receive the blood from the vessels, and to throw it into the ventricles when they are 
ready for it. 

By the systematic expansion and contraction of the heart-chambers, the blood is sent on 
its mission to all parts of the body, through vessels named arteries, gradually diminishing 
in diameter as they send forth their branches, until they terminate in branchlets scarcely 
so large as hairs, and which are therefore called ‘‘ capillaries,’ from the Latin word capillus, 
a hair. 

In the capillaries the blood corpuscules would end their course, were they not met and wel- 
comed by a second set of capillaries. These vessels take up the wearied and weakened globules, 
carrying them off to the right-hand chambers of the heart, whence they are impelled through 
a vessel known by the name of the ‘“‘ pulmonary artery,’ to be refreshed by the air which is 
supplied to them in the beautiful structure known as the lungs. Meeting there with 
new vitality—if it may so be called—the blood corpuscules throw off some of their effete 
portions, and so, brightened and strengthened, are again sent through the arteries from the 
heart to run their round of existence, and again to be returned to the heart through the 
veins. 

It is indeed a marvellous system, this constant circular movement, that seems to be in- 
herent in the universe at large, as well as in the minute forms that inhabit a single orb. The 
planets roll through their appointed courses in the macrocosmal universe, as the blood globules 
through the veins of the microcosm, man: each has its individual life, while it is inseparably 
connected with its fellow-orbs, performing a special and yet a collective work in the vast body 
to which it belongs ; darkening and brightening in its alternate night and day until it has com- 
pleted its career. 

In order to prevent other organs from pressing on the heart, and so preventing it from 

‘playing freely, a membranous envelope, called from its office the ‘‘ pericardium,”’ surrounds 
the heart and guards it. 

The various operations which are simultaneously conducted in our animal frame are so 
closely connected with each other that it is impossible to describe one of them without trench- 
ing upon the others. Thus, the system of the circulatory movement, by which the blood passes 
through the body, is intimately connected with the system of RESPIRATION, by which the blood 
is restored to the vigor needful for its many duties. 

In order to renew the worn-out blood, there must be some mode of carrying off its effete 
particles, and of supplying the waste with fresh nourishment. For this purpose the air must 
be brought into connection with the blood without permitting its escape from the vessels in 
which it is confined. The mode by which this object is attained, in the Mammalia, is briefly 
as follows :— 

A large tube, appropriately and popularly called the ‘‘windpipe,”’ leads from the back of 
the mouth and nostrils into the interior of the breast. Just as it enters the chest it divides 
into two large branches, each of which subdivides into innumerable smaller branchlets, thus 
forming two large masses, or lobes. In these lobes, or lungs, as they are called, the air-bear- 
ing tubes: become exceedingly small, until at last they are but capillaries which convey air 
instead of blood, each tube terminating in a minute cell. The diameter of these cells is very 
small, the average being about the hundred and fiftieth of an inch. Among these air-bearing 
capillaries the blood-bearing capillaries are so intermingled that the air and blood are separated 

*from each other only by membranes so delicate that the comparatively coarse substance of the 
blood cannot pass through, although the more ethereal gases can do so. So, by the presence 
of the air, the blood is renewed in vigor, and returns to its bright florid red, which had been 
lost in its course through the body, while the useless parts are rejected, and gathered into the 
air-tubes, from whence they are expelled by the breath. 

The heart is placed between the two lobes of the lungs, and is in a manner embraced by 
them. The lungs themselves are enclosed in a delicate membrane called the ‘‘ pleura.’’ These 


6 NUTRITION. 


two great vital organs are situated in the breast, and separated from the digestive and other 
systems by a partition, which is scientifically known by the name of ‘“‘diaphragm,”’ and in 
popular language by the term ‘‘ midriff.’ This structure does not exist in the Birds; and its 
presence, together with that of the freely-suspenced lungs, is an unfailing characteristic of the 
Mammalian animal. 

Thus the entire structure bears the closest resemblance to a tree, growing with its root 
upwards and its leaves downward,—the trachea being the trunk, the branchial tubes the limbs, 
the smaller tubes are the branches, and the air-cells the leaves. A similar idea runs through 
the nerve system and that of the blood ; all three being interwoven with each other in a manner 
most marvellous and beautiful. 

The ORGANS OF NUTRITION occupy the greater part of the space between the diaphragm 
and the lower limbs, and are composed of the following parts. The mouth receives and, in 
most cases, grinds the food until it is sufficiently soft to be passed onwards into the general 
receptacle, called the stomach. Here begins the process of digesticu, which is chiefly carried 
on by means of a liquid called the gastric juice, which is secreted by glands within the stomach, 
and dissolves the food until it is of a uniform soft consistency. In this state the food is called 
‘*chyme,’’ and passes from the stomach into a tube called the ‘‘duodenum.’’ Here the chyme 
begins to separate into two portions; one, an indigestible and useless mass, and the other, 
a creamy kind of liquid, called ‘‘chyle.’”? The former of these substances is propelled 
through the long and variously-formed tube, called the intestinal canal, and rejected at its 
outlet; while the chyle is taken up by numerous vessels that accompany the intestines, 
and is finally thrown into one of the large veins close by the heart, and there mixes with the 
blood. 

There is another curious system called the ‘‘ lymphatic,’’ on account of the limpid appear- 
ance of the liquid which is conveyed through the lymphatic vessels. These are analogous to 
the lacteals, but instead of belonging to the intestines, they are spread over the whole frame, 
being thickly arranged just under the skin. They are curiously shaped, being studded with 
small knotty masses, and fitted with valves which keep the contained liquid in its proper 
course. Both the lacteal and lymphatic vessels pour their contents into one large trunk, called 
from its position the thoracic duct. This vessel is about twenty inches in length, and when 
distended, is in its widest part as large as a common lead pencil. 

All these wonderful forms and organs would, however, be but senseless masses of matter, 
differing from each other by the arrangement of their component parts, but otherwise dead 
and useless. It needs that the being which is enshrined in this bodily form (whether it be 
man or beast) should be able to move the frame at will, and to receive sensations from the 
outer world. 

More than this. As all vertebrated animals are forced at short intervals to yield their 
wearied bodies to repose, and to sink their exhausted minds in the temporary oblivion of sleep, 
there must of necessity be a provision for carrying on the vital functions without the active 
co-operation of the mind. Were it otherwise, the first slumber of every being would become 
its death sleep, and all the higher classes of animals would be extirpated in a few days. The 
mind would be always on the stretch to keep the heart to its constant and necessary work ; 
to watch the play of the lungs in regenerating the blood ; to aid the stomach in digesting the 
food, and the intestinal canal in sifting its contents; together with many other duties of a 
character quite as important. 

Supposing such a state of things to be possible, and to be put in practice for one single 
hour, how terrible would be the result to humanity! We should at once degenerate into a 
mass of separate, selfish individuals, each thinking only of himself, and forced to give the 
whole of his intellectual powers to the one object of keeping the animal frame in motion.t 
Society would vanish, arts cease from the face of the earth, and the whole occupation of man 
would be confined to iiving an isolated and almost vegetable life. 

This being the case with man, the results to the lower portions of the animal kingdom 
would be still more terrible. For their intellect is infinitely below that of the dullest of the 
human race, and they would not even possess the knowledge that any active exertion would 


SENSATION. va 


be necessary to preserve their lives. And for all living beings the wandering of the mind but 
for a few seconds would cause instantaneous death. 

All these difficulties are removed, and the animal kingdom preserved and vivified, by 
means of certain vital organs, known by the name of nerves. 

It is clear enough that mind does not act directly upon the muscles and the various organs 
of the material body, but requires a third and intermediate substance, by which it is enabled 
to convey its mandates and to receive information. The necessarily multitudinous channels 
through which this substance is conveyed are called ‘‘nerves,’’ and are of a consistency more 
delicate than that of any other portions of the animal frame. There is a rather striking and close 
analogy between the mode in which the three systems of mind, nerve, and muscle act together, 
and the working of a steam-engine. In the engine we may take the fire as the analogue of the 
mind ; the water, of the nervous substance—the water-tubes representing the nerves ; and the 
iron and brass machine as the representative of the bone and muscle. Thus we may make as 
large a fire as we like, heap on coals, and urge a fierce draught of air through the furnace, 
until the grate is filled with a mass of glowing white-hot matter. But the fire cannot act on 
the wheels without the intermediate substance, the water. This medium being supplied, the 
fire acts on the water, and the water on the metallic bars and wheels, so that the three become 
one harmonious whole. 

Towards the great nerve mass, called by the name of ‘‘brain,’’ tend the nerve-cords that 
supply the body with vital energy. It seems to be the nerve-heart, so to speak. From the 
brain, a cord of nervous matter, called the ‘‘spinal cord,’’ runs along the back, under the 
guardianship of the vertebree, continually giving off branches of various sizes, according to the 
work which they have to fulfil. These branches ramify into smaller twigs, subdividing until 
they become so small that they almost even baffle the microscope. A familiar proof may be 
given of the wonderfully minute subdivision of the nerves, by trying to probe the skin with 
the point of a fine needle, and to discover any spot so small that the needle-point does not 
meet with a nerve. 

The cause of the peculiarly delicate sensibility of the finger tips is shown by the accom- 
panying engraving, which exhibits the mode in which the nerve-loops are distributed. The 
object is greatly magnified, the two ridges being the enlarged representations of the minute 
raised lines which appear on the tips of the fingers and thumbs. 

That the nerves all find their way to the brain and issue from thence, is plainly shown by 
the well-known fact that if the spinal cord be injured all sensation ceases in the parts of the 
body that lie below the injury. And it is possible to deprive any limb of sensation by dividing 
the chief nerve that supplies that member with nerve-fibres. 

There seem to be two sets of nerves for the two purposes of conveying motive-power to 
the body and of bringing to the nervous centres the sensations of pain or pleasure felt by any 
part of the body. These are appropriately known as nerves of motion and nerves of sensation. 

Connected with these nerves is a second system of a very curious nature, known by the 
name of the ‘‘sympathetic nerve.’’ The greater portion of the sympathetic nerve in the human 
frame ‘‘communicates with the other nerves immediately at their exit from the cranium and 
vertebral canal. It is called the ganglionic nerve, from being constituted of a number of 
ganglia, and from the constant disposition which it evinces in its distribution to communicate 
and form small knots of ganglia.”’* It is wonderfully interwoven with the vital organs, and 
from this disposition it is sometimes termed the ‘‘organic nerve.’’? Its functions are closely 
connected with the phenomena of organic life, and it seems to be especially sensitive to emo- 
tional disturbances. There are several aggregations of the ganglia in various portions of the 
body ; the largest, which is known by the name of the ‘‘solar plexus,”’ is placed in the pit of 
the stomach or “‘epigastrium.’’ Its importance may be easily inferred from the extreme 
agony that is caused by the slightest blow near the region of that group of ganglia. A con- 
cussion that would hardly be felt upon any other portion of the body, will, if it takes place 
on the epigastrium, at once cause the injured person to fall as if shot, bring on collapse, deprive 


* Wilson. 


8 STRUCTURE OF BONE. 


him of breath for some time, and leave him gasping and speechless on the ground ; while a 
tolerably severe blow in that region causes instantaneous death. 

Anxiety seems to fix its gnawing teeth chiefly in the solar plexus, causing indigestion and 
many other similar maladies, and deranging the system so thoroughly that even after the 
exciting cause is removed the effects are painfully evident for many a sad year. 

By means of this complicated system of nerves the entire body, with its vital organs, is 
permeated in every part by the animating power that gives vitality and energy to the frame 
so long as the spirit abides therein. 

This is the portion of the nervous system that never slumbers nor sleeps, knowing no rest, 
and never ceasing from its labors until the time comes when the spirit finally withdraws from 
the material temple in which it has been enshrined. It is the very citadel of the nerve forces, 
and is the last stronghold that yields to the conquering powers of death and decay. 

Thus it will be seen that each animal is a complex of many animals, interwoven with each 
other, and mutually aiding each other. In the human body there is, for example, the nerve- 
man, which has just been described ; there is a blood-man, which, if separated from the other 
part of the body, is found to present a human form, perfect in proportions, and composed of 
large trunk-vessels, dividing into smaller branches, until they terminate in their capillaries. 
A rough preparation of the blood-being may be made by filiing the vessels with wax, and 
dissolving away the remaining substances, thus leaving a waxen model of the arteries and 
veins with their larger capillaries. 

Again, there is the fibrous and muscular man, composed of forms more massive and solid 
than those which we have already examined. 

Lastly, there is the bone-man, which is the least developed of the human images, and 
which, when stripped of the softer coverings, stands dense, dry, and lifeless ;—the grim 
scaffolding of the human edifice. Although the bones are not in themselves very pleasing 
objects, yet their mode of arrangement, their adaptation to the wants of the animal whose 
frame they support, and the beautiful mechanism of their construction, as revealed by the 

‘microscope, give a spirit and a life, even to the study of dry bones. 

The larger hollows are caused by the minute blood-vessels which penetrate the bone 
throughout its substance, and serve to deposit new particles, and to remove those whose work 
is over. They are, in fact, a kind of lungs of the bones, through which the osseous system is 
regenerated in a manner analogous to the respiration which regenerates the blood. In order 
to supply a sufficient volume of blood to these various vessels, several trunk vessels enter the 
bones at different parts of their form, and ramify out into innumerable branchlets, which 
again separate into the hair-like vessels that pass through the above-mentioned canals. These 
are termed, from their discoverer, C. Havers, the Haversian canals, and their shape and com- 
parative size are most important in determining the class of beings which furnished the portion 
of bone under examination. 

In the human bone these canals run so uniformly, that their cut diameters always afford 
a roundish outline. But in the bird-bone, the Haversian canals frequently turn off abruptly 
from their course, and running for a short distance at right angles, again dip and resume 
their former direction. 

The reptiles possess very few Haversian canals, which, when they exist, are extremely 
large, and devoid of that beautiful regularity which is so conspicuous in the mammalia, and 
to a degree in the birds. 

The fish-bone is often totally destitute of these canals, while, in other cases, the bone is 
thickly pierced with them, and exhibits also a number of minute tubes, white and delicate, 
as if made of ivory. 

Returning to the human bone, the Haversian canals are seen to be surrounded with a 
number of concentric bony rings, varying much in number and shape, on which are placed 
sundry little black objects that somewhat resemble ants or similar insects. These latter 
objects are known by the name of bone-cells ; and the little dark lines that radiate from them 
are the indications of very minute tubes, the number and comparative dimensions of which 
are extremely various in different animals. 


STRUCTURE OF BONE. 7) 


Thus, it will be seen, how easily the observer can, in a minute fragment of bone, though 
hardly larger than a midge’s wing, read the class of animal of whose framework it once formed 
a part, as decisively as if the former owner were present to claim his property; for each 
particle of every animal is imbued with the nature of the whole being. The life-character is 
enshrined in and written upon every sanguine disc that rolls through the veins; is manifested 
in every fibre and nervelet that gives energy and force to the breathing and active body ; and 
is stereotyped upon each bony atom that forms part of its skeleton framework. 

Whoever reads these hieroglyphs rightly is truly a poet and a prophet; for to him the 
“valley of dry bones”’ becomes a vision of death passed away, and a prevision of a resurrec- 
tion and a life to come. As he gazes upon the vast multitude of dead, sapless memorials of 
beings long since perished, ‘‘ there is a shaking, and the bones come together’’ once again ; 
their fleshly clothing is restored to them; the vital fluid courses through their bodies; the 
spirit of life is breathed into them; ‘‘and they live, and stand upon their feet.’? Ages upon 
ages roll back their tides, and once more the vast reptile epoch reigns on earth. The huge 
saurians shake the ground with their heavy tread, wallow in the slimy ooze, or glide sinuous 
through the waters ; while winged reptiles flap their course through the miasmatic vapors that 
hang dank and heavy over the marshy world. As with them, so with us,—an inevitable pro- 
gression towards higher stages of existence, the effete and undeveloped beings passing away to 
make room for new, and loftier, and more perfect creations. What is the volume that has 
thus recorded the chronicles of an age so long past, and prophecies of as far distant a future ? 
Simply a little fragment of mouldering bone, tossed aside contemptuously by the careless 
laborer as miners’ ‘‘rubbish.”’ 

Not only is the past history of each being written in every particle of which its material 
frame is constructed, but the past records of the universe to which it belongs, and a prediction 
of its future. God can make no one thing that is not universal in its teachings, if we would 
only be so taught; if not, the fault is with the pupils, not with the Teacher. He writes his 
ever-living words in all the works of his hand ; He spreads this ample book before us, always 

‘ready to teach, if we will only learn. We walk in the midst of miracles with closed eyes and 
stopped ears, dazzled and bewildered with the Light, fearful and distrustful of the Word ! 

It is not enough to accumulate facts as misers gather coins, and then to put them away on 
our bookshelves, guarded by the bars and bolts of technical phraseology. As coins, the facts 
must be circulated, and given to the public for their use. It is no matter of wonder that the 
generality of readers recoil from works on the natural sciences, and look upon them as mere 
collections of tedious names, irksome to read, unmanageable of utterance, and impossible to 
remember. Our scientific libraries are filled with facts, dead, hard, dry, and material as the 
fossil bones that fill the sealed and caverned libraries of the past. But true science will breathe 
life into that dead mass, and fill the study of zoology with poetry and spirit. 


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eyiriss oo Detour ODA La «ip tty he thet oly 1G pen Spee 
fami) eco ii owe WEE) b> WH IO deal’ alt: — t i gerscs hare de 
doen wo). cyteactety, eldattieio, ol togerg: eyhenaeo Incr Rael 
ni toPSneaglaotlt, ad” sgmbed Slodw dt-lo palate pained i 
lostens ipadiemha + ethane enelt denguly lok ieee: seth no lopiige. Lard 
bes pehvdcalen bce quipitoind 0d). gortl fuly cain eters tat 
; min omg Rie ds fh I07 hag a 
alt rot ©) ae)... dodo ah suse Tait 3 ul om (bitabr ekg 
“wy Viewt ne ebsites Sn futy Ultta Aperat iiseb paket 
le siuruottban spaliien. niall TQ edaiti Wise tat st ee 
suis. 4 jt Wp iomol aaian forte ocs baie uit hohemts. st et areal 
pile = wrth xin VOT Aye eT feat best 2 ante Atyaalh, at, fronton i 3 
ey Saas ‘duel ahaly SUMED Aue Ait ed qo: inet ry corstlt otai 
sjurt whl > vite oo. <lphe lie oft gente daeeen ie fost ye > 
eiraitts othe: Hh Aah nb eee it Ms Olen, ahaa ‘einart, ricgeh2. Gtia. puri i ei 
Silt | iy At Ovid eatlat wad Lau?! svn ald 768 salinpes be gen ola 4: 7 - 
a Jcalizwal tie aa GR Oe goegld be tbe oc Dloreetietiate Ss grat ha 
ovis gfittey sued heqolevolag: tuk stole op, Sameetee i a [ 
ol ped! opiuloe ogy. h dad AP gata ioe emnie Dice cotta foe grou aa 
joie aon iol on le Soitieigetig Ite feng SGT om erties Te iat seks > rh 
@alinin. cit eu =z eae filial stole giea lead aod yaivohlseolr te ; z 
MY baahdire Hp 
dpersijer eh ibe ta afaifyag wrvts itt eesti Wgaled (ose. iiceporcin vat. wie 
fe tlet'y Bite euagted 1 date ober qed \o ditty deang eth jiih Detach 
h "oe ii waldo wh eid ol. Tein aeat.r3 Jal uals soften OU GX BIER tes 
hie! iw ol) . vals! wil, off Aly som alice eigulaie ed absiek olf diver deg t 
weer 2@ of aabal shen! aloe elil ehewure oft: s Semil oatd. in adele teat ab 
bien mi » fezalo 2) ke, eslootion, Wn debiat odenl dame ana gn isos te 
f ina ie cul? Woy fy teuprei free Laeoad Athy belt atte Ross bibmay jets a 
Hag LW sail dot OS wis bow eniog multe, Gietion amatit alaluenttiae dias 
ata «uo Mega Academia, Loldew) Lo altel Daw eral on} at Padaesy a 
cil) Sool) lhgneer Dacwltet On 0b ES tag ebprit: pel nilgtusgonld od apes 
vow qealt vege doolvhes comple, Teiireds.2 aceon aucrgk 4 
0 obec Dis soda lo esate hae oh aroha, 4 
wll on loose Ties rif Jvc! Lak, tee la ill atpSsheudih oie 
uivoeed! (ba baeiseaus) tath. ea ott veal seal aorta ate aa 
ilar Sofie whey divin ‘ale ma tues: HiT. ad 


7 sgl (als teh Pate a9 


on" Gg Onna gow 4 


#5 fae ete erg 


ph, net wnsiieny oe Fed 
mht Precrrs ah kye rE) 


Fear nth, ge Rr = pe 
TY i psa cae. iWhax Sins eae AY 


> _ 
7 ® nah 
a iv 
_— * 
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7 * 
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AWK 


A ASIN 


DG ¢ WAS 


- 


Mit AGL LA 


q- S 
= QRS 
“f SNe: Hf - 


Gaee uy ING, WOR LD: 


QUADRUMANA; 


QR, AMSl 1) QW) IN| ICI Ne IDR 1S). 


HE QuapRUMANOtS, or Four-handed animals, are familiarly known by the titles 
of Apes, Baboons, and Monkeys. There is another family of Quadrumana, 
called Lemurs, which bear but little external resemblance to their more man-like 
relations, are comparatively little known, and have even been popularly termed 
“rats,” ‘cats,’ or ‘dogs,’ by travellers who have come in contact with them. 

Although these animals are capable of assuming a partially erect position, 
yet their habitual attitude is on all fours, like the generality of the mammalia. 
Even the most accomplished ape is but a bad walker when he discards the use 

of his two upper limbs, and trusts for support and progression to the hinder legs only. There 
are many dogs which can walk, after the biped manner, with a firmer step and a more assured 
demeanor than the apes, although they do not so closely resemble the human figure. 

However carefully a monkey may be educated, yet it never can assume an attitude truly 
erect, like that of man. The construction of its whole frame is such, that its knees are always 
bent more or less, so that a firm and steady step is rendered impossible. When in the enjoy- 
ment of liberty among their native haunts, none of the monkey tribes seem to use their hind 
legs exclusively for walking, although they often raise themselves in a manner similar to that 
of the bears, and other animals, when they wish to take a more extended view of the sur- 
rounding localities. 

On account of the structure of the limbs, the term ‘‘hand”’ is given to their extremities ; 
but hardly with perfect fitness. It must be borne in mind that the thumb is not invariably 
found on the fore extremities of these animals. In several genera of the monkeys, the fore- 
paws are destitute of effective thumbs, and the hand-like grasp is limited to the hinder feet. — 
The so-called hands of the monkey tribes will not bear comparison with those of man. 
Although the thumb possesses great freedom of motion, and in many species can be opposed 
to the fingers in a manner resembling the hand of man, yet there is no intellectual power in 
the monkey hand; none of that characteristic contour which speaks of the glorious human 
soul so strongly, that an artist can sketch a single hand, and in that one member exhibit the 
individuality of its owner! The monkey’s ‘‘hand”’ is a paw—a thieving, crafty, slinking 
paw, and nota true hand. So is his foot but a paw, and not a true foot, formed for grasping 
and not for walking. Man seems to be the only earthly being that possesses true feet and 
hands. Some animals patter along upon their paws, some trot and gallop upon hoofs, others 
propel themselves with paddles, but Man alone can walk. Man is never so much Man as when 
erect, whether standing or walking. It is no mere figure of speech to say that man walks 
with God. 

In order to bring this point more clearly before the eyes of the reader, the skeleton of a 
man is contrasted with that of the gorilla, the most highly organized of all the apes. The 
heavy, ill-balanced form of the ape ; its head sunk upon its shoulders ; its long, uncouth arms, 


14 MEN AND APES. 


with those enormous paws at their extremities ; its short, bowed, and tottering legs, unable to 
support the huge body without the help of the arms; the massive jaw-bones and protruding 
face, put the creature at an unappreciable distance from humanity, even though it is repre- 
sented in an attitude as similar to that of the human being as the organization of the bones 
will permit. Any one who could fancy himself to be descended, however remotely, from such 
a being, is welcome to his ancestry. : 
Contrast with the skeleton of the gorilla, that of man. Light in structure, and perfectly 
balanced on the small and delicate feet ; the slender arms, with their characteristic hands ; the 
; smooth and rounded 
skull; the small jaw- 
bones and regular teeth, 
all show themselves as 
the framework of a be- 
ing whose strength is to 
lie in his intellect, and 
not in the mere brute 
power of bone and mus- 
cle. There seems to be 
a strange eloquence in 
ZA . form, which speaks at 
yA once to the heart in lan- 
guage that can only be 
felt, and is beyond the 
power of analysis to re- 
solve. Thus, the con- 
trasted shapes of these 
two frames speak more 
forcibly of the immeas- 
urable distance between 
the two beings of which 
they form a part, than 
could be expressed in 
many pages of careful 


Al ) t \ va li description. Strength 
(CK \\\ j i, for strength, the ape is 


f F. 
\ SD) ee 


\ Ve | many times the man’s 

. SS ip . 
' “an \\Y? superior, and could rend 
K(c 4 him to pieces in sin- 
\See 2 gle combat. But that 


slender human frame 
can be so intellectually 
strengthened, that a single man could destroy a troop of apes, if he so desired, and without 
offering them the possibility of resistance. 

One great cause of the awkward bipedal walk of the monkey tribes, is the position of the 
orifice in the skull, through which the spinal cord enters the brain. In the human skull this 
orifice is so placed that the head is nearly equally balanced, and a considerable portion of the 
skull projects behind it ; but in the lower animals, this orifice—called the ‘‘ occipital foramen ”’ 
—is set so far back, that the whole weight of the brain and skull is thrown forwards, and so 
overbalances the body. 

Another cause is seen in the structure of the hind limbs. These members are intended 
for progression among the branches of trees, and are so formed that, when the animal uses 
them for terrestrial locomotion, it is forced to tread, not upon their soles, but upon their sides. 
The muscular calves, which brace the foot and limb, are wanting in the Quadrumanous 
animals; and even when they are standing as uprightly as possible, the knees are always 


SKELETON—MAN. SKELETON—GORILLA. 


HANNOS VOYAGE. 15 


partially bent. The monkeys, then, are just quadrupeds, although their paws are more per- 
fectly developed than those of the generality of animals. 

y Pp g Ny 

We will now proceed to our examples of the Quadrumanous animals. 


SIMIAD4, OR APES. 


The Apes are at once distinguished from the other Quadrumana by the absence of those 
cheek-pouches which are so usefully employed as temporary larders by those monkeys which 
possess them; by the total want of tails, and of those callosities on the hinder quarters which 
are so conspicuously characteristic of the baboons. Besides these external differences there 
are several distinctions to be found in the interior anatomy both of the bones and the vital 
organs. 

The first in order, as well as the largest of the Apes, is the enormous ape from Western 
Africa, the Gorilla, the skeleton of which has already been given. This animal is compara- 
tively new to modern zoologists, and very little is at present known of its habits. The first 
modern writer who brought the Gorilla before the notice of the public, seems to be Mr. Bow- 
dich, the well-known African traveller ; for it is evidently of the Gorilla that he speaks under 
the name of Ingheena. The natives of the Gaboon and its vicinity use the name Gina, when 
mentioning the Gorilla. The many tales, too, that are told of the habits, the gigantic strength, 
and the general appearance of the Ingheena, are precisely those which are attributed to the 
Gorilla. 

Of the Ingheena, Mrs. Lee (formerly Mrs. Bowdich) speaks as follows :—‘‘It is in equa- 
torial Africa that the most powerful of all the Quadrumana live, far exceeding the orang- 
outan, and even the pongo of Borneo. 

‘‘Mr. Bowdich and myself were the first to revive and confirm a long-forgotten and vague 
report of the existence of such a creature, and many thought that, as we ourselves had not 
seen it, we had been deceived by the natives. They assured us that these huge creatures 
walk constantly on their hind feet, and never yet were taken alive; that they watch the 
actions of men, and imitate them as nearly as possible. Like the ivory hunters, they pick up 
the fallen tusks of elephants, but not knowing where to deposit them, they carry their burdens 
about until they themselves drop, and even die from fatigue; that they built huts nearly in 
the shape of those of men, but live on the outside ; and that when one of their children dies, 
the mother carries it in her arms until it falls to pieces; that one blow of their paw will kill 
aman, and that nothing can exceed their ferocity.” 

Its existence was evidently known to some adventurous voyagers more than two thousand 
years ago, and a record has been preserved of these travels. 

Somewhere about the year 350 B. c., the Carthaginians, then a most powerful and flourish- 
ing nation, organized a naval expedition for the purpose of examining the coasts and of 
founding colonies. The command of the fleet, which consisted of sixty large vessels contain- 
ing nearly thirty thousand men and women, together with provisions and other necessaries, 
was entrusted to Hanno, who wrote memoirs of the voyage in a small work that is well known 
by the title of the ‘‘ Periplus,’’ or the Cireumnavigation of Hanno. In the course of this 
voyage he founded seven colonies, and after advancing as far as the modern Sierra Leone, was 
forced to return for want of provisions. 

The whole treatise is one of great interest, especially in the present day, when-travels of 
discovery in Africa have been prosecuted with so much energy. The passage, however, which 
bears on the present question is briefly as follows. After narrating the meeting with these 
creatures on an island off the west coast of Africa, he proceeds to say :—‘‘'There were many 
more females than males, all equally covered with hair on all parts of the body. The inter- 
preters called them GorriLAs. On pursuing them we could not succeed in taking a single 
male; they all escaped with astonishing swiftness, and threw stones at us; but we took three 
females, who defended themselves with so much violence that we were obliged to kill them, 
hut we brought their skins stuffed with straw to Carthage.’ It is evident that Hanno (or 


16 HABITS OF THE GORILLA. 


Annon, as his name is sometimes given) considered these Gorillas to be the veritable savage 
human inhabitants of the island; perhaps rather more savage and powerful than ordinary, 
and rather less given to clothing; which latter deficiency, however, was supplied by the 
natural covering of hair. 

Imperfect as is his description, yet it is of much interest, as it proves the existence of 
extraordinarily huge apes hitherto unknown even to the Carthaginians, the stuffed skins 
being visible tests. 

For two thousand years nothing was heard of the Gorilla except certain floating rumors 
of satyr-haunted woods, and of wild men who used to make their appearance at distant inter- 
vals and then to disappear; ‘‘of which kind,” it is said, ‘‘there are still in Ethiopia.” But 
by degrees the truthfulness of the narrative was made clear; detached bones were discovered 
and sent to Europe, and at last the complete animal made its appearance. Indeed, we are 
much indebted to this straightforward and simple-minded sailor, for his unadorned narrative, 
which forms such a favorable contrast to the travellers’ tales of later voyagers, who on some 
small substratum of truth raised such enormous fictions as the monopods, the pigmies and 
cranes, the acephali, and other prodigies. For a vivid description, and graphic though rude 
figures of these and many other monsters, the reader is referred to the ‘‘ Nuremberg Chronicle.” 

Perhaps it may be of this animal that the following history is narrated :— 

‘A certain ape after a shipwreck, swimming to land, was seen by a countryman, and 
thinking him to be a man in the water, gave him his hand to save him, yet in the meantime 
asked him what countryman he was, who answered he was an Athenian. ‘Well,’ said the 
man, ‘dost thou know Pireus ?’ (which is a port in Athens). 

*** Very well,’ said the ape, ‘and his wife, friends, and children ; 
moved, did what he could to drown him.’’ 

At present we have but a very slight acquaintance with the mode of life adopted by the 
Gorilla in a wild state, or even with its food. For a knowledge of the habits of animals is 
only to be gained by a long residence in their vicinity, and by careful watching. With some 
creatures this is an easy task, but there are some which are so wary, so active, and so fierce, 
that a close inspection is almost an impossibility. Among the worst of such objects is the 
Gorilla. In the first place, it is only to be found in the thickest jungles of the Gaboon, far 
from man and his habitations. Then, it is wary, as are all the apes, and is said to be so fero- 
cious, that if it sees a man, it immediately attacks him, so that there would be little time for 
gaining any knowledge of the creature’s domestic habits, and scarcely any likelihood of 
surviving to tell the result of the investigation. 

To judge by the structure of the skeleton, and of the entire form, the strength of an adult 
male must be prodigious. The teeth are heavy and powerful, and the great canines or tusks 
are considerably more than an inch in their projection from the jaw. The jaw-bone, too, is 
enormously developed, and the strength of the muscles that move it, is indicated by the deep 
bony ridges that run over the top of the skull, and in different parts of the head. As is usual 
among such animals, the tusks of the male Gorilla are nearly double the size of those of the 
female ape. : . 

Although the body is comparatively small, as are the hinder legs, yet the breadth of 
shoulder and length of arm are singularly great; while an ordinary human hand placed on 
that of the ape, dwindles down to insignificance before the huge muscular paw. The thumb 
of the hinder paws is enormously large, as is well shown in the engraving. 

There is a treacherous and cruel aspect about this hind foot, with its enormous thumb ; 
and if all tales be true, the foot belies not its character. The natives of the Gaboon country 
hold the Gorilla in great dread, fearing it even more than the lion itself, on account of its 
furtively murderous disposition. 

Concealed among the thick branches of the forest trees, the Gorilla, itself unseen, watches 
the approach of the unsuspecting negro. Should he pass under the tree, woe betide him ; for 
the Gorilla lets down its terrible hind foot, grasps its victim round the throat, lifts him from 
the earth, and finally drops him on the ground, dead. 

Sheer malignity must prompt the animal to such a deed, for it cares not to eat the dead 


> whereat the man being 


SELMAR HESS, PUBLISHER, N. Y. 


GORILLA. 


i] 
/ 


. 


THE GORILLA. LY 


man’s flesh; but finds a fiendish gratification in the mere act of killing. It is a kind of sport- 
ing; though the game is of a better quality than that which is usually chased over the fields, 
shot in the air, or hooked out of the water; not to be eaten, but for the sport. 

Such a deed as the capture of an adult Gorilla has never been attempted, and much 
less achieved, by the human inhabitants of the same land. There are many reasons for this 
circumstance. 

Yet it does not follow that although te Africans have failed, Europeans should not 
succeed. The native Africans have not dared to attempt the capture of the elephant, although 
Europeans have succeeded in that endeavor, and have subdued the terrible foe, converting it 
into a docile servant, and even making it an attached and intelligent friend. 

Once or twice, the young Gorillas have been captured, in spite of the furious resistance 
which is made by their male friends; but from some reason they have always died in a 
very short time. 

Cunning as is the Gorilla, and ingenious in some things to a striking degree, its intelli- 
gence is but limited, and the animal exhibits such unexpected instances of fatuity, that it 
well shows the distinction between cunning and wisdom, and proves itself to be but an animal, 
and nothing more. 

If it finds the remnant of a fire which has been relinquished by the persons who kindled 
it, the Gorilla is greatly charmed with the novel sensation produced by artificial warmth, and 
sits by the bright wonder with much satisfaction. As the fire fails, and the glowing brands 
sink into white ashes, the animal draws closer to the expiring embers, and does not leave 
them until all heat has left the spot. But it never thinks of keeping up the fire by placing 
fresh fuel upon it, and does not even learn to imitate that action, which it may often have 
seen performed by the hunters who kindled the fire, and kept it well supplied with fuel during 
the night. It is most providential that the beast is devoid of this faculty, for, with the usual 
perseverance of the monkey race in such cases, it would probably continue to heap fuel until 
the forest itself was ablaze. 

It is said also, that when the Gorilla makes an incursion into a sugar plantation, it has 
sufficient sense to bite off a number of the canes, and to twist them into a bundle for better 
conveyance. But it frequently includes several of the growing canes in its faggot, and then 
feels woefully discomfited because it cannot carry away the parcel which had cost so much 
trouble in making. 

The natives of Africa have an idea that these, and other large apes, are really men; but 
that they pretend to be stupid and dumb, in order to escape impressment as slaves. Work, 
indeed, seems to be the swmmum malwm in the African mind, and a true African never works 
if he can help it. As to the necessary household labors, and the task of agriculture, he will 
not raise a finger, but makes his wives work, he having previously purchased them for that 
purpose. In truth, ina land where the artificial wants are so few—unless the corruptions of 
pseudo-civilization have made their entrance—and where unassisted nature is so bountiful, 
there is small need of work. The daily life of a ‘‘black fellow”’ has been very graphically 
described in a few words. He gets a large melon; cuts it in two and scoops out the inside ; 
one half he puts on his head, he sits in the other half, and eats the middle. 

It is rather singular that this legendary connection of apes and indolence should prevail 
on the continents of Africa and Asia. 

The outline of the Gorilla’s face is most brutal in character, and entirely destroys the 
slight resemblance to the human countenance, which the full form exhibits. As in the Chim- 
panzee, an ape which is placed in the same genus with the Gorilla, the color of the hair is 
nearly black ; but in some lights, and during the life of the animal, it assumes a lighter tinge 
of grayish brown, on account of the admixture of variously colored hairs. On the top of the 
head, and the side of the cheeks, it assumes a grizzly hue. The length of the hair is not very 
great, considering the size of the animal, and is not more than two or three inches in length. 
On the arms it is arranged in a rather curious manner, the hair from the shoulder to the 
elbow points downwards, while that from the elbow to the fingers points upwards, so that the 
two sets of hairs meet at the elbow, and make a pendent tuft. A similar structure is found 


18 THE GORILLA. 


in other large apes, but the object of so curious a disposition is not yet known. One reason 
for this arrangement of the hair, may be that if their long hairs were to hang along the arm 
and wrist, they would get into the hand, and interfere with the grasp, while by their reverted 
growth such an embarrassment is removed. The color of the eye is dark brown, glowing with 
a baleful emerald light, when the fierce passions are roused. 

It will be seen, on referring to the two engravings, which represent the skeleton of this 
animal, and the living creature itself, that the paws of the four extremities are not precisely 
alike in their development. On the two fore-paws, the fingers are enormous, the thumbs being 
comparatively trifling in dimensions; while the corresponding members of the hinder paws 
are just reversed in their size. The figure of the Gorilla, oppesite, marks these peculiarities 
with great fidelity, and in the action of the creature shows the reason for the extraordinary 
and gigantic thumbs of the hinder limbs. 

As to the size of a full grown Gorilla, accounts vary much. The specimen which is best 
known in England is five feet six inches high, when placed erect. From shoulder to shoulder 
it measures nearly three feet, while the body is only two feet four inches, measured from the 
hip-joint. It is possible, however, that there may be much larger individuals. Independent, 
however, of the impression made on the minds of the spectators by the sight of an infuriated 
animal, it is a fact that the feeling of anger does dilate the form, whether of man or beast. 
And as one effect of anger is to cause the hair to bristle up (as indeed is seen familiarly in 
dogs, cats, and other animals), the ape while under the influence of that fiery rage to which 
these animals are so subject, would in reality present a larger outline than if it were calmly 
engaged in its usual pursuits. Six, or even seven feet of height, have been attributed to 
these creatures. But it must be remembered that a wild, fierce animal always looks very 
much larger when living and in motion, than when lying dead and still on the ground, or even 
‘“‘set up’? ina museum, with glass eyes, and straw-distended skin. Elephants of sixteen feet 
high, have shrunk to eleven and ten feet under the application of the measuring rod, and it is 
proverbial among anglers, that the fish which they do not catch, are finer and heavier than 
those which they can subject to scales and foot-measure. So it is likely enough, that a wild 
and savage Gorilla, with his fury-flashing eyes, his fierce gestures, and enormous arms, would 
impress the mind of his opponent with an idea of a very much larger animal. It is not only 
upon Gadshill that two men in buckram multiply unto eleven. 

But granting that the Gorilla does not attain to any much greater height than five feet, 
even then it is an animal much to be dreaded as an enemy, and capable of doing vast mischief, 


if so inclined. But it isa most merciful provision, and one that seems to be universal among - 


creatures of such a stamp, that in proportion as their bodily powers increase, their mental 
powers degenerate. The larger apes are, in their period of childhood, so to speak, teachable 
and tolerably docile; while when they attain to years of maturity, the animal attributes 
assume strength, gradually gain dominion over the mental, until at last the reasoning capaci- 
ties seem to degenerate into a mere contracted cunning. 

It seems that this degeneration is intended to prevent the animal from passing beyond the 
bounds to which it is confined, and by the very laws of its being to prevent it from using its 
vast strength for bad purposes. The ape evidently does not know his strength, nor how terrible 
an enemy he could be, if he only knew how to use the singular power and activity which he 
possesses. These huge apes seem to live apart from each other, and not to band together in 
large herds as do the baboons and other quadrumanous animals. If they were to unite, and to 
understand the principle of combination, they could speedily depopulate any country that 
was inhabited by men who were not possessed of fire-arms, and were unable to construct 
defences. 

But, fortunately for those human beings who are within reach of these terrible animals, 
the adult ape is one of the most dull and stupid creatures imaginable: sulky, ferocious, and 
given solely to its own animal appetites. 

Here is a sketch of one of the lowest and least developed of human beings, probably the 
very lowest of the human race. This little man, who belongs to the same country as the Go- 
rilla, hardly attains even to the same stature, and in muscular proportions is a very pigmy. 


GORILLA 


THE CHIMPANZEE. 19 


Yet that in mere animal form the Bushman is infinitely higher than the ape, is evident from 
the contrast displayed by the two figures ; while, if the comparison be extended to the mental 
endowments, the impassable barrier that exists between the two beings, exhibits itself in the 
most unmistakeable manner. 

Modern zoologists have done rightly in refusing to admit mankind into the same order 
with beings so infinitely below them, as are even the very highest of the apes. The unprogres- 
sive animal is restricted to a narrow circle of thought and 
reason, and is totally devoid of that great privilege of 
human nature which we call by the name of aspiration. 
Man ever proceeds onwards and upwards, anticipating 
something beyond that which he possesses, while the brute 
creation remain in the same course of life in which they 
were originally placed. The records of geological experi- 
ence, show that Simiade of gigantic stature existed on 
earth ages before the creation of human beings. Relics 
of these creatures have been found in various parts of the 
globe, and even in the tertiary formations of our own 
island. Apes were, therefore, at least contemporary with 
mankind ; but while men have progressed, the apes have 
stood still, and always will stand still as long as they 
remain upon earth. The ape which saw the light in the 
year B. ©. 4,000, was not a whit behind its descendant of 
the year A.D. 1859 in intellect or civilization ; and if the 
order were to be continued for twenty thousand years 
longer, the last ape would be not a step nearer civilization 
than the primeval pair. Within its own little circle of 
life, many of its bodily senses are far more acute than z 
those of man, and its bodily powers greater; but there " BUSHMAN. 
ends the advantage. The animals are only partial and 
individual in their existence, restricted to a small sphere of life, and often confined within a 
very limited portion of the earth. These very limits place the animals at an immeasurable 
distance from man, who spreads himself over the entire earth, enduring with equal ease the 
fierce rays of the tropical sun, or the icy blasts of the arctic gales, and accommodating 
himself, through the agencies which his intellect projects, to these totally dissimilar modes 
of life. 


CLOSELY connected with the preceding animal is the large black ape, which is now well 
known by the name of CHIMPANZEE. 

This creature is found in the same parts of Western Africa as the gorilla, being very com- 
mon near the Gaboon. It ranges over a considerable space of country, inhabiting a belt of 
land some ten or more degrees north and south of the torrid zone. For some little time it was 
supposed that the gorilla was simply an adult Chimpanzee, but zoologists now agree in sep- 
arating it from that animal, and giving it a specific name of its own. 

The title niger, or black, sufficiently indicates the color of the hair which envelops the 
body and limbs of the Chimpanzee. The tint of the hair is almost precisely the same as that 
of the gorilla, being nearly entirely black ; the exception being a few whiter hairs scattered 
thinly over the muzzle. Age seems to give the hair of the animal a grayish tintin many places. 
As in the gorilla, the hair of the fore-arm is turned towards the elbow, where it meets the hair 
from the upper arm, and forms a pointed tuft. On the chest and abdomen it is rather thinner 
than on the remainder of the body, and permits the skin to be seen between the hairs, but on 
the arms and other parts it is sufficiently thick and long to hide the skin altogether. There is 
a small beard on the chin and face, which has a Chinese kind of aspect about it. 

With very few exceptions, the nostrils of the Quadrumana are placed almost flat upon the 
face, and are devoid of that projecting character which gives such expression to the human 


20 THE CHIMPANZEE. 


countenance. Even in that very large-nosed animal, the Proboscis Monkey, the nostrils are 
only oval orifices for the conveyance of air, and seem as devoid of character as those of a 
wax doll. 

Just as man is the only being that possesses two hands and feet, so is he the only inhabi- 
tant of earth who can lay claim to a nose. All the Mammalia have nostrils, and some species 
are endowed with wonderful powers of scent, such as the dogs, the deer, and others. Some of 
them carry a proboscis more or less elongated, such as the elephants and the tapirs. Then 
there are some, such as those of the porcine group, which possess snouts ; but not one of them 
has a nose. 

So in the Chimpanzee and its relatives, the muzzle projects exceedingly, and the nostrils 
lie almost flatly upon the projecting mass. Herein lies one of the chief characteristics of the 
simian countenance, which is not so conspicuous when the face is viewed directly from the 
front, as when it is turned with the profile towards the observer. In front, the flattened and 
divergent nostrils, together with the projecting muzzle, are not forced on the notice, and might 
escape a hasty observation ; but if the animal turns its head, then the simian character shows 
itself in all its repulsive brutality. 

Even in the young Chimpanzee, this preponderance of the face and jaws over ine brain- 
skull is very considerable, and, as we have already seen, continues to increase as the animal 
draws nearer to maturity. The distinction is even more clearly shown if the lower jaw be 
removed, and the skull examined from below ; for then, the disproportion between the animal 
and reflective parts shows itself most forcibly. 

In its native country, the Chimpanzee lives in a partly social state, and at night the united 
cries of the community fill the air with their reiterated yells. If we may credit the reports 
given by the natives of Western Africa, the Chimpanzees weave huts for themselves, and take 
up their residence in these dwellings. Now it is a well-known fact that the orang-outang, 
which comes next in our list, can rapidly frame a kind of platform of interwoven branches, 
and so it is not beyond the bounds of credibility that the Chimpanzee may perform a work of 
similar character. Only, the chief difference between the customs of the two animals seems. to 
be, that the one lives wpon the structure or roof, if it may so be called, and the other beneath 
it. Some travellers say, that although the huts are actually inhabited, yet that only the 
females and young are permitted to take possession of the interior, and that the male takes up 
his position on the roof. 

The latter supposition derives more force from those ‘habits of the Chimpanzees with which 
we are acquainted, and which have induced naturalists to give to the entire genus, the name 
of troglodytes. This term is compounded from two Greek words, signifying a ‘‘ diver into 
caverns,’ and was applied to this ape, because it seems to prefer rocky and broken ground to 
the forest branches, which form the refuge of nearly all quadrumanous animals. 

This compound word is not of modern invention ; for in the works of Aristotle, Pliny, and 
other writers on the subject of natural history, much mention is made of a race of men who 
lived in rocky caverns, and who earned, by their burrowing habits, the title above mentioned. 
The language and costume of these people were as barbarous as their habitations, for the former 
characteristic was said to resemble the hissing of serpents, rather than to bear any likeness to 
articulate speech, and .in the latter accomplishment they were totally deficient in the hotter 
months. It is possible that the Bushman tribes may have given rise to these descriptions, 
which, indeed, would not be very erroneous if they had been used in depicting the ‘‘ Digger”’ 
Indians of the New World. 

Be this as it may, it isa remarkable fact that the Chimpanzees are groundlings, and are 
not accustomed to habitual residence among the branches of trees. Although these apes do 
not avail themselves of the protection which would be afforded by a loftier habitation, yet they 
are individually so strong, and collectively so formidable, that they dwell in security, un- 
harmed even by the lion, leopard, or other members of the cat tribes, which are so dreaded by 
the monkey tribes generally. Even the elephant yields to these active and ferocious animals, 
and leaves them undisturbed. Yet a Chimpanzee would not dare to meet a panther in single 
combat, and depends for safety upon the assistance that would be afforded by its companions. 


SELMAR HESS, PUBLISHER, N. Y 


CHIMPANZEE. 


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THE CHIMPANZEE. 21 


This is shown by a curious and rather absurd incident that occurred on board a ship, where a 
young and docile Chimpanzee suddenly came in sight of a caged panther, which had taken 
voyage in the same vessel. 

The unexpected sight of the panther entirely overcame his feelings, and with a fearful yell 
he dashed along the deck, knocking over sundry of the crew in his passage. He then dived 
into the folds of a sail which was lying on deck, covered himself up with the sail-cloth, and 
was in such an agony of terror, that he could not be induced to come out of his retreat for a 
long time. 

His fright was not groundless, for the panther was as much excited as the ape, only with 
eager desire, and not with fear. It paced its cage for hours afterwards, and continued to watch 
restlessly, much as a cat may be seen to watch the crevice through which a mouse has made 
good its escape. 

There are also strange reports, which are still credited, that the Chimpanzees carry off 
negresses, and detain them in the woods for years, sometimes until they are released by death 
from their terrible captivity. 

The food of these creatures appears to be almost entirely of a vegetable nature, and they 
are very unprofitable neighbors to any one who has the misfortune to raise crops of rice, or 
to plant bananas, plantains, or papaus, within an easy journey of a Chimpanzee settlement. 
As is the case with many of the monkey tribes, the animal will eat food of a mixed character, 
when it is living in a domesticated state. 

The climate of France seems to be better suited to these animals than that of England. 

In the Jardin des Plantes, in Paris, there was a remarkably fine specimen of the Chim- 
panzee. Black, sleek, and glossy, he was facile princeps in the establishment, and none 
dared to dispute his authority. 

He was active enough, and displayed very great strength, and some agility, as he swung 
himself from side to side of the cage, by means of the ropes thaf are suspended from the roof ; 
but he preserved a dignified air as became the sole ruler. 

There was a kind of aristocratic calmness about the animal, and he would, at intervals, 
pause in his airy promenade, and, seating himself on a convenient spot, deliberately scan the 
large assembly that generally surrounded the monkey-house. His survey completed, he 
would eat a nut or a piece of biscuit, and recommence his leisurely gambols. His health 
seemed to be perfectly good, as was shown by the alertness of his movements, and the full, 
open look of his eyes. 

A sad convrast to this animal was presented by a wretched little Chimpanzee which I saw 
in England. It was still possessed of sufficient strength to move about its cage, but executed 
all its movements in a slow, listless manner, that would have told its own tale, had not the 
frequent hacking cough spoken so plainly of the consumption that was consuming its vitals. 
The countenance of the poor creature was very sad, and it did not appear to take the least 
interest in anything that occurred. 

I have seen many monkeys with this sad aspect, and was always hannted by their piteous 
looks for days afterwards. 

The ravages which this disease can make in the delicate formation of a monkey’s lung, 
before the creature finally succumbs, must be seen to be appreciated. The whole organ is so 
eaten up, and its color and substance so changed, that the spectator marvels that the creature’s 
life could have been sustained for an hour under such circumstances. 

As long, however, as they resist the untoward influence of our climate, the specimens 
which we have known, have always been extremely gentle and docile. Taught by the instinc- 
tive dread of cold, they soon appreciate the value of clothing, and learn to wrap themselves in 
mats, rugs, or blankets, with perfect gravity and decorum. Dress exercises its fascinations 
even over the ape, for one of these animals has been known to take such delight in a new and 
handsome costume, that he repudiated the previous dress, and in order to guard against the 
possibility of reverting to the cast-off garment, tore it to shreds. Whether the natives of 
Western Africa speak rightly in asserting that the Chimpanzee is capable of using weapons, 
is at present rather a doubtful point. The negroes say that the ‘‘ Baboos,”’ as they call the 


22 THE CHIMPANZEE. 


animals (the name evidently being a corruption from our own word Baboon), make use of 
clubs, staves, and other rude weapons, and that they can use them with great address. Cer- 
tain it is, that the adult Chimpanzee has been known to snap with a single effort branches so 
thick, that the united strength of two men could hardly bend them. But whether the animal 
would possess sufficient intellectual power to make use of a weapon thus obtained, is not so 
certain. 

It is said that they have a sufficient amount of knowledge to be aware that the strength 
of a man lies in his weapons, and not in his muscles only ; and that if a hunter should draw 
on himself the vengeance of the troop, by wounding or killing one of their number, he can 
escape certain death by flinging down his gun. The enraged apes gather round the object that 
dealt the fatal stroke, and tear it to pieces with every mark of fury. While they are occupied 
with wreaking their vengeance on the senseless object, the owner of the fatal weapon escapes 
unnoticed. 

The strength of arm with which this animal is endowed, has already been shown. But 
although the hinder limbs are not possessed of that gigantic muscular strength which is given 
to the arms, yet they are powerful to a degree that would be remarkable in any animal less 
athletic than the Chimpanzee. One of these creatures has been seen to lower itself backwards 
from the bar on which it was sitting, and to draw itself up again, merely by the grasp of the 
hinder feet. 

The age to which the Chimpanzee attains in its wild state, is as yet unknown. But to 
judge by the length of time that elapses before the animal reaches maturity, its life cannot be 
very much less than that of the human inhabitants of the same land. Nine or ten years are 
spent by the Chimpanzee before it has reached the perfection of its development; and it is 
well known that the inhabitants of the tropical regions attain to maturity at a very early age 
indeed. 

A peculiarly fine specimen of the Chimpanzee, which was tamed and domesticated in its 
native country, lived to the age of twenty-one years. This animal was possessed of gigantic 
strength, and on one occasion was intercepted in the act of carrying a soldier into the tree to 
which he was chained. This ape might, however, have been a specimen of the gorilla. 

One great and almost radical objection to the weapon-using powers of the Chimpanzee, 
may be found in the difficulty which these animals experience in standing erect. In order to 
use a weapon effectively, the hands and arms must be at liberty, and the feet planted firmly 
on the ground. A defect in either of these conditions, is fatal to the right handling of the 
weapon. Now, as the Chimpanzee has much difficulty in preserving even a semi-erect position, 
and is forced to aid itself by placing the backs of its hands on the ground, it will be at once 
seen that a club would not give very much assistance to the creature. It might certainly 

launch stones with force and effect ; but a weapon that requires the full and independent use 
of both sets of limbs, would be of small benefit. 

Besides, the creature is already so terribly armed by nature with formidable fangs, and 
limbs of Herculean strength, that it needs no artificial means of offence, and would probably 
be rather embarrassed by them than otherwise. 

Still, it is not improbable that these inquisitive animals have seen their human neighbors 
armed with sticks, and in that irresistible spirit of imitation to which monkey nature seems to 
be a victim, have armed themselves in similar manner, though with certain detrimental results. 
Should they really have recourse to these artificial and useless weapons, when brought into 
collision with human foes, it may be a providential means of depriving them of those terrible 
natural weapons, which would be truly formidable, and so causing them to be the more easily 
overcome by man. Judging from the familiar instances of their imitative nature, we may 
safely allow that the Chimpanzees do carry sticks, although we may infer a such weapons 
would be worse than useless to their bearers. 

In common with the orang-outan, and several other members of the same family, the 
Chimpanzee is possessed of extremely mobile lips. In the lips, indeed, the whole expression 
of the face seems to be concentrated ; and by the lips, the animal expresses the various emo- 
tions of fear, astonishment, hatred, rage, or pleasure, that agitate the ape’s brain. Those lips 


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CHIMPANZEE. 


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THE ORANG-OUTAN, : 23 


can be protruded until they assume an almost snout-like aspect; they can be moulded into 
the strangest forms; they can be withdrawn, and almost obliterated from the countenance, 
when the creature extends its mouth into the grin of anger, exhibiting its sharp teeth, and 
uttering its furious cries. There are in the face of the ape none of those delicate lines that 
render the human countenance an index of the mind within ; and, therefore, the animal makes 
the most of the limited means which it possesses. Articulate voice it has none, although it 
can be taught to comprehend the commands of its instructor; but it is a proficient in natural 
language of action, and by gesture can make itself understood without difficulty. 

Though the language of the ape be not articulate, according to our ideas, yet in their wild 
state the Chimpanzees can talk well enough for their own purposes. One proof of this, is the 
acknowledged fact that they can confer with one another sufficiently to act in unison, at the 
same time and place, and with a given ‘object. 

Strong and daring as they are, they do not appear to seek a contest with human beings, 
but do their best to keep quietly out of the way. Like most animals that herd together, even 
in limited numbers, the Chimpanzees have ever a watchful sentinel posted on the look-out, 
whose duty it is to guard against the insidious approach of foes, and to give warning if he 
sees, hears, or smells, anything of a suspicious character. 

Should the sentinel ape perceive a sign of danger, he sets up a loud ery, which has been 
likened to the anguished scream of a man in sore distress. The other apes know well enough 
the meaning of that cry, and signify their comprehension by answering cries. If the danger 
continues to threaten, then the ape-conversation becomes loud, shrill, and hoarse, and the air 
is filled with the various notes of the simian language, perfectly understood by themselves, 
although to human ears it consists of nothing but discordant yells and barks. 

The arms of this animal, of the gorilla, and the orang-outan, are of considerably greater 
length than might be inferred from the height of the animal. When these creatures aid their 
steps by placing the hands on the ground, they have the curious habit of resting the knuckles 
on the ground, instead of the palms of the hands, as might have been supposed. From this 
peculiarity, the three apes have received the appropriate title of ‘* knuckle-walkers.”’ 

The head of the Chimpanzee is remarkable for the large development of the ears, which 
stand prominently from the sides of the head, and give a curiously peculiar expression to the 
contour of the head and face. 

We should probably have seen many more specimens of this ape imported into this country, 
had not the superstitious fears of the natives kept them aloof from meddling with these ani- 
mals. Probably on account of the weird resemblance to the human form, which is one charac- 
teristic of their race, or on account of their cunning, the inhabitants of the Gaboon and the 
neighborhood labor under the dread of being bewitched by the Chimpanzees, and so very 
prudently let them alone. Certainly, they would be ‘‘no canny”’ to deal with, and the dis- 
cretion exercised is not to be blamed. 


THE ORANG-OUTAN. 


THE title of Satyrus, or Satyr, is very rightly applied to the huge ape which is known by 
the name of ORANG-OUTAN. 

For, saving that the long-eared Satyrs of the classic authors were more intellectual in 
countenance, and usually wore hoofs instead of hands at the extremities of the lower limbs, 
there is no small resemblance between the veritable and the imaginary wild man of the woods. 

The Orang-outan is a native of Asia, and only to be found upon a small portion of that 
part of the globe. Borneo and Sumatra are the lands most favored by the Orang-outan, which 
inhabits the woody districts of those islands, and there rules supreme, unless attacked by man. 

There seem to be at least two species of this animal, that are found in Borneo, and some 
zoologists consider the Sumatran ape to be a third species. 

The natives distinguish the two Bornean species by the name of Mias-kassar, and Mias- 
pappan, the latter of which animals is the Simia satyrus, so well represented in the engraving. 


24 THE ORANG-OUTAN. 


The Pappan is a truly terrible animal when roused to anger, and would be even more 
formidable than is the case, were it endowed with a less slothful disposition. Its length of 
arm is very great ; for when the animal stands erect, and permits the arms to hang by its sides, 


SS Pee ra 


ORANG-OUTAN.—Simia sdtyrus. 


its hands can nearly touch the ground. The muscular power of these arms is proportionate to 
their length, and it is chiefly by means of the upper limbs that the ape makes progress among 
the boughs of the trees on which it loves to live. 

So powerful, indeed, are the arms, that a female Orang has been known to snap a strong 
spear like a reed, and this after she had been weakened by many wounds and loss of blood. 
In attack the Orang-outan is not sparing of teeth as well as hands; and uses to the utmost 


THE ORANG-OUTAN. 25 


the weapons with which it has been endowed. The teeth of an adult Orang are truly formid- 
able weapons, and it is said that even the leopard cares not to prove their power. So strong 
are even the front teeth, that they are capable of gnawing through and tearing away the dense 
fibrous covering in which the cocoa-nut is enveloped, and possibly can cut through the hard 
shell itself. Besides these teeth, the Orang is furnished with enormous canines, or tusks, the 
object of which is probably to act as offensive weapons ; for the Orang is a vegetable-feeding 
animal, and the canine teeth can hardly be given merely for the purpose of cutting vegetable 
food. 

Although the hind limbs are not so largely developed as the arms, yet they possess great 
power, and are perfectly adapted to the purpose which they serve. For terrestrial locomotion 
they are anything but fitted, as the animal is unable to plant the sole, or rather the palm, flat 
upon the ground, and rests upon the outside edges of the feet. 

The walk of the Orang-outan is little better than an awkward hobble, and the creature 
shuffles along uneasily by help of its arms. The hands are placed on the ground, and are 
used as crutches in aid of the feet, which are often raised entirely from the ground, and the 
body swung through the arms. Sometimes it bends considerably backwards, and throwing its 
long arms over its head, preserves its equilibrium by their means. 

This attitude is caused by the peculiar structure of the hind limbs, which, besides their 
comparative shortness, are only loosely jointed to the hip-bones. The Orang-outan is destitute 
of the short, but very strong ligament, that binds the thigh-bone to the hip-joint, and which is 
called the ligamentum teres. This ligament is very powerful in man, and plays an important 
part in giving him that steady tread, which alone is sufficient to distinguish the human species 
from the apes. 

But the Orang-outan is intended for an arboreal life, and requires limbs that can adapt 
themselves to the boughs. Therefore the legs are so twisted inwards, that the feet can grasp 
the branches freely, and hold the body in its position, while the long arms are stretched out 
to take a fresh hold. 

Among the trees the Orang-outan is in its element, and traverses the boughs with an ease 
and freedom that contrasts strongly with its awkward movements when on the ground. It has 
a curious habit of making for itself a temporary resting-place, by weaving together the 
branches so as to make a rude platform or scaffold on which it reposes. The powerful limbs 
of the animal enable it to execute this task in a very short time. Rajah Brooke of Sarawak 
narrates an interesting tale of a female Orang-outan, which when severely wounded ceased her 
attempts to escape, and weaving together a branch-platform, seated herself upon it, and 
quietly awaited her end. The poor animal received several more shots before she expired, and 
as she fell dead upon her extemporary edifice, the hunters were put to some trouble before 
they could dislodge the dead body. The whole process of weaving the branches and seating 
herself did not occupy more than a minute. 

_ When the hunters desire to capture an adult Orang-outan, they hem him in by felling the 
trees around that on which he is seated, and so deprive him of the means of escape. Having 
thus cut off his retreat, they apply the axe to the tree of refuge, and endeavor to secure the 
ape before he has recovered from the shock of the fall. 

The adult male animal is singularly hideous in aspect, owing much of its repulsiveness to 
the great projection of the jaws and the callosities that appear on the cheeks. As is the case 
with all the larger apes, it becomes sullen and ferocious as it approaches its adult state, 
although in the earlier years of its life it is docile, quiet, and even affectionate. Several young 
specimens have been brought to Europe, and were quite interesting animals, having many 
curious tricks, and exhibiting marks of strong affection to any one who treated them kindly. 
One of these animals learned to take its meals in a civilized manner, using a spoon, or a cup 
and saucer, with perfect propriety. 

When brought to colder climates than that of its native land, ite animal covets warmth, 
and is fond of wrapping itself in any woollen clothes or blankets that it can obtain. On board 
ship it has been known to rob the sailors or passengers of their bedding, and to resist with 
much energy any attempt to recover the stolen property. 


THE ORANG-OUTAN. 


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(or) 


Though sufficiently docile and good-tempered when it has its own way, the young Orang 
is rather subject to sudden gusts of passion when crossed in its wishes, and in such cases puts 
forth its powers with much effect. But the angry passion soon passes away, and the creature 
seems to be ashamed of its conduct. 

One of these animals which I watched for some little time, had a curiously wistful and 
piteous expression of countenance, and although very young, its face was wrinkled like that 
of an old man of eighty. The creature sat and looked out of its deeply set eyes, as if the cares 
of the nation rested on its shoulders. It was not very lively, but moved about among the 
branches with great ease. The form was not at all symmetrical, for the long arms, and feet, 
and hands seemed strangely out of proportion with its round, weakly-looking body, so that it 
involuntarily reminded the spectator of those long-legged, round-bodied spiders that are so 
common about old walls. 

The lips were very mobile, and the animal moved them when agitated by any emotions ; 
sometimes shooting them forward like the poutings of a petulant child, and sometimes drawing 
them together in strange wrinkles. The neck was but slightly indicated, and the whole animal 
presented an uncouth, goblin-like aspect. 

One of these animals that was brought to England by Dr. Abel, exhibited many curious 
habits. 

It had been taught to walk in an erect position, without supporting itself by extraneous 
help, but the erect posture was so ill adapted to its structure, that it could only preserve its 
balance by raising the arms over its head, and throwing them behind it, as has already been 
mentioned. The mode in which the head is united to the neck renders the equilibrium un- 
certain. 

This animal was tolerably omnivorous in appetite, for although its usual food consisted of 
fruits and bread, it was exceedingly fond of raw eggs, and would eat almost any kind of meat, 
whether dressed or raw. It would drink water, or milk, or beer, preferring the two latter 
liquids to any other. But it was also fond of wine, and was partial to mixtures of a still more 
potent character. Coffee and tea were favorite beverages with the animal, so that it displayed 
a decidedly civilized taste. 

As might be expected, while it was on board ship the sailors petted their companion after 
their wont, and it was quite familiar with them, showing no fear, and even occasionally 
indulging in a sham fight. But it was struck with unaccountable fright at some very harmless 
creatures that became inmates of the same vessel. They were only common turtles, perfectly 
incapable of doing damage, and destined for soup. But the mere sight of them terrified the 
Orang-outan to such an extent that it ran away to the mast-head, and, protruding its lips, 
uttered a series of strange sounds. A land tortoise affected the animal in a similar manner, as 
also did the sight of a number of men bathing and floating in the water. Perhaps there was 
some connection in the mind of the ape between the turtle and the cayman, which supposition 
is strengthened by the alarm caused by the bathers. I have known a common snail cause a - 
great turmoil in a cage of monkeys, and there may possibly be some instinctive antipathy 
between monkeys and crawling animals. 

This singular emotion is worthy of notice, because it proves the fallacy of judging any 
animal to be the natural enemy of another, merely because the latter is terrified at its approach. 
Granting that the apes might occasionally have been prompted by their mischievous nature to 
meddle with the turtles, and to have been half-blinded by a sand-shower thrown from the 
turtle’s flippers, or have suffered a painful wound from the snap of a turtle’s sharp jaws, yet 
the little land-tortoise could not do damage. As we have just mentioned, even the presence 
of a poor garden-snail is a terror to many members of the monkey race. 

It is therefore evident that the antipathy does not exist only in some individuals which 
may have suffered by the reptiles, but that it is the common propensity of these strange 
animals. We can easily understand that an ape should display an agony of terror at the sight 
of a leopard, or a snake, for the one has teeth and claws, being also very fond of ape-flesh, and 
the other has fangs. But that the same animal should be just as frightened when it sees a 
turtle, a tortoise, or a man bathing, is indeed remarkable. 


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THE ORANG-OUTAN. 27 


Our best insight into the habits of animals is generally gained by watching the actions 
of a single individual, and these biographies are usually found to be most interesting. An 
admirable description has been given by Dr. Abel of the young Orang-outan, which has been 
already mentioned. 

At first the ape was put into a cage, but he broke the bars and got out. Then he was 
chained, but he detached the chain from the staple, and finding that the heavy links incom- 
moded him, he coiled the chain round his shoulder, and to prevent it from slipping, held the 
end in his mouth. As he always succeeded in escaping from his bonds, his keepers made a 
virtue of necessity, and permitted him to enjoy the full range of the vessel. Among the ropes 
he was quite at home, and, trusting to his superior activity, was accustomed to take liberties 
with the sailors, and then escape among the ropes. One very curious trait in his character 
must be given in the words of the narrator. 

‘‘ Although so gentle when not exceedingly irritated, the Orang-outan could be excited to 
violent rage, which he expressed by opening his mouth, showing his teeth, and seizing and 
biting those who were near him. 

‘*Sometimes, indeed, he seemed almost driven to desperation ; and on two or three occa- 
sions committed an act which ina rational being would have been called the threatening of 
suicide. If repeatedly refused an orange when he attempted to take it, he would shriek 
violently and swing furiously about the ropes, then return and endeavor to obtain it. If again 
refused, he would roll for some time like an angry child upon the deck, uttering the most 
piercing screams ; and then, suddenly starting up, rush furiously over the side of the ship 
and disappear. 

**On first witnessing this act, we thought that he had thrown himself into the sea; but 
on a search being made, found him concealed under the chains.”’ 

He learned artificial tastes of civilization, and preferred tea and coffee to water. Tastes 
less natural and more to be regretted soon followed, for he took to drinking wine, and was so 
fond of spirituous liquids, that he was detected in stealing the captain’s brandy-bottle. This 
interesting animal survived the English climate for about eighteen months, and then succumbed 
to the usual foe of the monkey race. The fatal issue of the disease was probably promoted 
by the shedding of his teeth. 

In its native woods, the Orang-outan seems to be an unsocial animal, delighting not in 
those noisy conversaziones which rejoice the hearts of the gregarious monkeys and deafen the 
ears of their neighbors. It does not even unite in little bands of eight or ten as do many 
species, but leads a comparatively eremitical existence among the trees, sitting in dreamy 
indolence on the platform which it weaves, and averse to moving unless impelled by hunger, 
anger, or some motive equally powerful. When it does move, it passes with much rapidity 
from tree to tree, or from one branch to another by means of its long limbs, and launches 
itself through a considerable distance, if the space between the branches be too great for its 
reach of arm. 

It has already been mentioned that the adult Orang is a sullen and ferocious animal. It 
is almost totally animal in character ; there is hardly any space for the brain ; the head is sur- 
mounted with heavy ridges of bone, showing the great strength of the muscles that are attached 
to them ; the lower part of the face and the jaws projects greatly, and, in fine, the skull is 
almost wholly made up of face, jaws, and bony ridges. The teeth, too, are very formidable. 

The hair of the Orang-outan is of a reddish chestnut hue, deepening here and there into 
brown. The texture of the hair is coarse, and its length varies according to the part of the 
body on which it is placed. Over the face, back, breast, shoulders, and arms, it falls in thick 
profusion, becoming especially long at the elbow-joint, where the hairs of the upper and fore- 
arm meet. The face is partly covered with a beard, which seems to increase in size as the 
animal grows older. The hair of the face takes a lighter tinge of red than that of the body, 
and merges the red or auburn tint in the brown, on the inside of the limbs. 

Ata little distance, the face appears to be black; but if examined closely is found to 
present a bluish tint. 

The Mias-kassar is similar to the Mias-pappan in general appearance, and color of hair ; 


2 THE SIAMANG. 


10 6) 


but is eyidently a different species from the Pappan, and not the young of that animal. Of 
this ape, Sir J. Brooke says, that it is ‘ta small, slight animal; by no means formidable in 
its appearance ; with hands and feet proportioned to the body. They do not approach the 
gigantic extremities of the Pappan either in size or power; and, in short, a moderately strong 
man could readily ovefpower one; when he would not stand a shadow of a chance with the 
Pappan.”’ 

The height of a full-grown Pappan does not seem to be quite so great as has been supposed. 
Credible informants, however, tell us that they usually grow to the height of five feet, or even 
more, which, taking into consideration the extreme length of the arms, and the general mus- 
cular development, gives usa very large ape indeed. Sir J. Brooke was deceived into the 
belief that one of these animals which he killed was nearly six feet in stature ; but was sur- 
prised to find when the animal was dead that the height was very much overrated. 

Many of the quadrumanous animals, among which are the large apes, the siamang, many 
of the tailed monkeys, and the baboons, are furnished with a singular appendage to the throat, 
which has been carefully investigated by M. Vrolik. This appendage consists of a pouch, 
varying in form and size, which is connected with the lungs by an opening into the windpipe, 
and can be dilated with air at the pleasure of the animal. 

The result of his researches is, that the air-pouch is not connected with the voice ; but 
that it is intended to reduce the specific gravity of the animal, and to assist it in climbing or 
leaping. The pouch is not a mere hollow sac; but is furnished with many subordinate recep- 
tacles, something like a badly made glove, with three or four additional fingers or thumbs. 
These prolongations lie between the muscles of the throat. They are larger in the male than 
in the other sex, and increase together with the growth of the animal. In the Orang-outan, 
these pouches are very largely developed; much more so than in the chimpanzee. The 
siamang possesses them of a large size, while the gibbons are without them. 

The generic name Simia, which is applied to these apes, and which serves to distinguish 
the entire family, is derived from the Greek word Simos, signifying ‘‘ flat-nosed.”’ 


THE SIAMANG. 


THe accounts of this ape vary extremely. Some authors pronounce the Siamang to be a 
dull and stupid animal, caring not to distinguish between friends and foes; never moving 
until forced to do so, and hardly even taking the trouble to put food into its mouth. Others 
give to the Siamang the character of being a lively and affectionate creature, soon tamed, and 
attaching itself strongly to those with whom it has made acquaintance, and who behave kindly 
to it. As the latter character has been borne by the Siamang when in the possession of those 
who treated it well, and studied its habits, it is but justice to the creature to give it the credit 
of good behavior. 

The SIAMANG is a Sumatran animal, and, as far as is known, is found in no other spot on 
the globe. The color of the hair is black, and it is so thickly planted, that, although it is but 
short, it conceals the skin, except in one or two spots, such as the upper part of the breast, 
where the skin can be seen through the woolly covering. It is a large animal, measuring some 
three feet in height, when it has attained to its full growth. The arms are long, and the hands 
narrow, with slender fingers covered with the woolly black hair as far as the roots of the nails. 
The term Syndactila, or “* joined-fingers,”’ is applied to this ape because the first and second 
fingers of the hinder limbs are united as far as the middle of the second joint. This union of 
the members is by means of a membrane that runs between the fingers, and does not extend to 
the bones, which when stripped of their fleshy coverings are found to be as distinct as those 
of any other animal. 

There is a curious structure of the throat which is worth notice. This consists of a double 
pouch under the chin and throat, formed by the loose folds of skin. When the animal is 
excited either by anger or pleasure, it inflates these pouches to such a degree, that their 
exterior surface becomes quite glossy, The pouches are without hair, 


THE SIAMANG. 29 


At sunrise and sunset, the Siamangs assemble in great numbers, under the command of a 
chief who is thought by the natives to be weapon-proof, and, being assembled, utter most 
hideous yells, each striving to outdo the other in their cries. It is supposed by some writers 
that the peculiar resonance of the animal’s cry, is in a great measure to be attributed to the 
throat-pouches above mentioned. M. Vrolik, however, seems to be of a different opinion, as 
has been already noticed in the account of the Orang-outan. Except at the beginning and end 
of the day, the Siamangs are comparatively quiet. 

There is not a very great development of the combative nature in this animal, which is 
timid, unless urged by those feelings which inspire even the weakest and mildest creatures 
with reckless courage. The poor animal has no notion how to inflict or avoid a blow; but in 
defence of its young, when threatened with danger, or in revenge for their loss, if slain, the 
mother Siamang dauntlessly flings herself upon the enemy, caring nothing for her own life in 
comparison with that of her offspring. 

When permitted to range unmolested in the woods, the care of the mother Siamang for 
her young affords a pleasing, and sometimes an amusing spectacle. But the father must not 
be passed over without the tribute of honor due to his paternal virtues. Those who have 
watched the Siamangs as they wandered unrestrainedly, say that the parents divide the care 
of the family between them ; the father taking care of the male offspring, and the mother of 
the females. They are properly solicitous about the cleanliness of their young charge, and 
duly wash them, rub and dry them, in spite of the screams and struggles of the little ones. 

It Seems to be a general rule, that when an animal is peculiarly adapted for one mode of 
life, displaying singular powers therein, it is quite at a loss when placed in an uncongenial 
condition. The bats, for example, are awkward and helpless animals when placed on a level 
surface; so are many of the swift-winged birds, such as the albatross, the frigate-bird, and 
others, while the diving-birds are just as clumsy on land as they are agile in the water. -So it 
is with the Siamang, for its great length of limb, that gives it such powers of locomotion 
among trees, forms a serious impediment to its progress on level ground. Among the trees 
the Siamang is unapproachable ; and although not quite so active as the gibbons, is yet suffi- 
ciently so to be perfectly secure from pursuit. But let the creature once descend to earth, and 
it is so embarrassed by its long limbs that it can be overtaken and captured with ease. Indeed, 
those specimens that have been taken unhurt, have almost invariably been made prisoners 
while struggling to regain the shelter of the trees. 

One of these animals was for some time an inmate of a ship, where it became quite com- 
panionable, and gained the affections of passengers and crew. So far from exhibiting the 
sullen and sluggish demeanor which has been attributed to this ape, the Siamang displayed 
great activity and quickness, skipping about the ropes, and given to harmless tricks. It took 
a fancy to a little Papuan girl who was on board, and would sit with its arms round her neck, 
eating biscuit with her. It was of an inquisitive nature, running up the rigging, and watching 
from its elevated position a passing vessel, and remaining there until the ship was out of sight. 
In temper it was rather uncertain, and apt to fly into a passion if opposed in any wish. 

When thus excited, it would fling itself down, just like a naughty, spoiled child, roll 
about the deck with great contortion of limbs and face, strike at everything which came in its 
way, and scream incessantly, with a sound like ‘‘ Ra! ra! ra!” 

It had a strange predilection for ink, and in order to procure this remarkable dainty, 
would drain the ink-bottle whenever there was an opportunity of ‘so doing, or suck the pens 
in default of the liquid itself. Being itself destitute of a tail, and feeling no fear of reprisals 
in that direction, the Siamang used to make very free with the tails of some monkeys that 
lived on board of the same vessel. Catching an unfortunate monkey by its caudal appendage, 
away went Ungka, as the ape was named, dragging the monkey after him along the deck, 
until the wretched animal writhed itself free from its tormentor. At another time, Ungka 
would carry the monkey by the tail up the rigging, in spite of its squeaks and struggles, and 
then quietly let it drop. 

It was sensitive to ridicule; and when its feelings were hurt, it used to inflate its throat 
until it resembled a huge wen, and looked seriously at the offenders, uttering hollow barks at 


30 THE GIBBONS. 


intervals. This sound seemed to be used for the purpose of expressing irritation. Anger was 
expressed by the shrieking *‘ Ra! ra!’’ and pleasure by a kind of mixture between a squeak 
and a chirp. 

For the account of this animal we are indebted to Mr. Bennett, who has related many 
other traits indicative of its character. Sir 8. Rafiles possessed several specimens of this ape, 
and describes them as being social in their manners, and of an intelligent nature. Although 
they were powerful animals, they were gentle, and showed themselves to be pleased with the 
society of those persons to whom they were attached. 


THE GIBBONS. 


Aurnouer in their physical charac- 
ters the GIBBONS bear much resemblance 
to the apes which have already been de- 
scribed, yet there are some peculiarities 
in form and anatomy which show them 
to be a link of transition between the 


ZZ great apes, and the lesser monkeys and 
Go, baboons. 
‘ ( Wy They possess, although in a small 
~ SN degree, those singular callosities on the 
THE LAR GIBBON.—Hylébates lar. hinder quarters which are so conspicuous 


in the baboon family, and assume such 

strange tints. The gorilla, chimpanzee, and the orangs, are entirely destitute of these 

peculiarities, but the Gibbons are found to possess them, although the callosities are very 
small, and hidden by the fur from a casual view. 

As in the great apes, the arms of the Gibbons are of enormous length, and endowed with 


THE SILVERY GIBBON. ol 


exceeding power of muscle, though the strength which resides in these largely developed limbs 
is of a different character. 

If the gigantic and powerful gorilla be compared to Hercules, then the light and active 
Gibbons may find their type in Mercury, the swift aerial messenger of the Olympian deities. 
The ponderous weight of the larger apes binds them to earth ; and even the orangs, which are 
more active than the chimpanzee, are no very great adepts at leaping through great intervals 
of space. But the Gibbons seem to pass nearly as much time in the air as on the branches, 
shooting from one resting-place to 
another, with such rapid movements, 
that the eye can hardly follow their 
course—the very swallows of the 
monkey race. 

From their wonderful agility in 
flinging themselves from branch to 
branch, or from tree to tree, natural- 
ists have given to these animals the 
generic name of hylobates, signifying, 
‘‘tree traverser.”’ And carrying out 
the mythological comparison which 
has just been mentioned, the name 
Lar has been attributed to this species. 

The SILvERY GIBBON derives its 
name from the silver-gray color which 
generally pervades the fur. In some 
parts of the body, however, there is a 
browner tinge, and the face and palms 
of the hands are quite black. The sides 
of the face are covered with white, 
furry hair, which is so plentiful, that 
although the ears are tolerably large, 
they are nearly hidden among the 
luxuriant hairy fringe that encircles 
the head. The eyes of this and of the 
other Gibbons are deeply sunk in the 
head. The size of the Silvery Gibbon 
is little different from that of Gibbons ; 
generally, the adult animal measuring i GE NK 42 nite 
about three feet or so in_ height. Be eis ii) f 
Active, as are all its relatives, it lives SILVERY GIBBON.—AHjylébates leuciscus. 
among the branches and tall canes of 
the Malaccas, and displays in these congenial habitations the same sportive agility that is so 
peculiar to the Gibbons. 

A very different group of animals now comes before us, separated even by the outer form 
from the apes. 

The chief distinction which strikes the eye, is the presence of a tail, which is of some 
length, and in several species, among which we may mention the SrPpat itself, is extremely 
long and slender in proportion to the body. The arms of these animals are not of that inor- 
dinate length which is seen in the limbs of the apes, but are delicate and well proportioned. 
The hinder paws, or hands, are extremely slender, their thumbs being short, and are twice 
the length of the fore-paws. 

Some of these monkeys are furnished with small cheek-pouches, while others appear to 
be destitute of these natural pockets. The callosities of the hinder quarters are well shown. 

In this group of the Quadrumana, the characteristics of the apes disappear, and the ani- 
mals betray more clearly their quadrupedal nature. Very seldom do they assume the erect 


32 THE SIMPAT. 


attitude, preferring to run on all fours like a dog, that being their legitimate mode of pro- 
gression. Even when they do stand on their hind feet, the long tail at once deprives them of 
that grotesque semblance of the human form, which is so painfully exhibited in the tail-less 
apes. Besides these external distinctions, there are many remarkable peculiarities in the 
anatomy of the internal organs, which also serve to settle the position of the animal in the 
order of nature. Among these internal organs, the stomach displays the most remarkable 
construction, being very large, and divided into compartments that bear some resemblance to 
those in the stomach of ruminating animals. _ 

These monkeys are distributed through several parts of the world, the Simpai making its 
residence in Sumatra. 

This is a beautiful little animal, and is 
pleasing both for elegance of shape, and the 
contrasting tints with which its fur is deco- 
rated. The prevailing color of the body is a 
light chestnut, with a perceptible golden tinge, 
showing itself when the light falls obliquely on 
the fur. The inside of the limbs and the abdo- 
men are not so bright as the rest of the body, 
but take a most sober tint of gray. At the top 
of the head the hair is straight, and is set on 
nearly perpendicularly, so as to form a narrow 
crest. The color of the crest, together with 
that of a narrow band running over the eyes 
and temples, is black. From this conspicuous 
peculiarity, the Simpai (Presbytes melalophos) 
is also called the Black-crested Monkey. The 
name Presbytes signifies an old man, and is 
given to these monkeys on account of the 
wizened, old-fashioned aspect of their counte- 
nances. The term ‘‘melalophos’’ is literally. 
‘‘black-crested,’’ and therefore a very appro- 
priate name for this species. 

The length of this animal, measured from 
the nose to the root of the tail, is about twenty 
inches, and that of the tail itself is not very far 
from three feet. Its fur is very soft and glossy. 

Several allied species are rather celebrated 
; among furriers for the beauty of their natural 

BUDENG.—Semnopithecus maurus. garments, and suffer much from the hunters. 

A well-known example, the Negro Monkey, 

sometimes called the Moor, or the Budeng, furnishes the long black monkey-fur that is put to 

so many uses. Jet black as is the long silky fur of an adult Budeng, it is of a very different 

color when the creature is young. The fur of the very young Negro Monkey is of a yellowish 

red color, and the black tint appears first on the hands, whence it spreads up the arms, across 
the shoulders, and by degrees creeps over the whole body. 

It is a native of Java, and is a gregarious animal, being found in troops of fifty or more in 
number, and extremely noisy on the approach of a human being. In temper it is said to be 
morose and sulky, so that, in spite of its beautiful coat, it is seldom domesticated. In such a 


case a bad temper must be a positive blessing to a monkey. 

Not only for the skins are these monkeys valuable. Their teeth are in some favor for the 
composition of ornaments, being pierced and curiously strung together. 

There is another substance which is furnished by some individuals among this group of 
monkeys, but is not always found in them. This is the bezoar, a substance which was long in 
high esteem for the cure of disease, and even now is used for that purpose by the physicians 


THH HNTELLUS. 33 


of the East. The word bezoar is originally ‘‘bad-zahr,”’ or poison-expeller, and was applied 
to this substance as it was supposed to possess extraordinary virtue in destroying the effects 
of poison, whether administered internally, or applied to the bite of serpents, or the wounds 
caused by poisoned weapons. The bezoars are concretions, chiefly of phosphate of lime, which 


are found in the stomachs of 
most valuable being those of 
highly valued were the last, 
times their weight in gold. 

Those of the Asiatic monkeys are considered the 
most valuable of all the bezoars, as, although small 
in size, they are powerful in | Ka quality. It is a somewhat 
remarkable circumstance he eae atbilica. that these monkeys, with 
their approximation to the ruminant stomach, should 
produce the same description of substance that was formerly thought to be the special property 
of the ruminating animals. ‘ 

A well-known example of this group of monkeys is the HoonumAN, or EnrEetxus. This 
is a considerably larger animal than the Simpai, as the adult Hoonuman measures three or 


many ruminating animals, the 
the Persian wild goat. ‘So 
that they were sold for ten 


B4 THE ENTELLUS. ss 


four feet from the nose to the root of the tail, and the tail itself rather exceeds the body in 
leneth. The color of this monkey when young is a greyish brown, excepting a dark brown line 
along the back and over the loins. As the animal increases in years, the fur darkens in color, 
chiefly by means of black hairs that are inserted at intervals. The face, hands, and feet are 
black. 

It is a native of India, and fortunately for itself, the mythological religion is so closely 
connected with it that it lives in perfect security. Monkeys are never short-sighted in spying 
out an advantage, and the Entellus monkeys are no exception to the rule. Feeling themselves 
masters of the situation, and knowing full well that they will not be punished for any delin- 
quency, they take up their position in a village with as much complacency as if they had 
built it themselves. They parade the streets, they mix on equal terms with the inhabitants, 
they clamber over the houses, they frequent the shops, especially those of the pastrycooks 
and fruit-sellers, keeping their proprietors constantly on the watch. 

Reverencing the monkey too much to afford active resistance to his depredations, the 
shopkeepers have recourse to passive means, and by covering the roofs of their shops with 
thorn-bushes, deprive the thieving deity of his chief point of vantage. Let it not be a matter 
of wonder that a thief can be a god, for even the civilized Romans acknowledged Mercury 
to be the god of thieves, and they only borrowed their mythology from a much more ancient 
source. Certainly the Hoonuman gives practical proof of his claims to be the representative 
of such a deity; for he possesses four hands with which to steal, and neglects no oppor- 
tunity of using them all. 

Conscious of the impropriety of its behavior, the monkey does not steal anything while 
the proprietor is looking at it, but employs various subtle stratagems in order to draw off 
the owner’s attention while it filches his goods. Many ludicrous anecdotes of such crafty 
tricks are known to every one who has visited India, and employed his eyes. 

The banyan-tree is the favored habitation of these monkeys; and among its many 
branches they play strange antics, undisturbed by any foes exceptithg snakes. These rep- 
tiles are greatly dreaded by the monkeys, and with good reason. However, it is said that 
the monkeys kill many more snakes in proportion to their own loss, and do so with a curiously 
refined cruelty. A snake may be coiled among the branches of the banyan, fast asleep, 
when it is spied by a Hoonuman. After satisfying himself that the reptile really is sleeping, 
the monkey steals upon it noiselessly, grasps it by the neck, tears it from the branch, and 
hurries to the ground. He then runs to a flat stone, and begins to grind down the reptile’s 
head upon it, grinning and chattering with delight at the writhings and useless struggles 
of the tortured snake, and occasionally inspecting his work to see how it is progressing. 
When he has rubbed away the poor animal’s jaws, so as to deprive it of its poison-fangs, 
he holds great rejoicings over his helpless foe, and tossing it to the young monkeys, looks 
complacently at its destruction. 

Besides the reverence in which this animal is held through its deification, it has other 
claims to respect through the doctrine of metempsychosis, or the transmigration of souls 
through the various forms of animal life. From the semblance of human form which is 
borne by the monkeys, their frames were supposed to be the shrines of human souls that 
had nearly reached perfection, and thereby made their habitations royal. Therefore, to insult 
the Hoonuman is considered to be a crime equivalent to that of insulting one of the royal 
family, while the murder of a monkey is high treason, and punished by instant death. 
Many times have enthusiastic naturalists, or thoughtless ‘‘ griffs,’? endangered their lives 
by wounding or killing one of these sacred beings. The report of such a sacrilegious offence 
is enough to raise the whole population in arms against the offender; and those very men 
who study cruelty as a science, and will inflict the keenest tortures on their fellow-beings 
without one feeling of compunction,—who will leave an infirm companion to perish from 
hunger and thirst, or the more merciful claws of the wild beasts, will be outraged in their 
feelings because a monkey has been wounded. - 

The hunters in India find these animals to be useful auxiliaries in some cases, though 
tiresome in the main. They collect on boughs when a tiger or similar animal of prey passes 


THE PROBOSCIS MONKEY. 35 


under them, and often serve to point out to the hunter the whereabouts of the quarry. A tree 
thus covered with monkeys is a curious sight; for the boughs are studded with them as 
thickly as fruit, and the pendent tails give an absurd appearance to the group. 

Although each part of every animal must be formed with some definite object, there are 
many which seem to be devoid of use, and among them is the monkey’s tail. 

Some of the monkeys—the spider-monkeys of America, for example—find in their tail a 
most useful member, by means of which they can suspend themselves from boughs, aid their 
limbs in tree-climbing, or, on an emergency, pick an object out of a crevice which the hand 
could not enter. But the use of the 
tails belonging to these old-world 
monkeys does seem to be very obscure. 

Some writers have opined that 
the tails are intended to balance the 
body in the various attitudes assumed 
by its owner. But when we reply 
that the Gibbons, although very much 
more agile, and, from their very form, 
requiring more balancing than the 
monkeys, yet are totally devoid of 
tails, this supposition falls to the 
ground. It cannot be for the purpose 
of flapping away flies that these ani- 
mals are furnished with such long and 
slender tails, for their shape renders 
them useless for that occupation ; and, 
besides, the hands of the monkeys are 
much better fly-flappers than its tail 
could possibly be. 

The question arises, ‘‘ What does 
the monkey do with his tail ?”’ 

He nibbles it sometimes, when he 
is at a loss for occuption. 

It is a curious fact that—at all 
events in captivity—the long-tailed 
monkeys 27/2 eat their tails, and noth- 
ing seems to deter them from this 
strange act. The tips of those mem- ~ ji : 
bers have been covered with plasters, KAHAU.—Presbyles larvétus. 
and have been tied up in bandages, 
but without effect. The ends of the tails have been treated with aloes, cayenne pepper, and 
other disagreeable substances, just as the finger-tips of a nail-biting child are dressed. But, 
though the creature splutters and makes strange grimaces at the horrid flavors that greet his 
palate, he cannot refrain from the accustomed luxury, and perseveres in his nibbling. One 
great charm of this habit seems to be the excitement felt by the monkey in trying how far he 
can nibble without smarting for it. Whatever may be the cause, the effect is that the tail is 
gradually eaten up, in spite of all endeavors to prevent such a consummation. Considered in 
a social light, the tails are calculated to promote the merriment of the company, for they 
are admirable handles for practical jokes, and afford mutual amusement, not unmingled with 
indignation. 

The Prosposcts MonKEY, or Kanu, as it is sometimes called, on account of its cry bearing 
some resemblance to that word, is an inhabitant of Borneo, and probably of several neigh- 
boring countries. It is, as may be seen by the engraving, an animal of very unattractive 
features, principally on account of its enormously lengthened nose. This feature does not- 
present itself in perfection until the Kahau has reached its maturity. When the animal is 


36 URSINE AND BLACK COLOBUS. 


very young, there are but few indications of the singular length to which this feature will 
attain ; for, although it is rather more prominent than in most of the monkeys, it is rather of 
that description of nose denominated ‘‘ retroussé.”’ 

In size, the Kahau is about equal to the hoonuman, and seems to be an active animal, 
leaping from branch to branch, through distances of fifteen feet or more. The natives assert, 
that while leaping they take their noses in their hands, in order to guard that feature from 
being damaged by contact with branches. Whether this refinement of caution be true or not, 
it is certain that they do hold their outstretched hands in a manner unlike that of the gen- 
erality of monkeys, and probably for the purpose just mentioned. 

These monkeys are fond of society, assembling together in large troops, and howling with 
exceeding fervor. They observe hours, regulating themselves by the sun, at whose rising and 
setting they congregate together, and perform their arboreal gymnastics. 

For the preternatural ugliness of the countenance, the Kahau is partially compensated 
by the beautiful coloring of its fur, which is thick, but not woolly, nor very long. The prin- 
cipal color in the body is a bright chestnut red ; the sides of the face, part of the shoulders, 
and the under parts of the body being of a golden yellow. A rich brown tint is spread over 
the head and between the shoulders; the arms and legs taking a whiter tinge than the 
shoulders. 

The nostrils of this creature do not at all resemble those of man, although the animal’s 
nose seems to be a burlesqued edition of the corresponding feature of the human countenance. 
They are placed quite at the extremity of the nose, and are separated from each other by a 
very thin cartilage. They are therefore, as has been observed in a former page, quite devoid 
of that expressive character which is so strongly exhibited in the contour of the human nostril. 

We will pass on to more pleasing animals; but before taking leave of this group of 
monkeys we must observe that they are hardly deserving of the title ‘‘ Slow Monkeys,”’ which 
has been applied to them. They sit quietly on the branches, with their tails hanging down, 
and their bodies gathered together; but they only need some exciting cause to make them 
throw off their seeming apathy. They then spring from branch to branch, flinging them- 
selves towards their mark with wonderful precision, and are all life and energy. 


THE COLOBUS. 


THE scientific name which is given to this genus of monkeys, explains—as is the proper 
office of names—one of the leading peculiarities of the animals. The title ‘‘Colobus”’ is a 
Greek word, signifying ‘‘stunted,’’ or ‘‘maimed,”’ and is given to these animals because the 
thumbs of the two fore-limbs give but little external indication of their presence, so that the 
hand consists merely of four fingers. They are exclusively African animals. They are rather 
handsome creatures, and their hair is sufficiently long and silky to be valuable as a fur. 

The Ursine, or Bear-like Colobus, is so named because the general color of its long black 
fur, and the form of the monkey itself, with the exception of the tail, has something of the 
bearish aspect. The cheeks and chin of this animal are covered with white hair; there is a 
white patch on the hind legs; and, with the exception of a few inches at its root, which retain 
the black hue of the body, the tail is of a beautiful white, terminated with a long and full 
white tuft. 

Another species, called the Full-maned Colobus, is rather a ‘remarkable animal, not so 
much on account of its habits, of which little is known, but on account of the huge mass of 
long hairs which cover the head and shoulders, falling nearly as low as the middle of the 
breast. The color of this mane, or ‘‘full-bottomed peruke,’’ as it has also been called, is 
yellow, with black hairs intermixed. Like the Ursine Colobos, the Full-mane possesses a, tail 
of a white color, decorated with a snowy-white tuft. 

The Black Colobus is devoid of those exquisitely white portions of the fur that are so ° 
strongly marked in the Ursine and the Full-maned Colobus. The head, body, limbs, and even 
the tail, are jet black, unrelieved by any admixture of a lighter tint, This uniform black hue 


THE GUEREZA. 37 


of the long glossy fur, has earned for the animal the demoniacal title which will be found 
appended to the figure. Beside the sable garments that are conventionally attributed to the 
powers of darkness, the animal in question is probably in part indebted for its name to the 
black crest, that projects over the forehead and eyes with so pert and impish an air. 

Our last example of this genus is the beautifully adorned GuEREzA. This monkey presents 
a singular example of contrast in colors. The back, shoulders, the crown of the head, the 
limbs, and part of the tail, are black. But along the sides, the black hairs have hardly run a 
fifth of their course, when they suddenly become of a pure white. This change is not effected 
by a gradual melting of the black into white, but the line of demarcation is clearly defined. 


URSINE COLOBUS.—Colobus ursinus. BLACK COLOBUS.— Colobus satanas. 


There is also a fringe of white hairs that encircles the cheeks, and becoming suddenly very 
narrow, runs across the forehead, just above the eyes, and is boldly contrasted with the black 
face and black scalp. The tail ends ina whitish tuft, but not so large as that of the Ursine 
Colobus, nor so purely white. 

Very little is known of the habits of this animal, but it is said to be a gentle creature, 
feeding on insects as well as on the usual vegetable food for monkeys.” 

It is a native of Abyssinia, and its name ‘‘ Guereza”’ is its Abyssinian title. 

The beauty of its fur causes it to be much sought after by the natives of the country, who 
make its skin into coverings for the curiously shaped shields which they bear. The white 
fringe is the part that is chiefly valued, and its appearance on a shield points out at once a 
person of distinction in its bearer. 

We now arrive at a group of small monkeys, with exceedingly long names. The term 
‘*Cercopithécus”’ is composed from two Greek words, signifying ‘‘ tailed ape.”’ 

The monkeys belonging to this genus are very abundant in their native forests, and the 
unfortunate peripatetic monkeys that parade the streets in tormenting company with barrel 
organs, or seated on the backs of dejected and pensive bears, are mostly members of this group. 


38 GRIVET, GREEN- MONKEY, AND VERVET 


The first glance at one of these monkeys will detect a peculiar sheen of the fur, that bewilders 
the eye and conceals the precise color. If, however, the hairs are examined separately, each 
hair will be found to be varied in color several times, black and yellow being the principal 
colors. First the hair will be black for a part of its length, then yellow, then black again, and 
so on to the tip. As the black has something of a bluish tinge in it, the mixture of the yellow 
and blue gives an undefined greenish hue, as to cause the name of Green Monkey to be given 
to the animal. ? 

The Cercopitheci are remarkable for the singularly large development of the cheek pouches, 
which seem to possess an illimitable 
power of extension, and to accumu- 
late a strange medley of articles. 
Supply one of these monkeys with 
nuts or biscuit, and he will contrive 
to put the greater part of the food 
into his cheek pouches, only eating 
a small portion at the time. 

I never knew but one instance 
when the pouches were quite full, 
and even then the monkey was a 
small one, and the nuts were large. 
The little creature was liberally 
gifted with nuts, with the special 
purpose of ascertaining the capabil- 

_ities of the pouches, and after dilat- 
ing its cheeks to a wonderful extent 
with large “cob” nuts, it was at last 
compelled to empty them into its 
hands. - 

These pouches have been aptly 
compared to the stomach of a rumi- 
nant animal, and are employed in 
much the same manner. By means 
of the possession of these natural 
cupboards, the monkey is enabled to 

make little incursions, to eat as 
much food as hunger demands, and 
to carry away sufficient nourishment 
for one or two meals more, without 
being embarrassed in its retreat by 
its burden. 

It is worth notice that the word ‘“‘monkey”’ is derived from the name of this group, the 
Mona. The diminutive of Mona is Monikin, the transition from which word to our ‘“‘monkey”’ 
is sufficiently evident. 

The Grivet, or Tora, as it is called by some writers, is of a sombre green color; the green 
being produced, as has been already mentioned, by the black and yellow hair. The limbs and 
tail are of a grayer tint than the rest of the body, the yellow portion of the hair being changed 
to a dull white. The inside of the limbs and the abdomen are slightly tinged with white. In 
the male animal the canine teeth are rather protuberant, showing themselves beyond the lips. 
The naked skin of the face, ears, and palms, is black, dashed with that deep violet hue that is 
found in so many of the monkeys. At each side of the head, the white hairs stand out boldly, 
whisker fashion, and give a very lively character to the head. It is an African animal, and 
common in Abyssinia. 

The GrEEN Monkey, is sometimes called the Callithrix, or Beautiful-haired Monkey, on 
account of the exquisitely delicate marking of each separate hair, The inside of the limbs is 


GUEREZA.— Oolobus gueréza. 


_GREEN MONKEYS. é 


THE POWER OF KINDNESS. 39 


nearly white, as-is the under surface of the body, and the outer side of the limbs takes a gray- 
ish tinge. The hairy fringe that grows over the side of the face is of a delicate golden yellow. 

This monkey is a native of Senegal and the neighboring parts, and is frequently brought 
to this country. 

The VERVET is rather a variable animal in point of color, some specimens being decidedly 
pale, while others assume a blackish hue. In general, the color of the animal is as follows. 
The prevailing tint of the fur is much the same as that of the Grivet, to which animal the 
Vervet bears a strong resemblance. The head, the throat, and breast, are of a light dun, the 
paws being very dark. In the male Vervet the canines are rather long, and show their points 
beyond the lips. 

These little animals are extremely abundant in their native land, and in Senegal especially 
are seen among the branches in immense troops. They seem to feel their own dignity as mas- 
ters of the wood, and are aggrieved by the intrusion of human beings into their special domains. 
They are so agile and swift in their movements, and withal so quick of sight, that they almost 
invariably descry an intruder before themselves are visible. There may be hundreds of little 
heads peering through the branches of the very tree under which the traveller is seated, and 
double the number of sharp little eyes glittering among the foliage ; but their owners are so 
lithe and cautious, that their presence remains undiscovered until they choose to announce 
themselves in their own fashion. ; , 

Monkeys have their code of etiquette as well as men; and, as they do not possess cards, 
the correct mode in which a monkey announces its presence to a human visitor is by dropping 
a piece of stick upon him. Perhaps he may consider the stick to be only a twig fallen in the 
course of nature, and so take no notice of it. Down comes another stick, and if that does not 
cause him to look up, several more are let fall upon him until his attention is drawn to the 
assembly in the branches. 

This point having been gained, the next object is to let the intruder know that his com- 
pany is undesirable, and that the sooner he takes his departure the more agreeable it will be 
for all parties. 

That the long-tailed party are averse to so big an animal without an inch of tail, is clearly 
shown by the angry chattering that is set up, and the double rows of white and sharp teeth 
that are freely exhibited ; and that the position of the objectionable individual will become 
anything but agreeable, is practically proved by the riot among the branches, which are 
shaken with noisy violence, the constant cries and chattering, and the shower of sticks and 
various missiles that pour upon him from above. Whether the object of their dislike be 
armed or not, seems to make but little difference to these tetchy animals. Should he retreat 
from so unpleasant a proximity, well and good—they have achieved their point, and satisfied 
their pride of place. Should he retaliate, and hurl deadly leaden missiles among his perse- 
cutors in exchange for the harmless but disagreeable assaults committed on himself, they 
sullenly receive his fire, unterrified by the fall of their slaughtered companions, and, even 
when wounded, continue the unequal conflict. They evidently feel themselves in the right, 
and refuse to abandon their position. One traveller who had been thus treated by the monkeys, 
killed twenty-three of the poor animals in less than an hour—not much to his credit. 

Killing a monkey is always a pitiful business, for it is so much like an act of murder com- 
mitted ona human being. Many are the travellers who, urged either by anger, curiosity, 
scientific researches, or innate destructiveness, have destroyed these animals, and have been 
so stricken by remorse at the effect of their cruelty, that they have vowed never to kill another 
monkey as long as they lived. There are several most touching narratives of such scenes, but 
they are so trying to the feelings, that I can neither bring myself to write them, nor to inflict 
such tragical tales on my readers. It were much to be wished that men could read the effects 
of their cruelty in the eyes of other animals except the monkeys, and would bind themselves 
never to inflict one unnecessary pang upon any living creature. Surely no wounded monkey 
could look at its tormentor with more pitiful eyes than those of the over-laden and over-driven 
ass, or even the neglected and ill-treated dog. These latter animals, too, are always with us, 
and need not only the cessation of actual cruelty, but even the gift of human sympathies, 


40 MONKEY TRICKS. 


before they can take their proper place in creation, and become the true servants and com- 
panions of man. It rests with man, who gave names to all living beings, to complete the work 
which God began in making them, and by stooping from his own superior nature, to be a 
protecting and loving providence to the beings that are placed under him. By so doing, man 
draws out, fosters, and develops the better nature which is inherent in every animal, and which 
would remain concealed, like a seed in ice-bound soil, unless it were brought into vigorous life 
by the genial influence of a higher being. I cannot believe that any animal is utterly untame- 
able, and so totally brutish as to be insensible to the touch of kindness. There are many 
animals which are proof against the old-fashioned way of education, and which are only 
rendered more fierce and obstinate by the tortures and blows which were formerly so freely 
bestowed on animals in course of training. But these very animals have proved to be sensitive 
to gentle and kind treatment, and, though fierce and savage towards one who only approached 
in order to torment, became docile and subdued when in the hands of a tender and sympa- 
thetic owner. 

The same rule holds good with human beings ; and the great and beautiful truth becomes 
daily more apparent, that severity of punishment has an injurious rather than a beneficial 
effect, and that the only true rule is that of love. 

The Grivets and Vervets are frequent visitors to our land ; and being extremely inquisitive 
in character, as well as active in body, play strange pranks in their land of exile. One of 
these creatures which resided in London some few years ago, caused considerable annoyance 
to his neighbors, one of whom very kindly favored me with the following account of some 
of his misdemeanors. 

‘<A few years ago, we lived next door to a lady who had a pet monkey, which was one 
of the most imitative and mischievous little beings that ever existed. His imitative nature 
caused the servants so much trouble, that he had not a friend among those of his own house. 

‘“One day he observed the ladies’-maid washing her mistresses’ lace ; and his offers of 
assistance having been somewhat roughly repulsed by her, chattering and scolding he went 
forth in search of adventures. Unfortunately, my windows were invitingly open, and he 
entered, with the idea of washing fresh in his head. 

‘“‘ His spirit of curiosity induced him to open two small drawers, from which he abstracted 
their whole contents, consisting of lace, ribbons, and handkerchiefs. He placed these things 
in a foot-pan, together with all the water and soap that happened to be in the room, and he 
must then have washed away with great vigor; for when I returned to my room, after an 
absence of an hour or so, to my astonishment, I found him busily engaged in his laundry 
operations, spreading the torn and disfigured remnants to dry. He was well aware that he 
was doing wrong, for without my speaking to him, he made off the moment he saw me, going 
very quickly and hiding himself in the case of the kitchen clock in his own home. 

‘““By this act, the servants knew he had been doing mischief, as this was his place of 
refuge when he was in trouble or disgrace. 

‘One day he watched the cook while she was preparing some partridges for dinner, and 
I suppose that in his own mind he considered that all birds ought to be so treated, for he 
managed to get into the yard where his mistress kept a few pet bantam fowls, and after rob- 
bing them of their eggs, he secured one of the poor hens, with which he proceeded to the 
kitchen, and then commenced plucking it. The noise that the poor bird made brought some 
of the servants to the rescue, but they found it in such a pitiful and bleeding state, that in 
mercy it was at once killed. 

‘“‘ After this outrageous act, Mr. Monkey was chained up, which humiliated him so much 
that he steadily refused his food, and soon died.”’ 

Monkey flesh forms a favorite article of food with the human inhabitants of the same 
country, and is said to be tolerably good eating, though extremely dry and sapless. Part of 
this fault seems, however, to lie with the very primitive style of cooking which is prevalent 
in those regions, and which is achieved by running a sharp stake through the animal’s body, 
and letting it roast before the fire. 

Europeans find a difficulty in accustoming themselves to the sight of broiled monkey ; for 


LIKE MACAQUE 


OR DOG 


? 


KRA 


THE MONA. 41 


it presents an appearance so unpleasantly suggestive of a toasted child, that horrid ideas of 
cannibalism arise in the mind, and even a stomach sharpened by hunger revolts from the 
unsightly banquet. 

The well-known Mona monkey belongs to the same genus as the foregoing animals. All 
the long-tailed African monkeys are termed Monas by the Moors. On account of its green, 
maroon, gray, and white fur, it is sometimes called the Variegated Monkey. Little is known 
of its habits in a state of nature, and accounts of its captive character vary as much as is 
usually found in similar cases. On the authority of one writer, who speaks from personal 
experience, we are told that the adult Mona is savage and irritable ; while another, who also 
writes from personal observation, tells us that the Mona is gentle, and devoid of petulance or 
malice, its excellent disposition remaining unaltered by age. 


THE PATAS.— Cercopithecus ruber. 


One of these animals, which passed several years in Europe, was remarkable for its amiable 
temper; and although by no means free from the little mischievous and pilfering habits that 
are so inextricably interwoven in the monkey nature, was so quiet and gentle as to be left at 
perfect liberty. He was an adept at unlocking boxes and examining their contents, could 
unravel the intricacies of a knot, and was possessed of a hand dexterous and nimble at picking 
pockets. The last-named occupation seemed to afford peculiar gratification, which was in- 
creased by the fact that his visitors were accustomed to carry nuts, cakes, and other delicacies 
in their pockets, on purpose for the monkey to find them there. 

Many specimens of this animal have been brought to Europe, and their disposition seems 
to vary according to the temperament of their owner. Monkeys are very sensitive animals, 
and take much of their tone of character from that of the person with whom they are most 
familiar. 

They seem to be affected almost instantaneously by predilection or antipathy, and on their 
first interview with a stranger, will evince either a satisfaction at, or objection to, his presence, 
which they will maintain for ever afterwards. I have often watched this propensity, and seen 
the same animal come voluntarily and offer itself to be caressed by one person, while the very 
approach of another would set it chattering with anger. It may be that the animal is actuated 
simply by caprice ; but the more rational mode of accounting for such an action, is to suppose 
that the fine instincts which are implanted in its nature, enable it to discover its true friends 
at a glance without the trouble of testing them. 


42 THE PATAS. 


The Paras, sometimes called the Red Monkey, on account of the ruddy color of the hair, 
is of a bright chestnut, or fawn color, with a deep shading of red. This hue is shown very 
decidedly on the sides and on the outer portions of the hind legs, the legs themselves being of 
a darkish cream color. The breast and the fore-limbs are covered with hair, which much 
resembles that of the Green Monkey. é 

It is an inhabitant of Western Africa, being found very commonly in Senegal. In size it 
is much superior to the last-mentioned animal, reaching more than three feet in length. 

When left to an undisturbed life, these creatures are playful and inquisitive, but mis- 
chievous and spiteful withal. They display great courage when engaged in a fray, and if their 
size and strength were proportionate to 
their bravery and endurance, would be 
truly formidable antagonists. Even the 
fall of their comrades only seems to re- 
double their rage, and to stimulate them 
to increased exertions. 

Too crafty to venture upon close 
combat, these monkeys retain their posts 
of vantage on the tree-tops, and hurling 
from thence every kind of offensive mis- 
sile that -can be procured, render their 
attack a matter of exceeding inconveni- 
ence, even to armed men. During the 
skirmish, the monkeys distort their feat- 
ures into strange grimaces, and rend the 
air with their cries of rage. They have 
been known to follow boats up the course 
of a river, keeping pace upon the over- 
hanging trees, and becoming so trouble- 
some from the constant shower of sticks, 
fruits, and other missiles, that the occu- 
pants of the boats were forced to fire at 
their assailants, and to kill many of the 
number before they could be freed from 
‘ the annoyance. 

VaR) FI NONE S This, as well as the foregoing long- 
a DIA NAN Oarcopitheous Diana: tailed monkeys, belongs to that large 
group of quadrumanous animals called 
the GuENOoNS, nearly all of which possess similar characteristics of disposition. They are 
amusing and playful creatures, very active, and move with much grace of deportment. 
In captivity they are remarkable for their mercurial temperament, their ingenuity in 
devising and executing small malevolent pranks, and their insatiable appetite for nuts, and 
other similar dainties. They are curiously sensitive to ridicule, being thrown into furious 
excitement by any mocking gestures or sounds. Nothing seems to irritate a monkey more 
than a grin and a chatter, in imitation of its own habits. It will fly at the offender with furious 
looks and screams of rage, and, unless restrained by chains or bars, would be likely to inflict 
some damage by its sharp teeth. It will remember the person of its tormentor with singular 
tenacity of memory, and will ever after be thrown into a state of angry agitation by the sound 
of the hated voice. 

Although rather tetchy and hot-tempered, and too apt to resent any supposed slight or 
injury, the Guenons are very capable of education, and in the hands of a kind and gentle 
teacher can be trained to perform many curious feats. Severity defeats its own aim, and only 
makes the creature fall back upon the innate obstinacy which is inherent in most animals, and 
of which the monkey has a large share. But a kind instructor, and one who will never lose 
his own temper, may take in hand even a savage monkey and reduce it to gentle obedience. 


THE SOOTY MANGABEY. 43 


As a general rule, the male monkeys are less open to higher influences than the females, and 
are therefore more difficult subjects for the trainer. 

Nearly all the long-tailed monkeys that come to us belong to the Guenons, and the many 
anecdotes that are related of them may be safely attributed to this group of animals. 

The monkey which is known by the name of the Diana is remarkable not only for its 
quaint aspect, but for the richly variegated tints with which its fur is adorned. The most con- 
spicuous feature in the Diana Monkey, is the long and sharply pointed beard which decorates 
its chin and face. The color of the beard is a pure white, and the animal is extremely solicitous 
about the perfect spotlessness of its hue, taking every precaution to preserve the cherished 
ornament from stain. So careful is this monkey, that when it drinks it holds back its beard 
with one hand, lest it should dip into the liquid and be soiled. 

It may seem rather singular that an animal which bears so masculine an adornment should 
be named after the bright virgin huntress of mythology, radiant in her perpetual youth. But 
though as Diana the beard might be scarcely appropriate, yet as Hecate it would not be so very 
inconsistent. The reason, however, for giving to this monkey the title of the Diana, may be 
found not on the chin but on the forehead : where a semi-lunar line of white hair gleams out 
conspicuously against the black brows, and bears a close resemblance to the silvery crescent 
borne by the Diana of the ancients. 

The coloring of the fur is extremely diversified, and in sa parts assumes a force and 
richness of tint that we should rather expect in the plumage of a bird than in the fur of a 
monkey. The back is mostly of a deep chestnut color, and is relieved by a bright orange hue 
that covers the lower part of the abdomen and the inside of the thighs. The orange color is 
very much the same as that of the well-known penguin feathers a are so extensively used 
for slippers, pouches, and other fanciful articles. 

A band of pure white separates the chestnut from the orange, and serves to set them off to 
great advantage. The remainder of the body is of a rather dark gray, and the hands are 
nearly black. The color of the eye is a clear gray. 

In captivity it is rather a pleasing animal; almost fastidiously clean in habits, therein 
exhibiting an advantageous contrast to many of the monkey tribe. It is easily tamed, and 
walks deliberately forward to receive any gift at the hands of its visitors. When walking, its 
diverse colors produce a curious effect, especially when it is viewed from behind. 

Although it is by no means a rare species, and is found in plenty in Guinea, Congo, and 
other places, it is not so often imported as might be expected. The total length of tail and 
body is about four feet and a half, of which the tail occupies rather more than the moiety. 

There are several species of monkeys belonging to the genus Cercocebus (7. e. Tailed 
Monkey), of which the animal that is so well depicted in the accompanying illustration is a 
good type. The Mangabeys, as these monkeys are called, are all inhabitants of Western Africa. 
They are amusing in their habits, and gentle in manner; easily domesticated, and open to 
instruction. Their temper does not seem to be so irritable as that of many monkeys ; and 
even when they are roused to anger, their ire is comparatively evanescent. 

On account of the white hue which marks the eyelids, the Mangabeys are sometimes termed 

e ‘“‘ White-eyelid Monkeys.’’ The Sooty Mangabey is well named; for its general color 
is nearly black, something like a half-tint chimney-sweeper. The black hue is only found in 
the adult animal, the color of the young Mangabey being a fawn tint. Sometimes it goes by 
the name of the Negro Monkey ; and under these several titles suffers somewhat from the con- 
fusion that is almost inseparable from such uncertain nomenclature. It is rather a small 
animal, measuring some eighteen inches or so from the nose to the root of the tail, which occu- 
pies about the same space. 

Among the peculiar habits which distinguish the Mangabeys, we may especially notice 
the action of their lips, and the mode in which they carry the tail. They have a strange way 
of writhing their faces into a kind of quaint grin, in which they raise the lips, and exhibit the 
teeth almost as if they were laughing. When walking, they have a fashion of turning their 
tails over their backs, and carrying them reversed, in a line almost parallel with the direction 
of the spine. 


44 MACAQUES. 


Few monkeys can assume more out7é attitudes than the Mangabeys, which seem to be, 
among monkeys, almost the analogues of the acrobats among mankind ; and twist themselves 
into such strange contortions, that they seem to be able to dispense with the bones and joints 
with which other animals are furnished. They seem to be quite aware of their own accom- 
plishments, and soon learn that their display will bring in a supply of nuts, cakes, and fruit 
to their exchequer. So they keep a vigilant eye on the visitors, and when they conceive that 
they have drawn attention to themselves, they execute a series of agile gambols, in the hope 
of meeting the reward which sweetens labor. 


THE SOOTY MANGABEY.—Cercocébus fuliginésus. 


Their attention is soon excited by any object that is more than ordinarily glittering ; 
jewelry of all kinds being as magnets, to whichi their eyes and fingers are instinctively drawn. 
My own fingers have more than once been endangered by the exceeding zeal manifested by the 
animal in its attempts to secure a ring to which it had taken a sudden liking. The monkey 
held out its paw as if it wanted to shake hands, seized my fingers with both its hands, and did 
its best to remove the object of its curiosity ; fortunately, the ring fitted rather tightly, or it 
would probably have been lost or swallowed. As it was, a few scratches on my hands, and 


an outburst of disappointed anger on the part of the monkey, were the only results of the 
sudden attack. 


MACAQUES. 


THE various species of monkeys which are ranged under the common title of Macaques, 
are mostly well-known animals ; being plentiful in their native lands, and frequently domes- 
ticated, both in their own and in foreign countries. They are all inhabitants of Asia, although 

“ : 


BONNET MACAQUE, OR MUNGA. 45 


the word Macaco is the name which is given to all kinds of quadrumanous animals on the coast 
of Guinea, and is almost synonymous with our own word monkey. 
One of the best typical examples of this genus is found in the Bonner MacaQur, or 


MACAQUES. 


Mune, as it is often called. A native of Bengal and Ceylon, it is a frequent visitor to our 
shores ; being tolerably hardy in constitution, bearing the long voyage well, and suffering less 
from our insular climate than many of the monkey tribe. 

For the title of Bonnet it is indebted to the peculiar arrangement of the hairs on the crown 
of the head, which radiate in such a manner that they seem to form a kind of cap or bonnet, 


46 THE RHESUS, OR BHUNDER. 


The general color of the animal is a rather bright olive-grey, fading into white beneath. The 
skin of the face is of a leathery flesh color. 

The distinctions between the Macaques and the Cercopitheci: are not very striking ; but 
by comparison of the two genera, sufficiently decided variations are visible. These are rather 
comparative than absolute. In the Macaques, the muzzle is slightly more solid than in the 
Guenons, the body and head are larger, and in most species the tail is shorter. The callosities 
are well marked, and in some instances are rendered more conspicuous by a surrounding fold 
of skin devoid of hair. The limbs, too, are more muscular than those of the Guenons. These 
peculiarities may be seen on reference to the illustration. 

Whether the fault lies with its proprietor, or whether the temper of this Macaque be 
really uncertain, is difficult to say ; but its general disposition when in captivity is rather of a 
.shappish and crabbed character. Those who have had much to do with the Munga, say that 
it is very capricious, and that its good humor cannot be depended upon, as is the case with 
many domesticated monkeys. 

In its native land, the Munga enjoys exemption from most of the external ills to which 
monkey nature is liable ; for, in common with several other species, it is piously protected by 
the natives, on account of its importance in their myriad-deitied religion. Not content with 
permitting these monkeys to devastate his plantations at will,-the devout Hindoo prepares a 
home for them in his temple, where they rule supreme, and tolerate not the intrusion of any 
monkeys of another caste. When old, they are of a very high caste indeed, according to the 
Hindoo ideas on the subject. The more fierce*and savage the monkey, the higher is its caste ; 
and among serpents, the cobra is significantly the Brahmin. 

The Ruxsus, or BounDER Monkey, is rather a handsome animal in point of color; the 
usual olive-green and yellow being relieved by warmer tints of a very bright chestnut, almost 
amounting to orange. The back is of a brownish hue, while the lower part of the spine and 
the outside of the thighs is of the warm tint already smenniionadl -The arms and shoulders are 
lighter, and change to dun below. The eye is of a light brown color. 

As will be seen in the engraving, the Rhesus is of a short and sturdy make, and looks more 
like an ordinary quadruped than any of the preceding monkeys. ‘he tail, too, is very short, 
and the callosities are very conspicuous ; more on account of their ruddy color, than their size. 

For cool impudence and audacity, this monkey stands unrivalled among its congeners ; 
surpassing even the previous ‘animal in both these characteristics. 

So excellent and spirited a description has been given by Captain Johnson, of these monkeys 
in their wild state, that I cannot do better than present his account in his own words. 

‘‘ At Bindrabun (which name, I imagine, was originally Baunder-bund, literally signifying 
a jungle of monkeys), a town only a few miles distant from the holy city of Muttra, more than 
a hundred gardens are well cultivated with all kinds of fruit, solely for the support of these 
animals, which are kept up and maintained by religious endowments from rich natives. 

‘“When I was passing through a street in pmcrinen an old monkey came down to the 
lower branches of a tree we were going under, and pulled off my Harearrah’s turban, as he was 
running in front of the palanquin, decamped with it over some houses where it was impossible 
to follow him, and was not again seen. 

‘‘T once resided a month in that town, occupying a large house on the banks of the river, 
belonging to a rich native ; it had no dow s, and the monkeys frequently came into the room 
where we were sitting, carrying off bread and other things from the breakfast-table. If we 
were sleeping or sitting in a corner of the room, they would ransack every other part. 

‘“T often feigned sleep, to observe their manceuvres, and the caution with which they pro- 
ceeded to examine everything. JI was much amused to see their sagacity and alertness. They 
would often spring twelve or fifteen feet from the house to another, with one, sometimes two 
young ones under their bellies, carrying with them also, a loaf of bread, some sugar, or other 
article ; and to have seen the care they always took of their young would have been a good 
lesson to many mothers. 

‘“T was one of a party at Teekarry, in the Bahar district ; our tents were pitched in a large 
mango garden, and our horses were picketed in the same garden at a little distance off. 


THE RHESUS, OR BHUNDER. AT 


When we were at dinner, a Syce came to us, complaining that some of the horses had broken 
loose, in consequence of being frightened by monkeys on the trees ; that, with their chattering 
and breaking off the dry branches in leaping about, the rest would also get loose, if they were 
not driven away. 

‘* As soon as dinner was over, I went out with my gun to drive them off, and I fired with 
small shot at one of them, which instantly ran down to the lowest branch of the tree, as if he 
were going to fly at me, stopped suddenly, and coolly put its paw to the part wounded, covered 
with blood, and held it out for me to see: I was so much hurt at the time, that it has left an 
impression never to be effaced, and I have never since fired a gun at any of the tribe. 


RHESUS, OR BHUNDER MONKEY.—Macacus rhesus. 


‘‘ Almost immediately on my return to the party, before I had fully described what had 
passed, a Syce came to inform us that the monkey was dead ; we ordered the Syce to bring it 
to us, but by the time he returned, the other monkeys had carried the dead one off, and none 
of them could anywhere be seen. 

‘“‘T have been informed by a gentleman of great respectability, on whose veracity I can 
rely (as he is not the least given to relating wonderful stories), that in the district of Cooch- 
Bahar, a very large tract of land is actually considered by the inhabitants to belong to a tribe 
of monkeys inhabiting the hills near it ; and when the natives cut their different kinds of grain, 
they always leave about a tenth part piled in heaps for the monkeys. And as soon as their 
portion is marked out, they come down from the hills in a large body, and carry all that is 
allotted for them to the hills, storing it under and between rocks, in such a manner as to 
prevent vermin from destroying it. 

“On this grain they chiefly live; and the natives assert, that if they were not to have their 
due proportion, in another year they would not allow a single grain to become ripe, but would 
destroy it when green. In this account, perhaps, superstition has its full influence.”’ 

The natives are nearly as careful of the Rhesus, as of the Hoonuman itself; and take 
sanguinary revenge on any one who wounds or kills one of these animals. On one occasion, 
two officers, together with their servant, lost their lives in a popular tumult caused by the 


Acne THE MAQOT. 


death of a monkey, at which they had thoughtlessly fired. But although the monkeys 
may not be hurt, and are allowed to plunder the crops at their own sweet will, the Hindoo 
cultivators are by no means pleased to see their fields so often devastated, and would 
willingly preserve them from the depredators in spite of their divine, though thievish 
character. oti 

To drive away the monkeys is almost an impossible act on the part of the native proprietor ; 
for the monkeys consider themselves as quite on an equality with any dark-skinned human 
being, and decline to move an inch. So the only resource is to beg a European to undertake 
the task ; and the monkeys, knowing that a white man is not so scrupulous as a black one, 
take the hint, and move off. 

One ready-witted gentleman succeeded in keeping the monkeys away from his plantation 
for more than two years, and that without using any violence, or offending the prejudices of 
the natives. 

He had planted a patch of sugar-canes, and had seen his growing crops eaten by elephants, 
swine, deer, monkeys and other animals, without being able to guard the ground from the 
robbers. The heavier animals he excluded by means of a deep trench surrounding the cane- 
patch, and a strong palisading of bamboos just within the ditch. But the monkeys cared 
nothing for moat or wall, and carried off whole canes in their hands, eating them complacently 
as they proceeded to the shelter of the trees. 

For a long time this state of things continued, and the planter was doomed to see the 
ripening canes devoured in his very presence, and the chewed fragments spit in his face by the 
robbers. This last insult proved too great a strain for his patience to endure, and after some 
thought, he hit upon a stratagem which answered even beyond his expectation. 

He chased a flock of the monkeys into a tree, which he then felled ; and by the help of his 
assistants, captured a number of the young, which he conveyed home. 

” He then mixed some treacle with as much tartar-emetic as could be spared from the store, 
and after painting all the young monkeys with this treacherous mixture set them free. Their 
anxious parents had been watching for their offspring, and carried them away out of danger. 
The liberated captives were then surrounded by the whole troop, who commenced licking the 
treacle from their fur. Before very long, the expected effects made their appearance, and the 
poor monkeys presented a most pitiful appearance. 

The result of the affair was, that the monkeys were so terrified at the internal anguish 
which their depredations had caused them to suffer, that they fled the place, and not a monkey 
was seen in that locality until long afterwards. 

In captivity they are most mischievous, and are always on the watch for an opportunity 
of exhibiting a little malice. 

They tear pieces out of the dress of anybody who may happen to approach near their cage ; 
they snatch at any ornament that strikes their quick eyes; they grin and chatter with exulta- 
tion when they succeed in their mischief, and scream with rage when they are foiled. They 
prefer to exercise these abilities on human sufferers ; but in default of man, whom they con- 
sider their legitimate game, they are not above playing practical jokes upon each other, and, 
better still, upon the inhabitants of neighboring cages. 

Some are of so jealous a disposition that the sight of another monkey eating a nut will 
throw them into a state of angry irritation, which is not always pacified even by the gift of a 
similar or even a better article. 

The skin of this monkey is very loose about the throat and abdomen, and generally hangs 
in folds. 

The animal which is shown in the accompanying engraving is one of the best known of the 
monkey tribe ; as it is tolerably hardy, it endures the changeable and chilly European climates 
better than most of its race. 

As its name implies, it is a native of Barbary, where it is found in great numbers, but has 
also been naturalized upon the rock of Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Macors are frequently men- 
tioned in books of travel, and display great ingenuity in avoiding pursuit and discovering food. 
They keep to the most inaccessible portions of the rock, and scamper away hurriedly on the 


THE MAGOT. 49 


slightest alarm. But with the aid of a moderately good telescope, their movements may be 
watched, and are very amusing. 

When in their native wilds, the Magots live in large flocks, each band seeming to be under 
the orders of some chosen leader. They are very intelligent, and possessed of a large share of 
the cunning that belongs to the monkeys, and which, when aided by their strength of muscle, 
agility of limb, and quickness of sight, keeps them in tolerable security from foes, and enables 
them to make raids upon cultivated lands without suffering the penalty due to their 
crimes. 

The enemies which these creatures hold in greatest dread are the climbing felide ; and on 
the approach of one of these animals, the colony is instantly in a turmoil. The leaders yell 


MAGOT, OR BARBARY APE.—Inuus ecaudatus. 


their cry of alarm and give the signal for retreat, the mothers snatch up their little ones, the 
powerful males range themselves in battle array, and the whole body seeks a place of refuge. 

Open attacks are little feared by the Magots, as their combined forces are sufficiently 
powerful to repel almost any enemy. But at night, when they are quietly sleeping, the crafty 
foe comes stealing along, and climbing up the trees or rocks on which the Magots are sitting 
asleep, strikes down its unsuspecting prey. 

When young, the Magot is tolerably gentle; and as it is sufficiently intelligent to learn 
many tricks, it is frequently brought to Europe, and its accomplishments exhibited before the 
public. But this state of comparative domesticity is only for a time, and as the bodily frame 
becomes more developed, so does the Magot lose its gentle nature, and put on a sullen and 
fierce deportment. Captivity seems to exert a terribly depressing influence over the animal 
as soon as it becomes fitted by nature for its wild independence; and as the stimulus to the 
mind is removed by the restrictions under which the animal is placed, the mind loses its 
spring, and the creature is deserted by the apt intelligence that characterizes its wild state, and 
for which it has no need in its hopeless thraldrom. 

This monkey is not very widely spread, for with the exception of the Rock of Gibraltar, 
it seems to be confined to Northern Africa. Some authors state that it is found in India, 
China, and even the entire African continent, but it seems clear that there has been some 


50 THE MAGOT. 


confusion of species. Indeed, the Magot has caused some little labor in placing it in its right 
position. 

It is not a very large animal, as the full-grown males only measure about a yard in length, 
and the females are rather smaller. The general size of the Magot is about that of an ordinary 
bull-terrier dog. , 

The color of the fur is tolerably uniform, differing chiefly in depth of shade, and is of 
a clear grayish color. The head is strong and heavy, the eyes deeply set under the over- 
hanging brows, the neck is short and powerful, the teeth are fully developed and sharp, the 
finger-nails are sufficiently strong to inflict a severe wound; so that the entire aspect of an 
adult male Magot is that of a fierce and dangerous animal. 

Its walk on level ground is rather awkward, this animal making use of feet and hands for 
that purpose; but it climbs with ease and agility up trees or rocks, and in a domesticated 
state is fond of running up and down ropes, and swinging itself about its cage. 

In captivity it will eat almost any kind of food, but in its wild state it prefers fruit, leaves 
and other vegetable fare, varying its diet by sundry insects which it captures. When enraged 
it utters a fierce harsh yell, which, when enhanced by the force of numbers, the fury-flashing 
eyes and warlike gestures, often suffices to intimidate a foe from venturing upon an attack. 
But when it is not under the influence of angry feelings, its voice is comparatively mild and 
gentle, being a soft and almost caressing chatter. 

There is a strange grimace in which this animal habitually indulges on almost every emo- 
tion, whether it be caused by pleasure, anger, or disappointment. The cheeks are sucked in, 
the lips are contracted over the gums, and the teeth are freely exhibited. 

Although it is popularly termed the Barbary Ape, the Magot is not a true ape, being 
organized after a very different fashion from the veritable Simians. Belonging to the same 
genus as the Munga and Rhesus, it is almost entirely destitute of the tail which is so conspic- 
uous an adornment of these monkeys. In the Magot the tail is reduced to a mere projection, 
sufficient to mark the spot where that member would have been placed, but not prominent 
enough to be ranked among real tails. Owing to this formation, the Magot, although one of 
the Macaques, was placed among the apes by earlier naturalists. 

When at liberty in its native lands, the Magot has a great predilection for hunting scor- 
pions, insects, and similar creatures, and devouring them on the spot. It displays peculiar 
aptitude for discovering and pouncing upon its prey. 

Scorpions and beetles are found in profusion under stones, logs, or in similar sheltering 
places; and are there secure from any ordinary foe. But the quick senses of the Magot detect 
them in their concealment, and the ready hands sweep away the shelter and make the insect 
prisoner before it recovers the sudden surprise of its violated roof. On the rock of Gibraltar’ 
these monkeys are constantly engaged in turning over the loose stones, and by their perpetual 
industry have, in course of years, quite altered the surface of the earth, affording, it may be, 
grounds for sore perplexity in the minds of future geologists. 

To any ordinary animal the scorpion would be rather a dangerous prey, and would prob- 
ably avenge its death most fully by a stroke of its torture-giving and swiftly-lashing tail. The 
Magot, however, has hands which can overmatch even the scorpion’s tail, and no sooner is one 
of these baneful creatures brought to light, than the monkey pounces upon it, twitches off the 
poison-joints of the tail, and then, grasping the disarmed scorpion, eats it as composedly as if 
it were a carrot. 

In default of such large insects as have been mentioned, the Magot turns its attention to 
smaller deer, and entering into a mutual engagement with a friend of its own race, they recip- 
rocally exterminate the parasitic insects with which monkeys generally swarm. 

Small though the quarry may be, the Magot displays much excitement in the chase, and 
after running down its prey successfully, holds the captured insect to its eyes, contemplates it 
with a grimace of satisfaction, and then daintily eats it. When in captivity it continues the 
same pursuits, and may often be seen nestling close to a friendly cat or dog, busily engaged in 
a minute investigation of its fur, and ever and anon giving vent to a little complacent chuckle 
which proclaims a successful chase. Sometimes the Magot contracts a strong friendship for 


THE BLACK MACAQUE. 51 


its master, and being desirous to render every service in its power, jumps on his shoulder, and 
examines his head with much care, though, we may hope, with little ultimate satisfaction. 

It often happens that the domesticated Magot takes a fancy for some other animals that 
may chance to come in its way, especially if they are young and comparatively helpless. It 
then acts as a voluntary nurse, and performs sundry kind offices for its charge, carrying them 
about with it, and, like nurses in general, becomes horribly jealous if its authority be in the 
least infringed. 

Its attitudes are rather singular. When walking or running, it goes chiefly on all-fours, 
but when it wishes to rest, it sits in a manner very similar to the corresponding attitude in 
man; when sleeping it generally lies extended at length, reclining on one side, or gathered up 
in a seated position, with its head drooping between its hind legs. 


BLACK MACAQUE.—Cynocephalus niger. 


In the absence of a tail, and in general form, the BLAcK MAcAQuE bears some resemblance 
to the Magot, but in color and arrangement of hair it is entirely distinct from that animal. 

The tint of the fur is as deep a black as that of the Budeng, or Black Colobus, which has 
been mentioned before. Both these monkeys are possessed of crests which give a peculiar 
character to the whole aspect. That of the Black Colobus, however, is reverted forward, and 
curves to a point over the forehead, while that of the animal before us rises from the head and 
bends backward over the neck in a manner not unlike that of the cockatoo. 

Like the Magot, the Black Macaque has been called an ape by some writers, and a baboon 
by others, on account of the apology for a tail with which its hinder quarters are terminated, 
but not decorated. It is an inhabitant of the Phillippines and the neighboring countries. 


THERE are few races of animals which have not been impressed by their human superiors 
into their service. Although the bodily powers of man are often more limited than those of 
the inferior animals, yet the lofty human intellect can more than compensate for corporeal 
deficiencies by making use of these faculties which are possessed by the subservient creation. 

Thus the Indian hunters take advantage of the active and stealthy chetah, to capture the 
prey which is too vigilant of sight and too active of foot to be approached by man. 


52 THE PIG-TAILED MACAQUE. 


In the bird-kingdom, the falcons take the place of the chetah, and chase through the 
realms of air those creatures whose wings would carry them beyond the grasp of man or the 
range of any weapon which he could devise. 

Again, the otter and the cormorant are both employed for the capture of fish in their 
native element, although the one is a quadruped and the other a bird. 

The ponderous strength of the elephant, and the drought-enduring powers of the camel, 
are equally utilized by man; and indeed, throughout the whole creation, whether of animate 
or inanimate bodies, there is perhaps no one object that cannot, either directly or indirectly, 
be converted to some human use. ; 

Some there are, which are more directly profitable than others, among which may be 
enumerated the long list of domesticated animals which are familiar to us from childhood. 


PIG-TAILED MACAQUE.—Macacus nemestrinus. 


Many of these animals, such as the horse and the dog, are universally employed in all parts of 
the world, while others, such as the camel, are of no service except in the peculiar climate and 
among the peculiar circumstances for which they were created. 

Among these latter animals is the monkey which is depicted in the engraving. This is 
the Prc-rATLED MAacaqur, sometimes called the Brun. 

An inhabitant of Sumatra and neighboring parts, the Bruh is possessed of the activity which 
distinguishes the monkey tribes, and withal is endowed with a larger share of intelligence than 
usual, even with the quadrumanous animals. The inhabitants of Sumatra are in the habit of 
vapturing the Pig-tailed Macaque when young, and training it to climb the lofty cocoa-nut 
palms for the purpose of gathering the fruit. So clever are the monkeys, and so ingenious are 
the teachers, that the young scholars are instructed to select the matured nuts only, leaving 
the others to ripen on the tree. On this account, the Bruh has been called by a name which 
signifies the ‘‘fruit-gatherer.”’ 

In captivity it is generally an amusing animal, displaying to the full those traits of 
curiosity, impertinence, petty malice, and quaint humor, for which the monkeys are celebrated, 
enhanced by a spice of something that is not very far removed from wit. 

I have often remarked the exceeding ingenuity of this animal in planning an attack on 
some unsuspecting person, its patience in biding its time, and its prompt rapidity of execution. 


THE PIG-TAILED MACAQUE. 53 


On one occasion, a young lady happened to pass near a cage where a pair of these animals 
were confined, and their attention was immediately drawn to some beautiful white feathers 
which she bore on her hat. Now, the monkeys were far too wise to betray the least emotion, 
and not even by a look did they show that they had even observed the objects on which their 
very hearts were fixed. But any one who knew the ways of monkeys could divine, by the 
sudden sparkle of the eye, that there was mischief brewing. 

For some time, all went on as usual. The two monkeys held out their paws for nuts, 
cracked them, ate the sound kernels, and flung the bad nuts at the donors, just as if they 
had nothing on their minds, and had no soul above nuts. Interested by the amusing pranks 
which the creatures were playing, the owner of the feathers incautiously approached within 
reach of the cage. 

Almost too quickly for the eye to follow, one of the Bruhs shot down the bars, and with 
a single adroit movement, whipped out one of the white feathers and leaped to the back of 
the cage. 

Seating himself on the ground, he gravely inspected his prize, turning it over in every 
direction, smelling it critically, and biting off little strips of the feather, in order to ascertain 
the flavor. Having satisfied himself on these points, he stuck the feather behind one of his 
ears, so that it drooped over his head in ludicrous imitation of the manner in which it had 
been fastened into the hat. Thus accoutred, he paraded about the floor of the cage with 
stately pride. 

His companion now thought himself entitled to some share in the booty, and, creeping up 
stealthily from behind, made a sudden spring at the feather. It was quite useless, for the 
original thief was on the alert, and, putting the feather in his mouth, climbed up a suspended 
rope with wonderful agility ; and in order to guard against an attack from below, he coiled up 
the rope with his hinder feet as fast as he ascended, thus cutting off all communication. When 
he reached the ceiling, he hitched his fingers and toes through the staple to which the rope 
was attached, and thus remained for awhile in perfect security. 

However, even a monkey’s limbs will not maintain their hold for ever, and the Bruh was 
forced to descend. His companion was waiting for him on the floor, and, when he reached 
the ground, gave chase, the two monkeys leaping about the cage, climbing the bars, and 
swinging from the ropes in the most agile manner. 

At last they seemed to be tired of the game, and, sitting on one of the bars, amicably set 
to work at the feather, picking out each vane separately, nibbling it, and spurting the frag- 
ments on the floor. 

Just at this juncture the keeper made his appearance at the door, and the very gleam of 
his cap was a signal for the delinquents to dive into the furthermost corner of their cage, out of 
reach of stick or whip. The feather was ultimately restored to its rightful owner, but as its 
shaft had been bitten nearly through, had lost many of its snowy vanes, and hung limp and 
flaccid, as if it had been mangled, there was but slight probability of its ever renewing its 
position upon hat or bonnet. 

As to the depredators, they were incorrigible. Hardly had the excitement caused by 

the feather-robbery begun to subside, when a fresh storm of laughter and exclamations 
arose. ; 
On my returning to the cage, the same monkey -vas seen perched on his bar examining 
leisurely a new prize in the shape of a bracelet, which he had snatched from the hand of a 
lady who was offering some biscuit. It was one of those bracelets that are composed of large 
beads, threaded on elastic cord, and the whole attention of the thief was absorbed in the 
amusement caused by drawing the bracelet to its full length, and letting it snap. The clatter 
of the beads seemed to amuse the monkey mightily, and he was so entirely charmed with this 
novel recreation, that he did not even see the approaching keeper. At the sound of his voice, 
however, down went beads, away went monkey, and the bracelet was soon in possession of its 
owner. 

It was a very fortunate circumstance for the monkey that he was deprived of his prize. 
He would most certainly have pulled the bracelet until the string broke, and the beads fell on 


D4 THE WANDEROO. 


the floor; and in that case, he would inevitably have swallowed every bead that had not been 
seized and eaten by his companion. 

The floor of the cage was strewed with fragmentary trophies of the powers of these most 
mischievous creatures. There were scraps of ribbon, evidently torn from feminine wrists ; 
there were odd fingers and thumbs of gloves, of every material and make ; there were patches 
of various laces and light textures, which had once formed part of summer dresses ; even to 
little pieces of slight walking-sticks, which had been seized and broken by the monkey in 
excusable avenging of insults offered by their bearers ;— there were representative fragments 
of man, woman, and child, lying tossed about in admirable confusion. 

I never knew so excellent a show of 
trophies, excepting in one instance, where 
several monkeys were confined in the same 
cage, and even in that case, I fancy that the 
superiority was simply occasioned by the less 
frequency with which the cage was swept. It 
is quite a common sight to see the skeleton 
of a parasol or two lying helplessly on the 
floor, or hung derisively from some bar or 
hook that is-out of reach of any hand but 
that of the monkey. 

Tassels of all kinds fall easy victims to 
the monkey’s quick paw, and, after being 
well gnawed, are thrown contemptuously on 
the ground. The hard knob that is usually 
found in the upper part of a tassel irritates 
the monkey exceedingly. He thinks that he 
has found a nut concealed in the silken 
threads, and expends much time and labor 
in trying to crack it. The fine fibres of the 
silk annoy him wonderfully, and the air of 
angry vexation with which he spits out the 
obnoxious threads is highly amusing. 

The fur of the Pig-tailed Macaque is 
tolerably uniform in its hue. The color of 
the greater part of the fur is a light fawn ; 

WANDEROO.—Silenus veter. a dark brown tint is washed over the top of 

the head and along the back, spreading 

partly over the sides, and coloring the upper surface of the tail. The under parts of the 
body and tail, together with the cheeks, are of a lighter tint. 

The last of the Macaques which we shall notice in this work is the monkey which is well 
known under the name of WANDEROO, or OUANDEROO, as it is sometimes written. 

Although the Wanderoo is by our best authorities considered to be a member of the Ma- 
caques, and is therefore placed among them in this work, some naturalists are more inclined 
to give it a place at the head of the Baboons, and assert that it forms the link between them 
and the Macaques. 

To this decision they are led by the general physiognomy of this monkey, and by the fact 
that the extremity of the tail is furnished with a brush. Still, the muzzle is not of that brutal 
character which is so repulsively exhibited in the baboons, and the nostrils are situated in 
their ordinary position, instead of being pierced at the extremity of the muzzle. 

The Indian name of this animal is ‘‘ Nilbandar,’’ or more properly ‘‘ Neel-bhunder,”’ the 
word being a composite one, and signifying a black Bhunder. 

This very singular animal is a native of the East Indies, and is found commonly enough in 
Ceylon. The heavy mass of hair that surmounts the head and envelops the entire face, gives 
it a rather dignified aspect, reminding the observer of the huge peruke under whose learned 


BABOONS, OR DOG-HEADED MONKEY'S. 55 


shade the great legal chiefs consider judgment. The hair on the top of the head is black, but 
the great beard that rolls down the face and beneath the chin is of a gray tint, as if blanched 
by the burden of many years. In some instances this beard is almost entirely white, and then 
the Wanderoo looks very venerable indeed. 

It is not a very mischievous animal in its wild state, and withdraws itself from the habi- 
tations of men. When in captivity it is of a tetchy and capricious disposition, sometimes 
becoming mild in its demeanor, and presently, without the least apparent motive, bursting 
into a fit of passion, and indulging in all kinds of malicious tricks. But, as is the case with 
so many of the monkey tribe, as the creature becomes older, it loses the gentle part of its 
nature, and develops the brutality alone. Thus, a Wanderoo may be quiet, docile, and even 
affectionate at a year old, and appear quite a model of monkey nature; at two years of age the 
same animal will be full of lively caprice, at times playful, and at times cross and savage ; 
while at full age, the creature will be surly, inert, savage, and revengeful. 

From the form of the tail, which is of a moderate length, and decorated with a hairy tuft 
at its extremity, the Wanderoo is also known by the name of the Lion-tailed Baboon. 

The greater part of the fur of this animal is of a fine black, but the color assumes a lighter 
hue on the breast and abdomen. The callosities on the hinder quarters are of a light pink. 

It is not a very large animal, being rather less than three feet from the nose to the tip of 
the tail. 

The name Silenus is appropriate enough, for the white beard and whiskers bear some 
resemblance to those facial ornaments attributed to the aged companion of the youthful 
Bacchus. And the specific title of ‘‘ Veter,” signifying ‘‘old,”’ is well earned by the veteran 
aspect of the animal. The eye is a bright brown, and looks knowingly out of the hairy mass, 
from which it peers inquisitively at the bystanders. 

Probably on account of the sapient mien, for which it is indebted to the mass of circum- 
fluous locks, the Wanderoo is considered by the inhabitants to be a personage of great distinc- 
tion among its own people. All other monkeys of the same land are said to pay the most pro- 
found reverence to their bearded chief, and, in his presence, to humble themselves as subjects 
before an emperor. 

When feeding, the Wanderoo has a discreet custom of filling its cheek pouches before it 
begins to eat, thus laying up a provision against future emergencies before it has begun to 
satisfy the actual present wants of hunger. This habit presents a curious analogy with the 
peculiar stomach of the ruminating animals, when in the act of eating; a portion of the food 
passes into a series of pockets or pouches, where it is retained until the creature is possessed 
of time and leisure for re-mastication. 

In its earlier youth, the Wanderoo is susceptible of education, and can be trained to per- 
form many ingenious tricks, preferring those of a grave and sedate cast to the mercurial and 
erratic accomplishments displayed by the generality of learned monkeys. 


BABOONS, OR DOG-HEADED MONKEYS. 


A WELL-MARKED group of animals now comes before us, popularly known by the name of 
Baxpoons. In more learned language they are entitled ‘‘Cynocéphali,’’? or Dog-headed animals, 
on account of the formation of the head and jaws, which much resemble those of the dog tribe. 

One distinguishing characteristic of these creatures is that the nostrils are situated at the 
extremity of the muzzle, instead of lying nearly flat upon its base, and just under the eyes, as 
in the apes, and other quadrumanous animals. The muzzle, too, is peculiar in its form, being, 
as it were, cut off abruptly, leaving a round and flattened extremity, which is well shown in 
the engraving of the Gelada, on p. 57. This extreme projection is not so conspicuous in the 
young baboon as when it attains a more mature age, and, indeed, is sometimes so little devel- 
oped, that the young baboons have been taken for adult Macaques. 

Of all the Quadrumana, the baboons are the most morose in temper, the fiercest in charac- 
ter, and the most repellent in manners. 


56 THE GELADA. 


So odiously disgusting are the habits in which many of these animals continually indulge, 
that, as a general rule, their presence is offensive in the extreme, and excepting for purposes 
of scientific investigation, it is better to shun the cage that holds any specimen of these 
creatures. 

There are now and then exceptional cases, but they are few and far between, and it is 
hardly possible to watch an adult baboon for many minutes without incurring a risk of some 
shock to the nerves. Even their exceeding cunning, and the crafty wiles which are hatched 
in their fertile brains, cannot atone for their habitual offences against decorum. 


BABOONS. 


It is rather curious that in the preceding genera, such as the Cercopitheci, and the Cerco- 
cebi, the chief characteristic from which the genus derives its rather lengthy title is founded 
upon the tail; while in the baboons, the systematic naturalists leaped at one bound to the 
opposite extremity of the body, and took up their stand upon the head. 

For the introduction to science of the GELADA, one of the most singular of these animals, we 
are indebted to Dr. Ruppell, who has gained so well-earned a name in the annals of natural science. 

Together with all the Cynocéphali, the Gelada is a native of Africa, Abyssinia being the 
country from which our specimens have been derived. Dr. Ruppell, in his work on the 
‘“Fauna of Abyssinia,” places this animal among the Macaques. The adult animal exhibits 
in perfection the curious mass of hair that is seen to cover the neck and shoulders of the 
monkeys of this group, and sits magnificently placid under the shade of its capillary mantle. 

The young Gelada is almost totally devoid of this heavy mane, if it can be so called, and 
only by slight indications gives promise of the future development. 

The general color of this animal is a brown tint of varying intensity. The body and mane 
are of a dark brown, fading into a much lighter hue on the top of the head and sides of the 


THE GELADA. 


Or 


face. The limbs partake of the character of the body, with the exception of the fore-legs, and 
paws, and the hinder feet, on which the fur is nearly black. 

The baboons are more quadrupedal in their gait than any of the animals hitherto described, 
their formation being well adapted to such a style of progression. Even in walking some 
three or four steps, they seldom move otherwise than on all-fours, and when at liberty in their 
native haunts, are almost invariably seen either to walk like a dog, or to sit in the usual 


GELADA.— Cynocephalus gelada. 


monkey fashion, discarding all attempts to imitate the human attitude. Sometimes they will 
stand in a tolerably erect posture for a few moments if they are desirous of looking at a distant 
object, or of playing some of their fantastic pranks; but even in that case, they usually aid 
themselves by resting a paw on any convenient support. 

Their paces are generally of two kinds, a walk when they are at leisure and uninterrupted 
in their proceedings, and a gallop when they are alarmed, or otherwise hurried. The walk is 
remarkable for its jaunty impertinence, and must be seen before it can be properly appreciated. 
There is an easy, undulating swagger of the whole person, and a pretentious carriage of the 
tail, that, aided by the quick cunning blink of the little deep-set eyes, imparts an indescribable 
air of effrontery to the animal. This characteristic action is admirably hit off by the artist 
in the figures depicted in the engraving on page 56. Their pace, when hurried, is a gallop, 
somewhat resembling that of a dog. 


THE CHACMA. 


(o9) 


All the baboons are excellent climbers of trees, as well as accomplished cragsmen, and are 
seldom found very far from trees or rocks. As they band together in great numbers, they are 
nearly invincible in their own domains, whether of forest or cliff, bidding defiance to almost 
every enemy but man. 

Although more ready to shun an enemy than to attack, and always preserving the better 
part of valor, they are terrible foes when they are brought to bay, and turn upon their enemies 
with the furious energy of despair. Active to a degree, and furnished with powerful limbs, 
they would be no despicable antagonists were their means of attack limited to hands and feet 
alone ; but when their long sharp teeth and massive jaws are thrown into the scale, it will be 
seen that hardly the leopard itself is a more formidable animal. 


CHACMA. — Cynocephalus porcarius. 


' The teeth are formed in a manner which peculiarly fits them for the mode of attack that 
is employed by all the baboons. The great canine teeth are long and pointed at their tips, 
while their inner edge is sharp as that of a knife, and can cut with more effect than many a 
steel weapon. 

Knowing well the power of the terrible armature with which he is gifted, the enraged 
baboon leaps upon his foe, and drawing it towards him with his hands and feet, fixes his teeth 
in its throat until the sharp fangs meet together. He then violently pushes the miserable 
aggressor from him, so that the keen-edged teeth cut their way through the flesh, and inflict 
a wound that is often immediately fatal. 

In this manner they repel the attacks of dogs; and woe be to the inexperienced hound 
who is foolish enough to venture its person within grasp of the baboon’s feet or hands. Many 
a time have these reckless animals paid for their audacity by their life. The whole affair is 
the work of only a few seconds. The baboon is scampering away in hot haste, and the hound 
following at full speed. Suddenly the fugitive casts a quick glance behind him, and seeing 
that he has only one antagonist close upon him, wheels round, springs on the dog before it 
can check itself, and in an instant flings the dying hound on the earth, the blood pouring in 
torrents from its mangled throat. 


Or THE Dog-headed baboons, the species which is most celebrated for such feats of prowess 
is the well-known animal called the CiAcma, or Urstny Bazoon, the latter title being given 


THR. CHACMA. 59 


to it on account of the slighty bear-like aspect of the head and neck. The word Chacma is a 
corrupted, or rather a contracted form of the Hottentot name T’chakamma. The Zulu name 
for this baboon is Imfena, a much more euphonious word, without that odious click, so impos- 
sible of achievement by ordinary vocal organs. In the same dialect, one which is in almost 
every case remarkable for the rich softness of its intonation, the word ‘‘ Inkau,”’ is the syno- 
nym for a monkey. 

This animal, when it has attained its full age, equals in size a large mastiff, or an ordinary 
sized wolf; while, in bodily strength and prowess, it is a match for any two dogs that can be 
brought to attack it. 

Curiously enough, although it is so ruthless an antagonist, being the certain slayer of any 
hound that may come to close quarters, there is no animal which is so eagerly hunted by the 
South African hounds. Experience seems in this case to have lost its proverbially instructive 
powers ; and the cruel death of many comrades by the trenchant fangs of the Chacma, has no 
effect in deterring the ardent hound from attacking the first baboon that comes in its way. 

The owners of the hounds are more careful in this matter than are the dogs themselves, 
and evince more caution in setting their dogs on the track of a baboon than on the ‘“‘spoor’’ of 
a leopard, or even of the regal lion himself. 

The Chacma is a most accomplished robber, executing his burglaries openly whenever he 
knows that he will meet with no formidable opposition, and having recourse to silent craft 
when there are dogs to watch for trespassers, and men with guns to shoot them. 

With such consummate art do these animals plan, and with such admirable skill do they 
carry out their raids, that even the watchful band of dogs is comparatively useless; and the 
cunning robbers actually slip past the vigilant sentries without the stirring of a grass blade, 
or the rustling of a dried twig, to give notice to the open ears of the wakeful but beguiled 
sentries. 

Tn such a case, the mode to which they resort is clever in the extreme. 

They know full well, that if a number of their body were to enter the forbidden domain, 
they could hardly elude the observation or escape the hearing of dogs and men ; so they commit 
the delicate task of entering the enemy’s domains to one or two old experienced baboons. 
These take the lead, and gliding softly past the sentry dogs, find admission by some crevice, 
or by the simpler mode of climbing over the fence. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the band array themselves in a long line, leading from the scene of 
operations to some spot where they will be out of danger from pursuit. 

All being ready, the venturous leaders begin to pluck the fruit, or to bite off the stalks, 
as the case may be, and quietly hand the booty to the comrade who is nearest to them. He 
passes the fruit to a third, who again hands it to a fourth; and thus the spoil is silently con- 
veyed to a distance, in a manner similar to that which is employed in handing water-buckets 
to a fire-engine. When a sufficient amount of plunder has been secured, the invading party 
quietly make their retreat, and revel in security on their ill-gotten goods. 

Although on service for the general weal, each individual baboon is not unmindful of his 
personal interest ; and while he hands the booty to his next neighbor, deftly slips a portion 
into his pouches, much on the same principle that an accomplished epicure; while busily carv- 
ing for the assembled guests, never loses sight of his own particular predilection, and when he 
has exhausted the contents of the dish, quietly assumes the portion which he had laid aside. 

When young, the Chacma is docile enough, and by its curious tricks affords much amuse- 
ment to its master and those around it. Not only for amusement, however, is this animal 
detained in captivity, but its delicate natural instincts are sometimes enlisted in the service of 
its master. It displays great ability in discovering the various roots and tubers on which it 
feeds, and which can also be used as food for man; and in digging like Caliban, with his long 
nails, pignuts. 

A more important service is often rendered by this animal than even the procuration of 
food ; and that is, the hunting for, and almost unfailing discovery of water. 

In the desert life, water loses its character of a luxury, and becomes a dread necessity ; 
its partial deficiency giving birth to fearful sufferings, while its total deprivation, even for 


60 THE CHACMA. 


a day or two, causes inevitable death. The fiery sun of the tropical regions, and the arid, 
scorching atmosphere, absorb every particle of moisture from the body, and cause a constant 
desire to supply the unwonted waste with fresh material, exactly where such a supply is least 
attainable. 

Among these climates, the want of a proper supply of water is soon felt, the longing for 
the cool element becomes a raging madness; the scorched and hardened lips refuse their office, 
and the tongue rattles uselessly in the mouth, as if both tongue and palate were cut out of 
dried wood. 

The value of any means by which such sufferings can be alleviated is incalculable ; and the 
animal of which we are speaking is possessed of this priceless faculty. °  . 

When the water begins to run short, and the known fountains have failed, as is too often 
the sad hap of these desert wells, fortunate is the man who owns a tame Chacma, or ‘‘ Bavian,”’ 
as itis called. The animal is first deprived 
of water for a whole day, until it is furious 
with thirst, which is increased by giving 
it salt provisions, or putting salt into its 
mouth. This apparent cruelty is, how- 
ever, an act of true mercy, as on the Chac- 
ma may depend the existence of itself and 
the whole party.” 

A long rope is now tied to the ba- 
boon’s collar, and it is suffered to run 
about wherever it chooses, the rope being 
merely used as a means to prevent the 
animal from getting out of sight. The 
baboon now assumes the leadership of the 
band, and becomes the most important 
personage of the party. 

First it runs forward a little, then 
stops; gets on its hind feet, and sniffs up 
the air, especially taking notice of the 
wind and its direction. It will then, per- 
haps, change the direction of its course; 
and after running for some distance take 
another observation. Presently it will 

Aas a: = spy out a blade of grass, or similar object, 

BLACK MACAQUE,” (Bee alzo cut on’page 61) pluck it up, turn it on all sides, smell it, 

and then go forward again. And thus the 

animal proceeds until it leads the party to water; guided by some mysterious instinct which 

appears to be totally independent of reasoning, and which loses its powers in proportion as 
reason gains dominion. 

The curious employment of the animal for the discovery of water, is mentioned by Captain 
Drayson, R.A., in his interesting work, ‘‘ Sporting Scenes among the Kaffirs of South Africa.” 
In the course of the same work he gives many life-like illustrations of baboon habits, whether 
wild or tame. 

Of the daily life of the baboons, the following affords a graphic and amusing description. 

‘* During the shooting trip with the Boers, I awoke before daybreak, and as I felt very cold 
and not inclined to sleep, I got up, and taking my gun, walked to a little ravine, out of which 
a clear, murmuring stream flashed in the moonlight, and ran close past our cutspan. A little 
distance up this kloof, the fog was dense and thick; the blue and pink streaks of the morning 
light were beginning to illuminate the peaks of the Draakensberg, but all immediately around 
us still acknowledged the supremacy of the pale moonlight. I wanted to see the sun rise in 
this lonely region, and watch the changing effects which its arrival would produce on the 
mountains and plains around, 


THE CHACMA. 61 


‘Suddenly I heard a hoarse cough, and on turning, saw indistinctly in the fog a queer 
little old man standing near, and looking at me. I instinctively cocked my gun, as the idea of 
bushmen and poisoned arrows flashed across my mind. The old man instantly dropped on his 
hands; giving another hoarse cough, that evidently told a tale of consumptive lungs; he 
snatched up something beside him, which seemed to leap on his shoulders, and then he seam- 
pered off up the ravine on all-fours. Before half this performance was completed, I had dis- 
covered my mistake ; the little old man turned into an ursine baboon with an infant ditto, who 
had come down the kloof to drink. The ‘old man’s’ cough was answered by a dozen others, 
at present hidden in the fogs; soon, however, , 


““*«Up rose the sun, the mists were curl’d 
Back from the solitary world 
Which lay around,’”’ 


and I obtained a view of the range of mountains gilded by the morning sun. 

‘‘A large party of the old gentleman’s family were sitting up the. ravine, and were evi- 
dently holding a debate as to the cause of my intrusion. I watched them through my glass, 
and was much amused at their grotesque and almost human movements. Some of the old 
ladies had their olive branches in their laps, and appeared to be ‘doing their hair,’ while a 
patriarchal old fellow paced backwards and forwards with a fussy sort of look; he was evi- 
dently on sentry, and seemed to think himself of no small importance. 

“This estimate of his dignity did not appear to be universally acknowledged ; as two or 
three young baboons sat close behind him watching his proceedings ; sometimes with the most 
grotesque movements and expressions they would stand directly in his path, and hobble away 
only at the last moment. One daring youngster followed close on the heels of the patriarch 
during the whole length of his beat, and gave a sharp tug at his tail as he was about to turn. 
The old fellow seemed to treat it with the greatest indifference, scarcely turning round at the 
insult. Master Impudence was about repeating the performance, when the pater, showing 
- that he was not such a fool as he looked, suddenly sprang round, and catching the young one 
before he could escape, gave him two or three such cuffs, that I could hear the screams that 
resulted therefrom. The venerable gentleman then chucked the delinquent over his shoulder, 
and continued his promenade with the greatest coolness: this old baboon was evidently 
acquainted with the practical details of Solomon’s proverb. 

‘““A crowd gathered round the naughty child, who, child-like, seeing commiseration, 
shrieked all the louder. I even fancied I could see the angry glances of the mamma, as she 
took her dear little pet in her arms and removed it from a repetition of such brutal treat- 
ment.”’ 

One of these animals, personally known to Captain Drayson, was a great practical jester, 
and was fond of terrifying the Kaffir women by rushing at them open mouthed, catching them 
by their ankles, and mowing at them with extravagant grimaces, as if he meant to eat them 
up bodily. Sometimes a dog would be set at him while thus employed, and change the aspect 
of affairs in a moment. The pursuer then became the pursued, and quitting his prey, made 
for the nearest tree, up which he scuttled, and settled himself among the branches just so high 
as to be out of reach of the dog’s jaws, and just so low as to give hopes of success by a higher 
than ordinary leap. There he would sit as if there were no such being in the world as a dog, 
and giving himself up to the contemplation of the surrounding scenery, or the aspect of the 
sky, would leisurely pursue his train of thought-until the dog was tired and went away. 

His keenness of sight was remarkable, his eyes possessing powers of distant vision that 
rivalled the telescope. 

In order to prove the powers of the creature’s sight, his master made several experiments, 
by going to so great a distance that the baboon perched on its pole was barely perceptible to 
the naked eye, and from thence producing sundry distortions of countenance, and strange 
attitudes of body. By looking through a telescope, he was able to see that the animal was 
not only capable of discerning and imitating his gestures, but even the very changes of counte- 


62 THE CHACMA. 
nance; so that a grimace on the part of the gallant owner was immediately reproduced, or 
rather, represented by a grin on the part of the baboon. 

There is a well-known story of a monkey who literally ‘‘ plucked a crow’’ which had been 
in the habit of stealing his food, and curiously enough, the scene was re-enacted by this very 
animal, with the exception of one or two slight differences. 

He was chained to the pole because he was rather too mischievous to be left entirely at 
liberty. He had been already detected in eating a box of wafers, studying practically the 
interior construction of a watch, and drinking a bottle of ink—in this last exploit displaying 
similar tastes with the siamang described in this volume. His age was only two years at the 
time when the account of his performances was written. 

Captain Drayson has very kindly furnished me with the following original anecdotes of 
this tame Chacma : 

‘* A young baboon which had been reared by his owner from infancy resided for some 
months near my tent, and often served to while away an idle hour. 

“Sometimes a stout earthen pot, which had just been emptied of its contents of good 
English jam, was submitted to the mercy of ‘Jacob,’ as this animal was named. The neck of 
the pot would not admit even a hand to be inserted, and it was most amusing to watch the 
manceuvres which were practised to procure some of the remnants of the sweets. If a stick 
were near, the jam was scooped out; but if not, the pot was elevated high above Jacob’s head, 
and then flung to the ground with great force. 

“The earthen pot was stout and strong; but upon one occasion, by good luck, the pot 
struck a stone, and was fractured. Great was the delight of Jacob, but not unmixed with 
suspicion; for he appeared to think that the bystanders had been merely waiting to take 
advantage of his skill in projectiles, and that they would now purloin his fragments. Cram- 
ming his pouches full of bits of the jam-pot, he then seized the largest remaining piece and 
retreated to the top of his pole to enjoy the licking. 

“*He was always fully occupied for some hours after hese! feats ; for the jam adhered to 
his body, and he had to contort himself to lick off all the particles. 

‘**There is almost as much expression in the tail of a baboon, as there is in his face. The 
alteration of the curve in which it is usually carried, or the lowering of this appendage, 
having a special meaning, according to the character of the individual. 

‘*The baboon is perfectly aware of the dangerous character of the snake, and when he 
approaches a clump of bushes for the purpose of feasting upon the young shoots or ripe berries, 
he invariably peeps suspiciously amongst the underwood in search of his dreaded foe. 

‘In consequence of Jacob’s detestation of the serpent race, a cruel trick was frequently 
played upon him, but which was one that gave great amusement. This was to frighten him 
with a dead snake. 

‘‘Serpents of every description were here very common; and sometimes when one had 
been killed, it was laid across a stick and taken towards Jacob. The instant his persecutor 
came in sight, the snake was sure to be seen; Jacob would then wrap himself up in his 
blanket and turn over an old box, under which he would hide. This retreat soon failed 
him, as there was a small knot-hole in the box, through which the tail of the snake was 
insinuated. 

‘‘ Finding that this artifice had failed, he would upset the box, and spring away; a little 
dodging would then take place, and Jacob would be hemmed in so that the snake was brought 
close to him. Then, indeed, things required a desperate remedy, and with great presence of 
mind, he would seize the ¢ai/—invariably the tail—of the snake, and would fling the reptile to 
a distance. He would then at once rush towards his persecutor, and sit down beside him, as 
though to intimate that he wished to be friends. 

‘““There was only one method from which there was no escape; this was to tie the snake 
loosely around the upper part of Jacob’s chain, and then hold it so that a little shaking caused 
the reptile to slide towards him. 

‘‘ After several jumps and grimaces, he would appear to be convinced that escape was use- 
less, and would then resign himself complacently to his fate. 


THE BABOON. 63 


‘“Lying down on his side as though perfectly prepared for the worst, he would remain 
as though dead. But as soon as the snake was taken away, the mercurial temperament 
of the creature instantly showed itself; for he would then jump on the shoulders of any 
person who might happen to be near, and would play off some practical joke as a retaliation. 

‘“« Although evidently alarmed whenever snakes were brought near him, he still appeared 
perfectly to understand that nothing more than a joke was intended. 

“His treatment of small dogs was very quaint. 

“Tf by chance a young pup came near him, he would seize hold of it and cuddle it in his 
arms in a most affectionate and maternal way ; not being very particular, however, whether he 
held the animal by the ear, the tail, or a leg. 

‘““Tf the pup, as sometimes happened, objected to this treatment, and endeavored to escape 
or to misbehave, Jacob would catch hold of its hind leg or tail, and would swing it round at 
arm’s length, and at last fling it from him. 

““The morning of life is decidedly the period of light-heartedness with the baboon; when 
the weight of years has been accumulated upon the shoulders of a veteran he becomes staid 
and philosophic, and sometimes rather quarrelsome, objecting strongly to the presuming man- 
ners of his juniors, and taking every opportunity to punish them should they be caught taking 
liberties with him.”’ 

The Chacma is supposed to be rather a long-lived animal, and with some reason. For 
although it is not easy to follow the course of a Chacma’s existence from birth to death, and 
there are not as yet any official registers among the quadrumanous tribe, there are certain 
registers which are written by Nature’s hand, and not subject to erasion, forgery, or alteration. 
One of these official registers, is the proportion that exists between the time which is passed 
by an animal before it attains its adult state, and the entire term of its life. It is found that 
the Chacma arrives at its full development at the age of eight or nine years; and, therefore, 
its lease of life may be calculated at about forty years. 

The chief, and most legitimate food of this baboon, is the plant which is called from this 
circumstance, Babiana. It affords a curious example of vegetable life existing under trying 
circumstances, as it only gets rain for three months in the year; and during the remainder of 
the twelvemonth is buried in a soil so parched, that hardly any plant except itself can exist. 
The portion that is eaten is the thick, round, subterraneous stem, which is neatly peeled by 
the more fastidious baboons, and eaten entire by the less refined and more hungry animals. 

. The number of species belonging to the Dog-headed Baboons is very limited. All of them 
seem to be possessed of very similar habits and modes of action. The species which is repre- 
sented in the accompanying engraving presents characteristics that are typical of the entire 
race, and is therefore called the Baboon, par excellence. There is some difficulty about 
the precise distinctions between several of the species,—a circumstance which, although to 
be regretted, is almost inevitable from the great external changes which are occasioned 
by age and sex, and the impossibility of keeping a close watch on these animals in their 
wild state. 

The most interesting portion of natural history,is that which relates the habits and 
manners of the creatures observed ; and in the majority of instances the narrations are given 
by persons who, although fully alive to the little traits of temper, humor, or ingenuity, are 
unacquainted with the more recondite details of systematic zoology. 

Consequently, an act performed by a baboon is considered by them in virtue of the deed 
itself, rather than in relation to the particular species of the animal who achieved it ; and the 
intellectual power displayed by the animal is thought to be of more real value than the number 
of projections upon its molar teeth. This uncertainty is very great among the baboons, and 
as long as an act of theft or cunning is performed by a baboon, the narrator seems to care little 
whether the species be the Chacma, the Baboon, tle Papion, or any other member of the same 
genus. 

There are many most curious and interesting anecdotes on record which admirably illus- 
trate the baboon nature, and yet which are not to be attributed with absolute certainty to 
any one species. 


64 THE BABOON. 


For example, there is a well-authenticated tale of a tame baboon which used to perform 
all kinds of clever tricks, some for the pecuniary benefit of its master, and others for its own 
individual pleasure. 

The animal must have been of great service to its owner, for it cost him nothing in food, 
being accustomed to steal its own daily supply. On one occasion this capability was put to 
the test ; a date-seller being the unfortunate subject upon whom the talents of the baboon were 
tried. The performance began by a simulated fit on the part of the animal, which fell down 
apparently in great pain, and grovelled on the earth in a paroxysm of contortions, its eyes 
steadily fixed on those of the date-seller. 

Apparently motiveless as this conduct might be, it was the result of much care, for every 
writhing twist of the body brought the creature nearer to the basket which contained the 
coveted dainties. When it had arrived within reach, it fixed the date-seller’s attention by 
strange grimaces, and, with its hind feet, commenced emptying the basket. 

The most absurd part of the story is, that its ‘‘ wicked conscience smited it’’ for the theft, 
and that it perfectly understood the unjustifiable character of the deed which it had just 
accomplished ; for, as it was retreating, after having secured its plunder, a mischievous boy 
gave the animal a sly tug of the tail. The baboon, fancying that the insult had come from the 
date-seller, in reprisal for the abstraction of his goods, turned round, flew at the man, and, if 
it had not been captured by its master, would probably have done bim some material injury. 

A very quaint story is told of the same animal, which, if true, exhibits the strangest com- 
bination of cunning, simplicity, and ready wit, that ever entered the brain of living creature. 
At all events, if it be not true, it deserves to be so. 

It appears that the baboon was so tame, and had proved so apt a pupil, that its master 
had taught it to watch the pot in which he prepared his dinner, and was accustomed to leave 
it in charge of the culinary department while he was engaged in other business. One day, he 
had prepared a fowl for his dinner, and, after putting it into the pot, and the pot on the fire, 
went away for a time, leaving the baboon in charge, as usual. 

For a time all went well, and the animal kept a quiet watch over the fire. After a while, 
it was seized with a desire to see what might be in the pot, and so, taking off the lid, peeped 
in. The cdor that issued from the boiled fowl was gratifying to the animal’s nostrils, and 
induced it, after a brief mental struggle, to pick just a little bit from the fowl, and to put the 
bird back again. This was done accordingly, but the experiment was so very successful that 
it was speedily repeated. Again and again was a morsel pinched from the fowl, until ,the 
natural consummation followed—the fowl was picked quite clean, and nothing left but the 
bones. 

Now came remorse and sudden fear, causing the wretched animal to chatter with terror at 
the thought of the scarifying which was sure to follow so grievous an offence. 

What was the poor thing todo? Time was passing, and the master must soon return for 
his dinner. At last a brilliant thought flashed through the animal’s brain, and it immediately 
acted upon the idea. 

Now, in order to understand the.depth of the craft which was employed, it must be 
remembered that the baboons are furnished, in common with very many monkeys, with two 
callosities on the hinder quarters, which serve them for seats, and which are, in these animals, 
of a bright red color. 

Rolling itself over and over in the dust, it covered its body with an uniformly sombre 
coating, and then, gathering itself well together, and putting its head and knees on the ground, 
it presented an appearance marvellously resembling a rough block of stone with two pieces of 
raw meat laid on its top. In those climates the birds of prey absolutely swarm, and, being 
encouraged by their well-earned impunity, crowd round every place where cooking is going 
on, and where they may have a chance of securing a portion, either by lawful gift, or lawless 
rapine. Several of these birds, among which were some kites, being attracted by the scent of 
the boiling meat, came to the spot, and seeing, as they thought, some pice raw meat tempt- 
ingly laid out for them, swept upon their fancied prize. 

In a moment the baboon had sprung to its feet, and, with a rapid clutch, seized one of 


THE BABOON. 65 


the kites. The cover was again taken off the pot, and the shrieking and struggling prisoner 
thrust in to the boiling water in spite of its beak and claws. The lid was then replaced, and 
the baboon resumed its post of sentry with the placid ease that belongs to a conscience void of 
offence. ; 
The baboons, when in their native fastnesses, are under a very complete system of disci- 
pline, and enforce its code upon each other most strictly. Considering the daring inroads 
which these creatures constantly make upon their neighbors’ property, and the daily dangers 


BABOONS.— Cynocephalus babuin. 


to which all gregarious animals are necessarily subject, the most wary vigilance and the most 
implicit obedience are necessary for the safety of the whole community. 

The acknowledged chiefs of the association are easily recognized by the heavy mass of 
hair that falls over their shoulders, and which, when thick and gray with age, is a natural 
uniform that cannot be wrongly assumed or mistaken. 

These leaders have a mode of communicating their orders to their subordinates, and they 
again to those placed under them, in a curiously-varied language of intonations. Short and 
sharp barks, prolonged howls, sudden screams, quick jabberings, and even gestures of limbs 
and person, are all used with singular rapidity, and repeated from one to the other. There 
was a system of military telegraphing, by means of attitudes and sounds, which was invented 
some time ago, and which really might have been copied from the baboons, so much do their 
natural tactics resemble the artificial inventions of mankind. 

It must be remembered that, clever as are these animals, their ingenuity is quite equalled, 
and even surpassed, by many of the animal kingdom which are placed much lower in its 
system. Therefore, although these examples of their sagacity are thus placed on record, it is 


66 THE PAPION. 


not to be imagined that the quadrumanous animals are put forward as the most rational of the 
lower creations. 

In recording the known instances of the mental powers displayed by the monkey tribe, 
we only give to the creature its due meed of praise, and act honestly by treating of every 
being with equal justice. It is so sad that many writers should set about such a task, having 
a purpose to serve, and that, in order to give to their own theory the greatest weight, they lay 
the greatest stress upon those records which tell in their favor, while they suppress those 
facts which might tend to overthrow or modify their own peculiar views. 

To resume the account of the baboons : 

Like all animals which assemble in flocks, they never rest or move without the protection 
of certain sentries, which are chosen out of their number, and which keep the most careful 
watch over the troop to which they belong. The duty is anything but an agreeable one, and 
its labors are equally divided among the community, each competent member taking that task 
upon himself in his own turn. 

When they make an attack upon a field or a plantation, they always guard against sur- 
prise by posting sentries on elevated spots, and, knowing that due notice will be given if any 
suspicious object be seen or heard, they devote all their energies to the congenial business of 
theft, while the sentries remain at their posts, never daring to withdraw their attention from 
the important charge which is committed to them. However, the sentinels do not entirely 
lose the benefit of all the good things, but take their proper share of the spoil after the 
thievish band has returned to a place of safety ; so that their greatest trial is an exercise of 
patience of rather a prolonged character. 

In their rocky fastnesses, their chief foe is the leopard, and so terrified are they at the 
very sound of their enemy’s voice, that even a very poor imitation of a growl is sufficient to 
set them flying off as fast as their legs can carry them, while a breath of air that bears upon 
its wings the least taint of that rank odor which exhales so powerfully from the large Felide, 
scatters dire consternation among the assemblage. There is a story of a life saved by means 
of the ingenuity of a native servant, who, seeing his master beset by a party of angry baboons, 
quietly stepped behind a rock, and imitated the growl of a leopard with that startling fidelity 
that is so general an accomplishment among savage tribes. 

The leopard seldom attacks an adult baboon, not caring to risk its claws and fangs against 
the hands and teeth of so powerful an opponent. Much less does it openly venture to assault 
a band of baboons in hopes of securing one of their number. Its mode of procedure is by slily 
creeping round their rocky domains, and whipping off one of the young baboons before an 
alarm is given. = 

Bold as are these animals, they will not dare to follow a leopard into its den; so that, if 
their dreaded foe succeeds in once getting clear of their outposts, it may carry off its prey 
with impunity. The constant dread which the leopard seems to excite in a baboon’s mind 
appears to be occasioned more by the stealthy craft and persevering aggression of the animal, 
rather than by its physical powers alone. 

One of these animals, the Thoth Baboon, bore a conspicuous part in the scultured mythol- 
ogy of the Egyptians, and may be seen in almost every stony document that is impressed 
with the hieroglyphical wisdom of that wondrous nation. Only the male seems to have been 
considered worthy of forming one of the symbols of that representative language, as is shown 
by the fact that, whenever the Thoth Baboon is engraved, the large mass of hair over the 
shoulders proves it to be of the male sex, and adult. The attitude is generally a sitting 
position. ; 

Among the Egyptians, the god Thoth held the same place among the minor deities as 
Hermes of the Greeks, and Mercury of the Romans,—being probably the prototype of them both. 

Another well-known species of the Dog-headed Baboons is the Papron, an animal of . 
rather a more refined aspect than the Chacma, or, more properly speaking, not quite so brutal. 

The face, although unattractive enough, is yet not so repulsive as that of the Chacma, and 
the colors are rather more bright than those of that animal. 

Great reverence was paid to these creatures, and specially to certain selected individuals 


. 


LEME, IPLUPOINE 67 


which were furnished with a safe home in or near their temples, liberally fed while living, and 
honorably embalmed whendead. Many mummied forms of these baboons have been found in the 
temple caves of Egypt, swathed, and spiced, and adorned, just as if they had been human beings. 

Some authors say that the Thoth Baboon was an object of worship among the Egyptians, 
but hardly with sufficient reason. Various animal forms were used as visible living emblems 
of the attributes of deity, and the qualities of the human intellect, but were no more objects 
of idolatrous worship than the lion of England, or the eagle of America. 

The fur of the Papion is of a chestnut color; in some parts fading into a sober fawn, and 
in others warmed with a wash of ruddy bay. The paws are darker than the rest of the body. 
When young, it is of a lighter hue, and deepens in color until it reaches its full age. In the 
prime of existence its colors are the lightest, but as years begin to lay their burden on the 
animal, the hairs begin’ to be flecked with a slight grizzle, and, in process of time, the snows 
of age descend liberally, and whiten the whole fur with hoary hairs. 

The sense of smell is very largely developed in the baboons, their wide and roomy snouts 
giving plenty of space for the olfactory nerve to spread its branches. Aided by this forma- 
tion, they are enabled to distinguish between poisonous and wholesome food—much to the 
advantage of their human neighbors, who profit by their intelligence, knowing that they may 
safely eat any vegetable which a baboon will admit into its list of viands. What is good for 
baboon is good for man, say they. 

As to the animal food in which these animals indulge, it might possibly be made use of 
under the pressure of imminent starvation, but hardly under any circumstances less distressing. 
It must require a very hungry man to eat a scorpion or a centipede, although ants and some 
other insects are said to possess quite a delicate and almond-like flavor. 

As has already been mentioned, they are singular adepts at discovering the presence of 
water, even though the priceless element should lie concealed under sand or stony ground. 
In such a case of subterraneous springs, the baboons set regularly to work, and, using their 
hands in lieu of spades and mattocks, dig with wonderful celerity. While thus working, they 
divide the task among themselves, and relieve each other at regular intervals. 

When the baboons move in parties, they employ an almost military mode of arranging 
their numbers. In the advanced guard are the young males, who keep forward, well in front 
of the main body, and run from side to side, for the purpose of reconnoitering the ground over 
which they will have to pass. The females and their young occupy the centre, while the rear 
is brought up by the old and experienced males. 

Thus, the more active and vigilant animals lead the way, the weakest are kept under pro- 
tection, and the powerful elders have the whole of their charge constantly in view. In order 
to insure the utmost precision in the line of march, several trusty animals are selected as 
‘‘whippers in,’’ whose business it is to keep order, to drive stragglers back to their proper 
position, to moderate the exuberant playfulness of the advanced guard, to keep a watchful 
eye upon the weaker members of the community, and to maintain a correspondence with the 
venerable chiefs in the rear. 

The number of individuals composing a troup is sometimes above one hundred, ten or 
twelve being adult males, twenty or so, adult females, and the rest of the band composed of 
the young of both sexes. 

The specimens of baboons that have been captured and domesticated, are generally taken 
by a crafty stratagem. Jars of well-sweetened beer are placed near their haunts, and drugged 
with some of those somniferous herbs which are so well known to the Orientals. 

The baboons, seeing the jars left apparently unwatched, come cautiously from their homes, 
and assemble round the novel articles with much grin and chatter. They first dip in a cautious 
finger, and taste suspiciously. Misgiving gives place to confidence, and they partake freely 
of the sweet treachery. The soporific liquid soon manifests its power, and the baboons fall 
easy victims to their captors. 

The two animals with which this history of baboons is closed, are removed from the pre- 
ceding species, on account of various points in their conformation, and are placed in a separate 
genus, under the name of Papio. 


68 THE MANDRILL,. 


FEW ANIMALS present a more grotesque mixture of fantastic embellishment and repulsive 
ferocity than the baboon which is known under the name of MANDRILL. 

The colors of the rainbow are emblazoned on the creature’s form, but always in the very 
spots where one would least expect to see them. A bright azure glows, not in its “eyes of 
heavenly blue,’ but on each side of its nose, where the snout is widely expanded, and swollen 
into two enormous masses. The surfaces of these curious and very unprepossessing projec- 
tions are deeply grooved, and the ridges are bedizened with the cerulean tint above mentioned. 
-Lines of brilliant scarlet and deep purple alternate with the blue, and the extremity of the 
muzzle blazes with a fiery red like Bardolph’s nose. 


THE MANDRILL.— Papio maimon. 


That all things should be equally balanced, the opposite end of the body is also radiant 
with chromatic effect, being plenteously charged with a ruddy violet, that is permitted to 
give its full effect, by the pert, upright carriage of the tail. 

The general color of the fur is of an olive brown tint, fading into gray on the under side 
of the limbs, and the chin is decorated with a small yellow pointed beard. The* muzzle is 
remarkable for a kind of rim or border, which is not unlike the corresponding part in a hog, 
and is well shown in the engraving. The ears are small, devoid of fur, and of a black color 
with a tinge of blue. 

As in the Diana, the colors of this animal are more of a character that we look for in the 
plumage of birds, than in one of the mammals. These bright tints do not, however, belong to 
the hair, but only are developed in the skin, fading away after death, and turning into a dingy 
black. The same circumstance is found to take place in many other animals, the skin colors 
being very fugitive. 

So dependent are these tints upon the life of the animal, that unless it be in perfect health 
and strength, the bright colors dim their beauty, and form, by their brilliancy or faintness, a 
tolerable test of the state of the creature’s health. 

The curious cheek expansions are due, not to the muscles of the face, but to the very bones 
themselves, which are heavy, protuberant, and ridged in the bone skull as in the living head. 


THE MANDRILL. 69 


This addition to the usual form of the skull, adds greatly to the brutish appearance of the 
animal, and gives it a less intelligent aspect than that which is seen in most of the monkey tribe. 

Only the male Mandrill possesses these strange adornments in their full beauty of size 
and color, the females being only gifted with the blue tint upon the muzzle, and even that is 
of a much less brilliant hue than in the male. The cheek-bones are but little elevated above 
the face, and are without the deep furrows that give so strange an appearance to the male sex. 

Even in the male animal, these ornaments do not fully develop themselves until the 
creature has attained maturity. Not until the task of dentition is fully accomplished does the 
Mandrill shine out in all the glory of his huge azure nose, his crimson mouth, and carmine 
termination. 

Of all the baboons, the Mandrill appears to be the most hopelessly savage, though exam- 
ples are not wanting of individuals which have been subjected to kind treatment, and have 
proved tractable and gentle—that is, for baboons. 

The adult Mandrill is liable to terrible gusts of passion, during which it seems to be bereft. 
of reason and possessed with an insane fury. That which in other monkeys is a hasty petu- 
lance, easily excited and soon passing away, becomes in this animal a paroxysm of wild and 
blind rage, to which the anger of an ordinary monkey is but a zephyr to a tornado. 

When thus infuriated—and but small cause is needed for its excitation—the animal seems 
to be beside itself with fury, heedless of everything but the object of its anger. A demon 
light glares from the eyes, and it seems verily possessed with a demon’s strength and malignity. 
With such violence do its stormy passions rage, that the vital powers themselves have been 
known to yield before the tempest that agitates the mind, and the animal has fallen lifeless in 
the midst of its wild yells and struggles. 

“Sudden and quick in passion”’ as is the Mandrill, it bears no short-lived anger, after the 
custom of most quick-tempered beings, but cherishes a rancorous and deeply-rooted vengeance 
against any one who may be unfortunate enough to irritate its froward temper. It will often 
call in the aid of its natural cunning, and will pretend to have forgotten the offence, in order 
to decoy the offender within reach of its grasp. 

The power of this animal is very great, and more than might be inferred from its size 
alone, though its dimensions are far from trifling. 

Unless they travel in large numbers and well armed, the natives shrink from passing 
through the woods in which these animals make their residence. 

For the Mandrills live in society, and their bands are so powerful in point of numbers, 
and so crafty in point of management, that they are about as formidable neighbors as could 
be imagined. It is said that wherever they take up their abode they assume supreme sway, 
attacking and driving from their haunts even the lordly elephant himself. 

These animals are also affirmed to keep a watch over the villages, and, when their male 
population is dispersed to field labor, that they issue in large companies from the woods, enter 
the defenceless villages, and plunder the houses of everything eatable, in spite of the terrified 
women. Some of the female population are said to fall victims to the Mandrills, which carry 
them away to the woods, as has been related of the Chimpanzee. 

This latter assertion may be untrue, but it is strengthened by much collateral evidence. 
The large male baboons, when in captivity, always make a great distinction between their 
visitors of either sex, preferring the ladies to the gentlemen. Sometimes they are so jealous 
in their disposition that they throw themselves into a transport of rage if any attentions be 
paid to a lady within their sight. 

This curious propensity was once made the means of re-capturing a large baboon—a 
chacma—that had escaped from its cage in the Jardin des Plantes, in Paris. 

It had already baffled many attempts to entice it to its home, and when force was tried, 
repelled the assailants, severely wounding several of the keepers. At last a ready-witted 
keeper hit upon a plan which proved eminently successful. 

There was a little window at the back of the cage, and when the keeper saw the baboon 
in front of the open door, he brought a young lady to the window, and pretended to kiss her. 
The sight of this proceeding was too much for the jealous feeling of the baboon, which flew 


70 THE MANDRILL. 


into the cage for the purpose of exterminating the offending keeper. Another keeper was 
stationed in ambush near the cage, and the moment the infuriated animal entered the den, he 
shut and fastened the door. 

The male Mandrills are always more ferocious and less tamable than the females, who 
are also comparatively free from the revolting habits that are so unfortunately found in the 
adult males. 

There are several instances on record of Mandrills which have led a peaceful life in cap- 
tivity, and learned many accomplishments—some, perhaps, rather of a dubious nature. 

One of the most celebrated of these individuals, surnamed ‘‘ Happy Jerry,’’ on account of 
his contented disposition, was a well-known inhabitant of the menagerie at Exeter ’Change 
during his lifetime ; and, even after his death, is still before the public who visit the British 
Museum. 

He was accustomed to drink porter, which he liked, and to smoke a pipe, which he tole- 
rated. He had the. honor of being a royal guest, by special invitation, and seems to have 
passed a life as happy as could well fall to the lot of an expatriated animal. 

There are several allusions to this baboon by ancient writers, although they seem to have 
been very undecided about the real character of the animal. 

Topsel gives a really good illustration of the Mandrill, placing it among the hyenas, 
because preceding writers had done so. However, his own penetrative mind refused to accept 
this opinion, and after saying that it might be the Artocyon, a beast which was supposed to 
be the offspring of bear and dog, diffidently puts forward his own idea on the subject, which 
is the correct one, as is usual when men will venture to think boldly for themselves, and shake 
off the trammels of conventional prejudice. 

“His fore-feet,’’ says Topsel, ‘‘are divided like a man’s fingers. It continually holdeth 
up his tail, for at every motion it turneth that as other beasts do their head. It hath a short 
tail, and but for that I should judge it to be a kind of ape.’ Many of the traits recorded by 
the same author are precisely applicable to the Mandrill, although, as he thought, that it 
ought to be a hyena, he has intermixed with his account a few truly hyenine anecdotes. 

His name for it is, ‘‘ The Second Kinde of Hyzena, called Papio, or Dabuh.’’ 

In its native land, the usual food of the Mandrill is of a vegetable nature, although, in 
common with the rest of the baboons, it displays a great liking for ants, centipedes, and simi- 
Jar creatures. 

Sometimes it happens that it takes a carnivorous turn, and then will capture and devour 
small birds, quadrupeds, and reptiles. In captivity it is tolerably carnivorous, its tastes being 
sufficiently universal to accommodate itself to strong drink, as well as to civilized fare. Meat 
of all kinds seems acceptable to the animal, as does beer and wine. Tobacco, as we have seen, 
it can endure, but hardly appreciate. 

It drinks by shooting forward its mobile lips into the vessel, and drawing the liquid into 
its mouth by suction. 

When it eats, it generally commences its repast by filling its pouches with food in readi- 
ness for another meal, and unless very severely pressed by hunger, never neglects this pre- 
caution. 

The tail of this animal is a remarkable feature, if it may so be termed, in the general 
aspect of the baboon. It is short, set high on the back, and curved upwards in a manner that 
is most singular, not to say ludicrous, in the living animals, and conspicuously noticeable in 
the skeleton. The skull of an adult Mandrill is most brutal in character. The brain has but 
little place in the cranium, and the greater part of the surface is either composed of, or 
covered with, heavy ridges of solid bone that are formed for the support of the large muscles 
which move the jaws. 

The eyes are placed extremely high in the face, leaving hardly any forehead above them, 
and they are deeply set beneath a pair of morosely overhanging brows. The hair on the head 
is rather peculiar in its arrangement, forming a kind of pointed crest on the crown, and thus 
giving an almost triangular outline to the head. 

It is a very common animal in its own country, but on account of its great strength, cun- 


THE DRILL. Cal 


ning, and ferocity, is not so often captured as might be expected. Even when a specimen is 
made prisoner, it is generally a very young one, which soon loses in captivity the individu- 
ality of its being, and learns to accommodate itself to the altered circumstances among which 
it is placed. j 

The name ‘‘ Maimon,’’- which is applied to the Mandrill, is most appropriate. It is a 
Greek word, signifying a hobgoblin, and is therefore peculiarly applicable to so uncanny a 
looking animal. 

The DRILL, co-native with the Mandrill, of the coast of Guinea, somewhat resembles the 
female or young male mandrill, and is not of quite so savage and grotesque an aspect as that 
animal. : 

Its cheek-bones are not nearly so protuberant as those of the mandrill’s, nor is its skin so 
brilliantly colored. The upper parts of the body are greener than those of the mandrill, the 


THE DRILL.—Papio leucophaeus. 


yellow rings in the hair being more frequent. Its face and ears are of a light polished black, 
and the palms of the hands and feet are devoid of hair, and of a coppery tinge. 

Formerly the Drill was thought to be only a young mandrill, and was so named. But the 
fact that even after their second dentition, the male Drills do not put on the furrowed cheek- 
bones, or the bright coloring that distinguishes the mandrill, is sufficient to prove that it is a 
distinct species. 

Little is known of its habits when in a state of nature, as it has probably been confounded 
with the mandrill, and its deeds narrated as if they belonged to the last-named animal. 

As far as is known, it is much like the mandrill and other baboons in temper, being quiet 
and docile when young, but subsiding into morose apathy as it becomes older. 

The little stumpy tail is very like that of the mandrill, and is covered with short and stiff 
hair. Its length is not more than two inches even in a full-grown male. The Drill is always 
a smaller animal than the mandrill, and the female much smaller than the male, from whom 
she differs also in the comparative shortness of her head, and the generally paler tint of 
her fur. 


aj 
bo 


THE CHAMECK. 


AMERICAN MONKEYS. 


We have now taken a rapid survey of the varied forms which the Quadrumana of the 
Old World assume ; forms so diversified that there hardly seems to be scope for further modi- 
fications. Yet the prolific power of nature is so inexhaustible, that the depth of our researches 
only brings to view objects of such infinite variety of shape that the mind is lost in wonder 
and admiration. 

Thus it is with the Cebide, or American Monkeys. While preserving the chief charac- 
teristics of the monkey nature, thus proving their close relationship with the Old World 
monkeys, they exhibit the strangest modification of details. The four hand-like paws, and 
other quadrumanous peculiarities, point out their position in the animal kingdom, while 
sundry differences of form show that the animals are intended to pass their life under condi- 
tions which would not suit the monkeys of the Old World. 

A view of the New World monkeys as contrasted with those of the Eastern Continent, 
exhibits strongly marked characteristics that eminently fit them for the arboreal life they are 
seen to enjoy. Some of the great Apes, notably the Orang, live habitually in trees, but they 
are not adapted to traverse the tree-tops, and leap from limb to limb as do the monkeys of 
the Western World. 

The peculiar habits of the latter are greatly promoted by the extreme slenderness of their 
bodies and limbs, and by the singular function of the long tail. The terminal portion of that 
member is bare and somewhat calloused, and possesses the power to clasp tightly around the 
limbs of trees; and so great is this power the creature easily swings off its whole weight, 
thereby leaving the four limbs free for seizing on other points of advantage in its travels 
through the tree-tops of the forest. 

The curiously shaped monkey which is represented in the following engraving, is an excel- 
lent example of the Cebidee, or Sapajous, as they are often called. 

The name ‘‘ Ateles,’’ which is given to the entire genus to which this animal belongs, 
signifies ‘“‘imperfect,’’ and has been applied to the creatures because the fore-paws are devoid 
of useful thumbs. Sometimes that member is almost entirely absent, and in other instances 
it only just shows itself. ; 

In the Cuameck, the thumb is slightly projecting, but even in this case it has only a 
single joint, and is not furnished with a nail after the usual custom of thumbs and fingers. 
Even when the thumb reaches its greatest size, it cannot be used as the human thumb, as it is 
not capable of being opposed to the fingers. 

The Chameck is a native of various parts of Brazil, where it is found rather profusely. 
From all accounts, it seems to be a very gentle creature, and susceptible of a high amount of 
cultivation. It does not appear to be so capricious of temper as the monkeys of the Old 
World, and although playful when in the humor for sport, is not so spitefully tricky as its 
transatlantic relatives. It soon learns to distinguish those persons who treat it with kindness, 
and will often enter into playful mock combats, pretending to inflict severe injuries, but never 
doing any real damage. 

It is not a very large animal, the length of its body being about twenty inches, and the 
tail just over two feet in length. The fur is tolerably long, and falls densely over the body 
and limbs. 

On referring to the engraving, it will be seen that the hair is longer than usual by the 
region of the hips, and rather thickly overhangs the hinder quarters. This arrangement seems 
to stand the creature in place of the callosities which have so often been alluded to, and which 
are not possessed by the Cebidee. These monkeys are also destitute of cheek-pouches, but, as 
if to compensate them for the want of these appendages, they are furnished with an additional 
supply of teeth, having thirty-six instead of thirty-two, which is the ordinary complement. 

The nostrils are very different from those of the monkeys which have already been 
described, as they open at the sides instead of underneath, and are separated from each other 
by a wide piece of cartilage. The ear is less unlike that of man than is the case with the 


THE CHAMECK. 73 


ereater part of the monkey tribe, the greatest distinction between the two being that the ear 
of the monkey is destitute of that soft lower lobe, which is so characteristic of the human ear, 
and through which ladies barbarously hook their auricular trinkets. 

If the reader will refer to the illustration of the Chameck, he will see that the tail is the 
most conspicuous member of the animal. For the greater part of its length it is thickly 
covered with long drooping fur, but the last seven or eight inches are nearly denuded of hair 
on the upper surface, and entirely so on the lower. Towards the base it is extremely thick, 
and is furnished with muscles of great strength and marvellous flexibility, destined to aid the 
member in the performance of 
those curiously active move- 
ments for which these mon- 
keys are so renowned. 

The tail of these animals 
is to them equivalent, and 
more than equivalent, toa fifth 
hand. The naked extremity 
is endowed with so sensitive 
a surface that it can be applied 
to most of the uses to which 
the hand can be put, while the 
powerful muscles that move it 
are so strong and lithe that 
they can exert a_ singular 
amount of strength, even so as 
to suspend the entire weight 
of the animal. 

In ascending trees or trav- 
ersing the branches, the mon- 
keys continually aid their 
progress by twining the end of 
the tail round the neighboring 
boughs. Sometimes they even 
suspend themselves wholly by 
their tails, and after giving 
their bodies a few oscillating 
movements, boldly swing them- 
selves from one branch to an- 
other, clearing considerable 
spaces in the effort. On account of these capabilities, the tail is known by the name of 
“¢prehensile.”’ 

The color of the Chameck is nearly black, and of a uniform tint over the head, body, and 
limbs. Its hair is rather long and thick, in some parts taking a slight curl. The head is very 
small in proportion to the rest of the body. During the life of the animal the face is of a deep 
brown color, as are the ears, cheeks, and chin, on which some long black hairs are scattered 
at distant intervals. Its lips are possessed of some mobility, but not equal to those of the 
chimpanzee or orang-outan. 

The most notable monkey of this prehensile-tailed group is the Coaita (Ateles paniscus), 
an excellent figure of which is presented on next page. It is difficult to conceive of any animal 
so spider-like in its movements. From this remarkable resemblance to a crawling spider as it 
moves over branches, putting forth its long snake-like tail and its limbs, it has received the name 
of Spider Monkey. The limbs are slender and singularly attenuated, and the tail is essentially 
a fifth arm. The latter member is considerably longer than the body ; its extremity upon 
the inner surface is soft and like the sensitive inside of the fingers, and is, practically, a very 
supple and serviceable finger. It is carried with exceeding grace as he advances, and is ever 


CHAMECK.—Ateles chameck. 


74 THE COAITA. 


the avant courier of all his movements. One is constantly reminded of the elephant’s pro- 
boscis, so adroitly does he present this fifth clasping member at every move. 

So completely adapted is this species or group of monkeys to arboreal life, it is equally 
unfitted for locomotion on the ground. So eminently is this tree-top existence his natural 
condition, he would be nearly undone and quite miserable away from it. Its almost requisite 
element seems to be an unbroken forest. This it has, in all the grandeur of immensity. The 
Brazilian and tropical belt of woodland, which extends nearly from ocean to ocean, the width of 
the continent, is his. Some of the marine mammals would be but little more embarrassed out of 
their appropriate element, than the Spider Monkey deprived of the friendly branching trees. 

We have witnessed the movements of this monkey at the zoological collection in Central 
Park, and in one instance there were two, a male and a female. The male seemed to be inces- 


COAITA.—Aieles paniscus. 


santly teasing his mate. The latter seemed to care little for the fun, but at times, when rudely 
jerked from the floor by the long up-raised tail, she joined in the race and contributed to a 
most astonishing display of calisthenics. 

The male of this pair was one of the most slender of its kind. On the wire screen of its 
great cage it spread itself out like a ‘‘ Daddy-long-legs,’’ impressing us much as that insect 
does, with its strange, furtive movements. Now one passes hand over hand along the hori- 
zontal bar, never once omitting a convenient contact of the tail-tip, which clasps a similar bar 
above, and slides along its surface as we lead our hand down a stair-rail, ready to grasp it 
at any moment. A sudden caprice, and his body drops; suspended by the tail he swings to 
and fro, glancing aimlessly, in the manner of all monkeys—in short, looking altogether as if 
he was doubtful what to do next. In this moment of indecision, he suddenly entertains the 
notion that his mate needs stirring up; whereupon he drops upon the floor, instantly stands 
erect, extends his long arms high above his head as a balance-weight, and strides off more 
human-like than the great Apes, that are much nearer man in the scale of being. 


THE COAITA. 75 


This monkey is credited with the faculty of robbing nests of birds that build in fan- 
cied security in the hollow trunks of dead trees. He introduces his tail into the aperture, 
grasps the egg with the sensitive, finger-like tip, and passes the morsel with a flourish to his 
mouth. 

Five specimens of the several species of Spider Monkeys are in the American Museum of 
Natural History, where the reader may see the most excellent representative collection ; 
embracing all of the principal forms. At no distant day this collection will contain as nearly a 
perfect series of Primates, which include all of the monkey races, from the gorilla and the two 
large species, orang and chimpanzee, to the lowest, as can be obtained. The grand examples 
of the three latter forms are now in the museum, and well repay a visit to them. 

The Coarra, or QuATA, as the word is frequently written, resembles the chameck in many 
characteristics. 

It is one of the best known of this group of animals, which are called by the name of 
Spider Monkeys, on account of their long sprawling limbs, and their peculiar action while 
walking. 

It is very remarkable, that although these creatures appear to be much less calculated for 
bipedal locomotion than the large apes, they should really be better walkers than most of the 
monkey tribe. When placed on a level surface and desirous to walk in an erect position, they 
always attempt to aid their tottering steps by means of their prehensile tails, which they twine 
about in every direction in the hope of grasping some object by which to. help themselves 
along. But when they find that all chances of external support are vain, they bravely throw 
themselves on their own resources, and, using their tail as a balance, move along with toler- 
able ease. 

The mode in which they apply the tail to this unexpected use is by raising it up behind 
until it is on a level with the head, and then curling the tip of it downwards, so as to form 
the figure of a letter ‘‘S.”’ 

The spider monkeys can apply the tail to uses far more remarkable than any of those 
which have been mentioned. With such singularly delicate sense of touch is it furnished, 
that it almost seems to be .possessed of the power of sight, and moves about among the 
branches with as much decision as if there were an eye in its tip. Should the monkey dis- 
cover some prize, such as a nest of eggs, or any little dainty, which lies in a crevice too small 
for the hand to enter, it is in nowise disconcerted, but inserts the end of its tail into the 
cranny, and hooks out the desired object. 

It is impossible to contemplate this wonderful provision of nature without a feeling 
of admiration at the manner in which the most unlikely portions of an animal are de- 
veloped for the purpose of performing sundry uses. There seems to be a curious parallel 
between the elephant’s trunk and the spider monkey’s tail, being developments of the two 
opposite extremes of the body, the former belonging to the Old World and the latter to 
the New. 

There is a wonderful resemblance in the use to which these members are put, excepting 
of course those discrepancies that must arise from the different natures of the organs, and the 
habits of the animals to which they belong. Even in external form the proboscis and the tail 
are marvellously similar; so much so, indeed, that an outline of one would almost serve as a 
sketch of the other. Each is gifted with discriminating faculty of touch, and therefore able 
to pick up any small object ; while at the same time its muscular powers are so great, that it 
can endure severe and prolonged exertion. 

The proboscis of the elephant can seize a tree-branch and tear it from its parent trunk. 
The spider monkey has no such gigantic strength, but it can sling itself from a bough by its 
tail, and remain suspended for almost any length of time. There is a beautiful formation of 
the tail of this creature, by means of which the grasp of that member retains its hold even 
after the death of the owner. If a spider monkey is mortally wounded, and not killed out- 
right, it curls its tail round a branch, and thus suspended yields up its life. The tail does 
not lose its grasp when the life has departed ; and the dead monkey hangs with its head down- 
wards for days, until decomposition sets in and the rigid muscles are relaxed. 


THE COAITA. 


ioe | 
on) 


We may here trace another curious analogy between this automatic contraction of the 
tail, and the well-known structure by which a bird is enabled to hold itself on its perch during 
sleep. If the spider monkey’s tail be drawn out till it is straightened, the tip immediately 
curls round, and remains so until the member is suffered to return to its usual curve. Per- 
haps one reason for this provision may be, that it is for the purpose of retaining the animal in 
its arboreal residence, and guarding it against a fall. 

Still, it is a curious fact, and cannot be wholly accounted for on those grounds; for the 
monkeys of the Old World, although not gifted with prehensile tails, are quite as arboreal as 
their brethren of the New, and consequently as liable to Kutychian casualties. It may be 
remarked, en passant, that there are Preacher Monkeys in America, and consequently that 
an especial provision against such misfortunes may be more requisite in Brazil than in Africa. 

In their native country, the spider monkeys may be seen in great profusion, swinging 
from the tree-branches in groups, like bunches of enormous fruits. 

They are very lazy animals, and will sit, swing, or recline for hours in the strangest atti- 
tudes without moving a limb; just as if they were striving to emulate the Hindoo Fakirs in 
their motionless penances. Such a propensity is the more curious, because the slight forms 
of the animals, their long and slender limbs, and above all, their wonderful tail, would lead 
us to anticipate the same singular swiftness and activity that are found in the gibbons.” In 
the American monkeys, however, we do not find the capacious chest and thin flanks which 
mark out the character of the gibbons. 

Yet, when aroused by hunger or other sufficient motive, the spider monkeys can move 
fast enough; and in such a manner, that nothing without wings can follow them. In their 
native land, the forests are so dense and so vast, that if it were not for the rivers which occa- 
sionally cut their path through the dark foliage, the monkeys could travel for hundred of 
miles without once coming to the ground. 

Not that the monkeys care very much for a river, provided that the distance between the 
banks is not very great; and as they detest going into the water, they most ingeniously con- 
trive to get over without wetting a hair. The manner in which they are said to achieve this 
feat of engineering is as follows. 

When a marching troop, often amounting to a hundred or more, arrives at the bank of a 
river, the principal body halts, while the oldest and most enced of their band run 
forward, and carefully reconnoitre the locality. After mature deliberation they fix on some 
spot where the trees of the opposite banks incline riverwards, and approximate nearest to 
each other. 

Running to the overhanging boughs, the most. powerful monkeys twist their tails firmly 
round the branch, and permit themselves to hang with their heads downwards. Another mon- 
key then slides down the body of the first, twines his tail tightly round his predecessor, and 
awaits his successor. In this way a long chain of monkeys is gradually formed, until the last, 
who is always one of the strongest of the troop, is able to plant his paws on the ground. He 
then begins to push the ground with his hands, so as to give the dependent chain a slight 
oscillating movement, which is increased until he is able to seize a branch on the opposite side 
of the river. 

Having so done, he draws himself gradually up the branches, until he finds one that is 
sufficiently strong for the purpose in view, and takes a firm hold of it. The signal is then 
given that all is ready, and the rest of the band ascend the tree, and cross the river by means 
of this natural suspension bridge. 

So far, so good! The monkeys run over the bridge easily enough ; but how is the bridge 
itself to get over? Their plight is very like that of the man who invented a system of iron 
doors to be closed from the interior, and who, after closing them in the most admirable and 
effectual manner, was obliged to open them again in order to get out. 

Still, whatever may be the case with human beings, when monkeys are clever enough to 
make such a bridge, they are at no loss to achieve the passage of the bridge itself. 

Two or three of the stoutest keep themselves in reserve for this emergency, and, attaching 
themselves to the last links of the living chain, relieve their comrade from his arduous task of 


THE MARIMONDA. (Or 


clutching the boughs, and at the same time slightly lengthen the chain. They then clamber 
up the tree as high as the chain will stretch, or the boughs bear the strain, and take a firm 
hold of a tough branch. A second signal is now given, and the monkey on the opposite bank 
relaxing his hold, the entire line of monkeys swings across the river, perhaps slightly duck- 
ing the lowermost in the passage. Once arrived, the lower monkeys drop to the ground, while 
the others catch at branches, and break their connection with the much-enduring individual 
at the top. When the last monkey has secured itself, the leaders descend the tree, and the 
whole troop proceed on their march. 

Those who have witnessed this curious scene, say that it is a most amusing affair, and 
that there is a considerable comic element in it, on account of the exuberant spirits of the 
younger and less staid individuals, who delight in playing off little practical jokes on the com- 
ponent parts of the bridge in their passage ; knowing that there is no opportunity for imme- 
diate retaliation, and trusting to escape ultimately in the confusion that follows the renewal of 
the march. 

The Coaita is by no means a large animal, measuring very little more than a foot from the 
nose to the root of the tail, while the tail itself is two feet in length. Its color is very dark 
and glossy ; so dark, indeed, as to be almost black. The hair varies much in length and 
density. On the back and the outside of the limbs it hangs in long drooping locks, forming a 
thick covering through which the skin cannot be seen. But on the abdomen the hair is quite 
scanty, and is so thinly scattered that the skin is plainly visible. The skin of the face is of a 
dark copper color. 

The Coaita seems to be as much averse to the intrusion of strangers into its domains as 
the African monkeys, whose proceedings have been already narrated. Banding together in 
large troops, these monkeys will assault a stranger with great vigor. Their first proceeding 
upon the approach of any intruder, whether man or beast, is to descend to the lower branches 
of their trees, and to satisfy themselves by a close inspection, whether the object be a friend 
or a trespasser. Having decided on the latter point of view, they re-ascend to their strong- 
hold, and commence an assault by pelting with sticks, and keep up their attacks, until they 
fairly worry the intruder out of their dominions. 

Another example of this wonderful group of monkeys is found in the Marimonpa ; an 
inhabitant, like the two last-named animals, of Central America, and found in greatest num- 
bers in Spanish Guiana, where, according to Humboldt, it fills the place of the Coaita. 

The general shape, the formation of its limbs, and the long prehensile tail, point it out at 
once as another of the spider monkeys. It is certainly a very appropriate name for these ani- 
mals. Their heads are so small, their bodies so short, their limbs so slender, and their tail so 
limb-like, that the mind unconsciously draws a parallel between these monkeys and the long- 
legged spiders that scuttle so awkwardly over the ground, and are so indifferent respecting 
their complement of legs. 

The resemblance holds good even when the monkey is at rest, or even when it only appears 
before the eye in an illustration. But when the creature begins to walk on level ground, 
and especially if it be hurried, its clumsy movements are so very spider-like, that the simili- 
tude is ten times more striking. Be it remarked, that both creatures are supposed to be 
placed in uncongenial circumstances. The spider is deft and active enough among the many 
threads of its air-suspended nets, as is the monkey among the slight twigs of the air-bathed 
branches. But when both animals are subjected to circumstances which are directly opposed 
to their natural mode of existence, they become alike awkward, and alike afford subjects of 
mirth. 

The mode by which a spider monkey walks on level ground is rather singular, and diffi- 
cult to describe, being different from that which is employed by the large apes. They do not 
set the sole of either paw, or hand, flat upon the ground, but, turning the hinder feet inwards, 
they walk upon their outer sides. The reverse process takes place with the fore-paws, which 
are twisted outwards, so that the weight of the animal is thrown upon their inner edges. 

It will easily be seen how very awkward an animal must be which is forced to employ so 
complicated a means for the purpose of locomotion, Although it has been already stated that 


78 THE MIRIKI. 


the spider monkey has been known to walk in a manner much more steady than that of any 
other monkey, yet it must be remembered that this bipedal progression was only employed for 
a few paces, and with a haven of rest in view in the shape of a window-sill, on which the crea- 
ture could rest its hands. 

In captivity, the Marimonda is a gentle and affectionate animal, attaching itself strongly 
to those persons to whom it takes a fancy, and playing many fantastic gambols to attract their 
attention. Its angry feelings, although perhaps easily roused, do not partake of the petulant 
malignity which so often characterizes the monkey race, and are quite free from the rancorous 
vengeance which is found in the baboons. Very seldom does it attempt to bite, and even 
when such an event does take place, it is 
rather the effect of sudden terror than of 
deliberate malice. 

On account of its amiable nature it is 
often brought into a domesticated state, 
and, if we may. give credence to many a 
traveller, is trained to become not only 
an amusing companion, but an useful 
servant. 

The color of this animal varies much 
according to the age of the individual. 

When adult, the leading color is of 
an uniform dull black, devoid of the 
glossy lustre which throws back the sun- 
beams from the coaita’s furry mantle. On 
the back, the top of the head, and along 
the spine, the hair is of a dense, dead 
black, which seems to have earned for the 
animal the very inapposite name with 
which its nomenclators have thought fit 
to dedecorate the mild and amiable Mari- 
monda. 

The throat, breast, inside of the 
limbs, and the under side. of the tail are 
much lighter in tint, while in some indi- 
viduals a large, bright chestnut patch 
covers the latter half of the sides. 

It seems to be of rather a listless 
character, delighting to bask in the sun’s 
rays, and lying in the strangest attitudes for hours without moving. One of the postures 
which is most in vogue is achieved by throwing the head back with the eyes turned up, and 
then flinging the arms over the head. 

There are several other species belonging to this group of animals, among which may be 
mentioned the Cayou, or Black Spider Monkey, the Chuva, the Brown Coaita, and others. 
The habits, however, of all these creatures are very similar, and therefore only one more 
example will be described. This is the MrrrKk1, or Mono, as some authors call it. 

The hair of this species is very thick, short, and furry, of a tolerably uniform brown tint 
over the head, body, and limbs, the paws being much darker than the rest of the animal. 
There is a slight moustache formed by a continuation of the long black hairs which are 
scantily planted on the chin and face. On account of the thick coating of fur with which the 
skin of this animal is covered, water has but little effect upon it. Knowing this wet-repellent 
property, the hunters of Brazil are accustomed to make the skin of the Miriki into cases 
wherewith to cover the locks of their guns in rainy days. 

This species is easily distinguishable from its companions by the presence of a better 
developed thumb on the fore-paws than falls to the lot of spider monkeys generally. 


THE MIRIKI.—Brachyteles hypoxanthus. 


THE MIRIKI. 79 


e 


T conclude the account of the spider monkeys with a few anecdotes of one of these ani- 
mals, that have been kindly narrated to me by its owner, a captain in the British navy. 

The monkey—a lady—to whom the name of Sally was given, was captured in British 
Guiana, and brought to the governor of Demerara, from whom it passed to its present gallant 
possessor. Sally seems to be a wondrous favorite, and to take in her owner’s heart the place 
of a favorite child. There are many photographic portraits of this sable pet, three of which 
are at present before me, one representing Sally as lying contentedly in her master’s lap, her 
little wrinkled face looking over his arm, and her tail twisted round his knees, while one hind- 
foot is grasping this appendage. A second portrait exhibits her standing on a, pedestal, by 
the side of the captain’s coxswain,—to whose care she was chiefly committed—her left arm 
flung lovingly round his neck, and her tail coiled several times round his right hand, on which 
she is partly sitting. In the third, she is shown standing by the side of the same man, with 
her foot upon his hand, and the tip of her tail round his neck, by way of a change. 

In almost every case there is a slight blur in the monkey’s form, owing to the difficulty 
in persuading so volatile an animal as a monkey to remain still for two seconds together. 
However, the proportions of the animal are well preserved, and its characteristic attitudes 
shown clearly enough. 

She is a most gentle creature, only having been known to bite on two occasions, one of 
which was simply in self-defence. She had got loose in the dock yard at Antigua, and had 
been chased by the men for some time. At last she was hemmed into a corner, and would 
have been taken easily, had not the dockyard laborers rather feared her teeth. Her master, 
however, in order to prove that she was not dangerous, caught her, and was rewarded by a 
rather severe bite on his thumb. Had it not been, however, that poor Sally was terrified out 
of her senses by the pursuit of the laborers, she would not have behaved so badly. 

So gentle was she in general, that whenever she received a slight correction for some fault, 
she would never attempt to retaliate, but only sidle away and accept the rebuke. Malice does 
not seem to be in her nature, for she soon forgets such injuries, and does not lose her kind 
feelings towards her corrector. Her master tells me that if any one gets bitten by her, it is 
entirely the fault of the sufferer, and not of the monkey. 

On board ship she is not trammelled by chain or rope, but is permitted to range the vessel 
at her own sweet will. She revels among the rigging, and when she becomes playful, dances 
about a rope in such a strange manner, and flings her limbs and tail about so fantastically, 
that the spectators are at a loss to distinguish the arms and legs from the tail. When thus 
engaged, the name of spider monkey is peculiarly apposite, for she looks just like a great 
overgrown tarantula in convulsions. During these fits of sportiveness, she stops every now 
and then to shake her head playfully at her friends, and, screwing up her nose into a point, 
utters little, short, soft grunts at intervals. She generally becomes vivacious towards sunset. 

There is a curious custom in which she is in the habit of indulging. She likes to climb 
up the rigging until she reaches a horizontal rope, or small spar, and then, hooking just the 
tip of her tail over it, will hang at full length, slowly swinging backward and forward, while 
she rubs each arm alternately from the wrist to the elbow, as if she were trying to stroke the 
hair the wrong way. She always must needs have her tail round something, and, if possible, 
would not venture a step without securing herself to some object by the means of that long 
and lithe member. 

Unlike many of her relatives, who are inveterate thieves, and with the tips of their tails 
quietly steal objects from which their attention is apparently turned, Sally is remarkably 
honest, never having stolen anything but an occasional fruit or cake. She is accustomed to 
take her dinner at her master’s table, and behaves herself with perfect decorum, not even 
beginning to eat until she has obtained permission, and keeping to her own plate like a civil- 
ized being. Her food is mostly composed of vegetables, fruit, and sopped bread, although 
she occasionally is treated to a chicken-bone, and appreciates it highly. 

In the matter of food she is rather fastidious, and if a piece of too stale bread be given to 
her, smells it suspiciously, throws it on the floor, and contemptuously ignores its existence. 
With true monkey instinct, she is capable of distinguishing wholesome from harmful food, 


80 HOWLING MONKEYS. 


and after she had left the tropical fruits far behind, she accepted at once an apple which was 
offered to her, and ate it without hesitation. 

At Belize, Sally was permitted to range the town at large for some days. One morning, 
as her master was passing along the streets, he heard high above his head a little croaking 
sound, which struck him as being very like the voice of his monkey ; and on looking up, there 
was Sally herself, perched on a balcony, croaking in pleased recognition of her friend below. 

Once, and once only, poor Sally got into asad scrape. Her master was going into his 
cabin, and found Sally sitting all bundled together on the door-mat. He spoke to her, and 
the creature just lifted up her head, looked him in the face, and sank down again in her former 
listless posture. 

*“Come here, Sally,” said the captain. 

But Sally would not move. 

The order was repeated once or twice, and without the accustomed obedience. 

Surprised at,so unusual a circumstance, her master lifted her by the arms, and then made 
the shocking discovery that poor Sally was quite tipsy. She was long past the jovial stage of 
intoxication, and had only just sense enough left to recognize her master. Very ill was Sally 
that night, and very penitent next day. 

The reason for such a catastrophe was as follows :— 

The officers of the ship had got together a little dinner party, and being very fond of the 
monkey, had given her such a feed of almonds and raisins, fruits of various kinds, biscuits and 
olives, as she had not enjoyed for many a day. Now of olives in particular, Sally is very 
fond, and having eaten largely of these dainties, the salt juice naturally produced an intense 
thirst. So, when the brandy and water began to make its appearance, Sally pushed her lips 
into a tumbler, and to the amusement of the officers, drank nearly the whole of its cool but 
potent contents. 

Her master remonstrated with the officers for permitting the animal to drink this strong 
liquid ; but there was no necessity for expostulating with the victim. So entirely disgusted 
was the poor monkey, that she never afterwards could endure the taste or even the smell of 
brandy. She was so thoroughly out of conceit with the liquid that had wrought her such woe, 
that even when cherry-brandy was offered to her, the cherries thereof being her special luxury, 
she would shoot out her tongue, and with just its tip taste the liquid that covered the dainty 
fruits beneath, but would not venture further. 

She seemed to bear the cold weather tolerably well, and was supplied with plenty of warm 
clothing which stood her in good stead even off the icy coasts of Newfoundland, where, how- 
ever, she expressed her dislike of the temperature by constant shivering. In order to guard 
herself against the excessive cold, she hit upon an ingenious device. There were on board two 
Newfoundland dogs. They were quite young, and the two used to occupy a domicile which 
was furnished with plenty of straw. Into this refuge Sally would creep, and putting an arm 
round each of the puppies and wrapping her tail about them, was happy and warm. 

She was fond of almost all kinds of animals, especially if they were small, but these two 
puppies were her particular pets. Her affection for them was so great, that she was quite 
jealous of them, and if any of the men or boys passed nearer the spot than she considered 
proper, she would come flying out of the little house, and shake her arms at the intruders with 
a menacing gesture as if she meant to annihilate them. 

A kennel had been built for her special accommodation, but she never would go into it. 
She is a very nervous animal, and apparently has a great dislike to any kind of covering over 
her head. So she was accustomed to repudiate her kennel, and to coil herself up in the ham- 
mock nettings, where she would sleep soundly. She was rather somnolent in character, giving 
up her eventide gambols soon after dark, and falling into a sound slumber from which she 
does not awake until quite late in the morning. 

Her color was black, but it is remarkable, that once when she was ill, her jetty coat became 
interspersed with hairs of a red tint, imparting an unpleasant rusty hue to her furry mantle. 

The next engraving represents an example of the celebrated group of HowLine Monkeys, 
or ALOUATTES as they are termed by some naturalists, whose strange customs have been so 


LEOPARD. 


HOWLING MONKEYS. 81 


often noticed by travellers, and whose reverberating cries rend their ears. Little chance is 
there that the Howling Monkeys should ever fade from the memory of any.one who has once 
suffered an unwilling martyrdom from their mournful yells. 

Few animals have deserved the name which they bear so well as the Howling Monkeys. 
Their horrid yells are so loud, that they can be heard plainly although the animals which pro- 
duce them are more than a mile distant ; and the sounds that issue from their curiously formed 
throats are strangely simulative of the most discordant outcries of various other animals—the 
jaguar being one of the most favorite subjects for imitation. Throughout the entire night their 
dismal ululations resound, persecuting the ears of the involuntarily wakefut traveller with their 


HOWLING MONKEYS.—Mycetes seniculus. 


oppressive pertinacity, and driving far from his wearied senses the slumber which he courts, 
but courts in vain. As if to give greater energy to the performance, and to worry their neigh- 
bors as much as possible, the Araguatos have a fashion of holding conversations, in which 
each member does his best to overpower the rest. 

A similar custom is in vogue with many of the African and Asiatic monkeys, but with 
this difference. The above-mentioned animals certainly lift up their voices together, but then, 
each individual appears to be talking on his own account, so that the sound, although it 1s 
sufficiently loud to affect a listener’s ears most unpleasantly, is disjointed and undecided. 

But the Howlers give forth their cries with a consentaneous accord, that appears to be the 
result of discipline rather than of instinct alone. 

Indeed, the natives assert that in each company, one monkey takes the lead, and acting as 
toast-master, or as conductor of an orchestra, gives a signal which is followed by the rest of 
the band. The result of the combined voices of these stentorian animals may be imagined. 


82 CAPUCIN MONKEYS. 


And when the effect of this melancholy and not at all musical intermittent bellow is heightened 
by the silence of night and the darkness that hangs over the midnight hours in the dense 
forests, it may easily be supposed, that but little sleep would visit the eyes of one who had 
not served an apprenticeship to the unearthly sounds that fill the night air of these regions. 

In order that an animal of so limited a size should be enabled to produce sounds of such 
intensity and volume, a peculiar structure of the vocal organs is necessary. 

The instrument by means of which the Howlers make night dismal with their funestral 
wailings, is found to be the ‘‘ hyoid bone,”’ a portion of the form which is very slightly devel- 
oped in man, but véry largely in these monkeys. In man, the bone in question gives support 
to the tongue and is attached to numerous muscles of the neck. In the Howling Monkeys it 
takes a wider range of duty, and, by a curious modification of structure, forms a bony drum 
which communicates with the windpipe and gives to the voice that powerful resonance, which 
has made the Alouattes famous. 

It is said by those who have been able to watch the habits of these creatures, that the 
howlings of the Alouattes are but nocturnal serenades addressed by the amorous monkeys to 
their arboreal lovers. It is proverbial that good taste, both in beauty and art, are dependent 
entirely upon race and date, and so the deafening yells of a band of howling Araguatos may 
be as pleasing in the ears of their listening mates as Romeo’s loving words to Juliet in her 
balcony ; or as, to bring the matter nearer our home and sympathies, the tender plaints of our 
favorite Tom-cat upon the housetop to his inamorata in the neighboring garden. 

The howling monkeys are said to be less gentle than the spider monkeys, and to partake 
more of the baboon nature than any of their American brethren. From the fact of their large 
size, their formation of head and face, together with one or two other peculiarities, some natu- - 
ralists have considered the Alouattes to be the Western representatives of the baboons that 
inhabit the Eastern continent. 

There is rather an ingenious mode of capturing these monkeys, which is worthy of notice. 

A certain plant, the ‘‘ Lecythis,’’ produces a kind of nut, which, when emptied of its con- 
tents, becomes a hollow vessel with a small mouth. Into one of these hollowed nuts a quan- 
tity of sugar is placed, the nut left in some locality where the monkey is likely to find it, and 
the monkey-catchers retreat to some spot whence they can watch unseen the effect of their 
trap. 

So tempting an object cannot lie on the ground for any length of time without being 
investigated, by the inquisitive monkeys. One of them soon finds out the sweet treasure of 
the nut, and squeezes his hand through the narrow opening for the purpose of emptying the 
contents. Grasping a handful of sugar, he tries to pull it out, but cannot do so because the 
orifice is not large enough to permit the passage of the closed hand with its prize. Certainly, 
he could extricate his hand by leaving the sugar and drawing out his hand empty, but his 
acquisitive nature will not suffer him to do so. At this juncture, the ambushed hunters issue 
forth and give chase to the monkey. At all times, these monkeys are clumsy enough on a 
level surface, but when encumbered with the heavy burden, which is often as big as the mon- 
key’s own head, and deprived of one of its hands, it falls an easy victim to the pursuers. 

All these monkeys are eaten by the inhabitants of these lands, being cooked upon an 
extempore scaffolding of hard weod. Their flesh is very dry indeed, so much so, that a 
monkey’s arm has been preserved for many years only by being roasted over a fire. 

They are not so playful in their habits as most of the monkey tribe, even when young 
preserving a solid gravity of demeanor. They are very numerous among the trees of their 
favorite resorts, as many as forty individuals having been seen upon one tree. 

The Howlers (/ycetes) are represented by several interesting species. The characteristic 
feature of this group of monkeys is the development of the hyoid bone, which is so enlarged 
as to form a hollow bony vessel in the throat. By this arrangement of the vocal organs the 
creature is enabled to produce a hideous howling noise. They are large and heavy creatures, 
and have a very complete prehensile tail. 

The Capuctn Monkeys are active little animals, lively and playful. In habits, all the 
species seem to be very similar, so that the description of one will serve equally for any other. 


CAPUCIN MONKEYS. 85 


In consequence of their youth and sportive manners they are frequently kept in a domesti- 
cated state, both by the native Indians and by European settlers. Like several other small 
monkeys, the Capucin often strikes up a friendship for other animals that may happen to live 
in or near its home, the cat being one of the most favored of their allies. Sometimes it carries 
its familiarity so far as to turn the cat into a steed for the nonce, and, seated upon her back, 
to perambulate the premises. More unpromising subjects for equestrian exercise have been 
pressed into the service by the Capucin. Humboldt mentions one of these creatures which 
was accustomed to catch a pig every morning, and, mounting upon its back, to retain its seat 
during the day. Even while the pig was feeding in the savannahs its rider remained firm, and 
bestrode its victim with as much pertinacity as Sindbad’s old man of the sea. 


— 
SS 
hv 
pS 
WN 
¢ 


a 


CAPUCIN MONKEYS. 


There is some difficulty in settling the species of the Capucins, for their fur is rather vari- 
able in tint, in some cases differing so greatly as to look like another species. The general 
tint of the Capucrn is a golden olive, a whiter fur bordering the face in some individuals, 
though not in all. 

The HorneD Capucrn is much more conspicuous that the last-mentioned animal, as the 
erect fringe of hair that stands so boldly from the forehead points it out at once. When 
viewed in front, the hair assumes the appearance of two tufts or horns, from which peculiarity 
the creature derives its name. These horns are not fully developed until the monkey has 
attained maturity. 

In color, too, it is rather different from the Capucin, having a constant tinge of red in it. 
The fur is mostly of a deep brown, but in some individuals resembles that peculiar purple 
black which is obtained by diluting common black ink with water, while in others the ruddy 
hue prevails so strongly as to impart a chestnut tint to the hair. The fringed crest is tipped 
with gray. 


CAPUCIN MONKEYS. 


ee) 
rs 


The last example of the Capucins which will be noticed in these pages, is the WEEPER 
MonrgKEY, or Sat. 

As is the case with the two previously-mentioned animals, it is an inhabitant of the 
Brazils, and as lively as any of its congeners. The tails of the Capucins are covered with 
hair, but are still possessed of prehensile powers. All these monkeys seem to be possessed 
of much intelligence, and their little quaint ways make them great favorites with those who 
watch their motions. 

Their food is chiefly of a vegetable nature, but they are fond of various insects, sometimes 
rising to higher prey, as was once rather unexpectedly proved. A linnet was placed, by way 
of experiment, in a cage containing two Capucin monkeys, who pounced upon- their winged 


SAI.— Cebus capucinus. 


visitor, caught it, and the stronger of the two devoured it with such avidity that it would not 
even wait to pluck off the feathers. Eggs are also thought to form part of the Capucin’s food. 

The Capucins, so named from several of them having the head so decorated by hair as to 
resemble a monk’s cowl. One little species, called Sai, is often seen in confinement as a pet. 
It is also called Weeper, from the fact that its eyes are usually suffused with tears. Monkeys 
that are usually seen exhibited in the streets are of this group ; being very gentle and suscep- 
tible of considerable education of a certain character. ; 

There is always much difficulty with regard to the names of various animals, as almost 
every systematic naturalist prefers a name of his own invention to one which has already been 
in use. It often happens, therefore, that the same creature has been burdened with ten or 
fifteen titles, given to it by as many writers. The chacma, for example, has been named 
‘“‘Cynocephalus porcarius’’ by one author, ‘‘Simia porearia”’ by another, ‘‘Simia sphingiola”’ 
by a third, ** Papio comatus”’ by a fourth, and ‘‘Cynocephalus ursinus”’ by a fifth. In order 
to avoid the great waste of valuable space that would be caused by giving a list of these various 
names, I only make use of the title by which each animal is designated in the catalogue of the 
British Museum, and under which name it may be found in that magnificent collection, 


THE THE-THE. 85 


A very pretty genus of monkeys comes next in order, deriving from the beauty of their 
fur, the term Callithrix, or ‘‘ beautiful hair.’’ Sometimes these animals are called Squirrel 
Monkeys, partly on account of their shape and size, and partly from the squirrel-like activity 
that characterizes these light and graceful little creatures. The TEE-TEE, or T1TI—as the 
name is sometimes given—is a native of Brazil, and is found in great numbers. Another name 
for the animal is the Sarmrrtr. 

The Tee-tees form a group, embracing many specimens, mostly small, and delicate in 
features. The most singular characteristic of these little monkeys is the habit of watching 
the countenance of its human attendants, as if they were striving to learn what is said to 
them. 

The colors of the Tee-tee are very 
diversified. A grayish olive is spread 
over the body and limbs, the latter being 
washed with a rich golden hue. The ears 
are quite white, and the under surface of 
the body is whitish gray. The tip of the 
tail is black. 

There are several species of Tee-tee, 
four of which are in the British Museum. 

They are most engaging little crea- 
tures, attaching themselves strongly to 
their possessors, and behaving with a gen- 
tle intelligence that lifts them far above 
the greater part of the monkey race. 
Their temper is most amiable, and anger 
seems to be almost unknown to them. 
In the expression of their cotntenance, 
there is something of an infantine inno- 
cence, which impresses itself the more 
strongly when the little creatures are 
alarmed. Sudden tears fill the clear hazel 
eyes, and, by the little, imploring, shrink- 
ing gestures, they establish an irresisti- 
ble claim on all kindly sympathies. 

The Tee-tees have a curious habit of 
watching the lips of those who speak to 
them, just as if they could understand the 
words that are spoken, and when they DEES TEE. Calltthran mersonatc. 
become quite familiar are fond of sitting 
on their friend’s shoulder, and laying their tiny fingers on his lips. They seem to have 
an intuitive idea of the empire of language, and to try, in their own little way, to discover its 
mysteries. 

A pleasant musky odor exhales from these animals. Their beautiful, furry tails have no 
prehensile power, but can be wrapped about any object, or even coiled round their own bodies 
in order to keep them warm. 

The Cuxio, or BEARDED SAKI, which is represented on page 88, is no less remarkable 
in its character than in its looks. It is savage in its temper, and liable to gusts of furious 
passion, during which it is apt to be a very unpleasant neighbor, for it has long sharp teeth, 
and does not hesitate to use them. 

On examining this animal, the attention is at once drawn to the curious manner in which 
both extremities of the body are decorated. 

The beard is of a dull black color, and is formed chiefly by hairs which start from the 
sides of the jaw and chin, and project forward in the curious fashion which gives the animal 
so strange an expression. 


86 THE SAKIS. 


Of this ornament the Cuxio is mightily careful, protecting its facial ornament with a 
veneration equal to that beard-worship for which the medizeval Spanish noble was world- 
famous. It is even more fastidious in this respect than the Diana monkey, whose beard-pro- 
tecting customs have been alluded to on page 43. The Diana will hold its beard aside when it 
drinks ; but the more cautious Cuxio forbears to put its face near the water. Instead of 
drinking a deep draught by suction, as is the custom with most monkeys, it scoops up the 
liquid in the palm of its hand, and so avoids the danger of wetting its beard. 

This curious habit, however, is but rarely witnessed, as the animal dislikes to exhibit its 
fastidiousness before spectators, and only when it thinks itself unwatched will it use its 
natural goblet. When in the presence 
of witnesses it drinks as do other mon- 
keys, wetting its beard without com- 
punction. 

The general color of this monkey 
is a grizzled brown, sometimes speckled 
with rust-colored hairs, and the limbs, 
tail, and head are black. If, however, 
the hair of the body be blown aside, 
a grayish hair takes the place of the 
dark brown; for the hairs are much 
lighter towards their insertion, and 
in many cases are nearly white. The 
hair of the head is remarkable for 
the mode of its arrangement, which 
gives it an air as if it had been 
parted artificially. The long black 
hairs start from a line down the 
centre of ‘the head, and fall over the 
temples so densely that they quite 
conceal the ears under their thick 
locks. The large quantity of hair 
that decorates the head and face in- 
creases the really great comparative 
size of the rounded head. The nostrils 
are rather large, and are separated 
: Re aes from each other by a dividing carti- 

THE SATMIRI.—Callithria sciurea. lage which is larger than is usual 
even in the American monkeys. 

The teeth are so sharp and the jaws so strong, that Humboldt has seen the animal, when 
enraged, drive its weapons deeply into a thick plank. When it suffers from a fit of passion, 
it grinds these sharp teeth, leaps about in fury, and rubs the extremity of its long beard. 
Even when slightly irritated, it grins with savage rage, threatening the offender with menacing 
grimaces, and wrinkling the skin of its jaws and face. 

It is not known to live in companies, as is the wont of most American monkeys, but passes 
a comparatively solitary life, limiting its acquaintance to its partner and its family. The ery 
of this animal is rather powerful, and can be heard at a considerable distance. The color of 
the female Cuxio is not so dark as that of her mate, being almost wholly of a rusty brown. It 
is chiefly nocturnal in its habits. 

There are several monkeys known by the name of Sakis, among which are reckoned the 
Cuxio, which has just been described, and two other species, which are easily distinguished 
from each other by the color of their heads. The first of these animals is the BLAcK YARKE, 
or WHITE-HEADED SAKrt, and the other the CAcAsAo, or BLACK-ITEADED SAKI. 

The former of these Sakis is a rather elegant creature in form, and of color more varied 
than those of the Cuxio. As will be seen from the accompanying engraving, the head is sur- 


THE SAKIS. 87 


rounded with a thick and closely-set fringe of white hair, which is rather short in the male, 
but long and drooping in the female. The top of the head is of a deep black, and the 
remainder of the body and tail is covered with very long and rather coarse hair of a blackish- 
brown. Under the chin and throat the hairs are almost entirely absent, and the skin is of an 
orange hue. 
Beside the difference of length in the facial hairs of the female Yarke, there are several 
distinctions between the sexes, which are so decided as to have caused many naturalists to 
‘consider the male and female to belong to different species. The hair of the female Yarke is 
decorated near the tip with several rings of a rusty brown color, while the hair of the male is 
entirely devoid of these marks. 
The natural food of these animals is said to consist chiefly of wild bees and their honey- 
combs. Perhaps the long furry hair with which the Sakis are covered, may be useful for the 


BLACK YARKE.—Pithecia leucocephala. 


purpose of defending them from the stings of the angry insects. On account of the full and 
bushy tail with which the members of this group are furnished, they are popularly classed 
together under the title of Fox-tailed Monkeys. 

The two animals which have just been noticed are marked by such decided peculiarities 
of form and color that they can easily be distinguished from any other monkeys. The Cuxio 
is known by its black beard and parted hair, the Black Yarke by its dark body and white 
head-fringe, while the Cacasao is conspicuous by reason of its black head and short tail. 

When this animal was first discovered, it was thought that the tail had been docked 
either by some accident, or by the teeth of the monkey itself, as is the custom with so many 
of the long-tailed monkeys of the Old World. But the natives of the country where it lives 
assert that its brevity of tail is a distinctive character of the species. Indeed, among the 
many names which have been given to the Cacajao, one of them, ‘‘Mono Rabon,”’ or short- 
tailed Mono, refers to this peculiarity. On account of the very short tail, and the general 
aspect of the animal, the Cacajao is supposed by some naturalists to be the American repre- 
sentative of the Magot. 

The head of the creature is not only remarkable for its black hue, but for its shape, which, 
instead of being rounded, as is the case with most monkeys, is slightly flattened at the 
temples. The general color of the fur is a bright yellowish-brown, the only exceptions being 
the head and the fore-paws, which are black. The ears are devoid of hair, are very large in 
proportion to the size of the animal, and have something of the human character about them, 


88 THE DOUROUCOULLI. 


The length of the head and body is said to reach nearly two feet in full-grown animals, and 
the tail is from three to five inches long, according to the size of the individual. 

Very little is known of the habits of the Cacajao in a wild state, but in captivity it bears 
the character of being a’ very inactive and very docile animal. Fruits seem to be its favorite 
diet, and when eating them it has a habit of bending over its food in a very peculiar attitude. 
It is not so adroit in handling objects as are the generality of monkeys, and seems to feel some 
difficulty in the management of its long and slender fingers, so that its manner of eating is 
rather awkward than otherwise. 

Among the names by which this monkey is known, we may mention, ‘‘Mono-feo,” or 
Hideous Monkey, Chucuto, Chucuzo, and Caruiri. The term ‘‘Melanocephala’’ signifies 
Black-headed, while the word ‘‘ Leuco- 
cephala,’’? which is applied to the Yarke, 
signifies White-headed. 

It seems to be a timid, as well as a 
quiet animal, as a Cacajao which had 
been domesticated displayed some alarm 
at the sight of several small monkeys 
of its own country, and trembled violently 
when a lizard or a serpent was brought 
before its eyes. 

The localities where it is most gen- 
erally found are the forests which border 
the Rio Negro and the Cassiquiare, but 
it does not seem to be very plentiful even 
in its own land. 

The Cuxio or Saki (Brachyurus) 
belongs to a group having singular de- 
velopments of tail and beard. The former 
member is often very thickly beset with 
hairs, and altogether it resembles a large 
pompon. The beard is extremely large 
and bushy. 

The White-headed Saki resembles 
an old colored man with a full head of 
a 4 silvery hair. 

CUXIO, OR BEARDED SAKI.—Brachyurus Satanas. Other species are characterized by 

very short tails. The White Acari (Owar- 

karia calva) is much in request by the natives of Tapura,.South America. They shoot them 
with poisoned arrows, and then immediately restore them by applying salt to their mouths. 

Some small monkeys belonging to another group are represented by the more familiar 
little creature called Douroucouli (Wyctipithecus trivergatus). The first systematic term refers 
‘to their nocturnal habits, meaning literally, night-monkey. The eyes are very large, and the 
hair of the orbit is arranged much as it is on the owls. They are so sensitive to light, that it 
cannot endure the glare of day, and only awakes to activity and energy when the shades of 
night throw their welcome veil over the face of nature. At night the woods resound with cries 
of duruculi, which has given rise to the trivial name of the monkey. 

In its wild state, it seeks the shelter of some hollow tree or other darkened place of refuge, 
and there abides during the hours of daylight, buried in a slumber so deep, that it can with 
difficulty be aroused, even though the rough hand of its captor drag it from its concealment. 
During sleep it gathers all its four feet closely together, and drops its head between its fore- 
paws. It seems to be one of the owls of the monkey race. 

The food of this Douroucouli is mostly of an animal nature ; and consists chiefly of insects 
and small birds, which it hunts and captures in the night season. After dark, the Dourou- 
couli awakes from the torpid lethargy in which it has spent the day, and shaking off its drowsi- 


THE MARMOSET. 89 


ness, becomes filled with life and spirit. The large dull eyes, that shrank from the dazzling 
rays of the sun, light up with eager animation at eventide ; the listless limbs are instinct with 
fiery activity, every sense is aroused to keen perception, and the creature sets off on its nightly - 
quest. Such is then its agile address, that it can capture even the quick-sighted and ready- 
winged flies as they flit by, striking rapid blows at them with its little paws. 

The general color of the Douroucouli is a grayish-white, over which a silvery lustre plays 
in certain lights. The spine is marked with a brown line, and the breast, abdomen, and inside 
of the limbs, are marked with a very light chestnut, almost amounting to orange. The face 
is remarkable for three very distinct black lines, which radiate from each other, and which 
have earned for the animal the title of ‘‘Trivergatus,”’ or ‘‘Three-striped.’? There are but 
very slight external indications of ears, aud in order to expose the organs of hearing, it is 
necessary to draw aside the fur of the head. 
On account of this peculiarity, Humboldt 
separated the Douroucouli from its neighbors, 
and formed it into a distinct family, which he 
named ‘‘ Adtes,’’ or ‘‘ Karless.”’ 

Guiana and Brazil are the countries where 
this curious little animal is found. Although 
by no means an uncommon species, it is not 
taken very plentifully, on account of its monog- 
amous habits. The male and his mate may 
often be discovered sleeping snugly together in 
one bed, but never in greater numbers, unless 
there may be a little family at the time. Its 
cry is singularly loud, considering the small 
size of the animal which utters it, and bears 
some resemblance to the roar of the jaguar. 
Besides this deep-toned voice, it can hiss or 
spit like an angry cat, mew with something of 
a cat-like intonation, and utter a guttural, 
short, and rapidly repeated bark. The fur is 
used for the purpose of covering pouches and 
similar articles. 

The beautiful little creature which is so 
well known by the name of the MArmossEt, or : — "ey Oia 
OvIsTITI, is a native of the same country as the NigHT-MONKEY, OR DOUROUCOULL —Nyctipithecus trivirgatus. 
Douroucouli, and is even more attractive in 
its manners and appearance. The fur is long and exquisitely soft, diversified with bold stripes 
of black upon a ground of white and reddish-yellow. The tail is long and full; its color is 
white, encircled with numerous rings of a hue so deep that it may almost be called black. A 
radiating tuft of white hairs springs from each side of the face, and contrasts well with the 
jetty hue of the head. ° 

On account of the beauty of its fur, and the gentleness of its demeanor when rightly 
treated, it is frequently brought from its native land, and forced to lead a life of compelled 
civilization in foreign climes. It is peculiarly sensitive to cold, and always likes to have its 
house well furnished with soft and warm bedding, which it piles up in a corner, and under 
which it delights to hide itself. 

The Marmosets do not seem to be possessed of a very large share of intelligence, but yet 
are engaging little creatures if kindly treated. They are very fond of flies and other insects, 
and will often take a fly from the hand of the visitor. One of these animals with whom I 
struck up an acquaintance, took great pleasure in making me catch flies for its use, and taking 
them daintily out of my hand. When it saw my hand sweep over a doomed fly, the bright 
_ eyes sparkled with eager anticipation ; and when I approached the cage, the little creature 
thrust its paws through the bars as far as the wires would permit, and opened and closed the 


90 THE MARMOSET. 


tiny fingers with restless impatience. It then insinuated its hand among my closed fingers, 
and never failed to find and to capture the imprisoned fly. 

When properly tamed, the Marmoset will come and sit on its owner’s hand, its little paws 
clinging tightly to his fingers, and its tail coiled over his hand or wrist. Or it will clamber 
up his arm and sit on his shoulders, or if chilly, hide itself beneath his coat, or even creep 
into a convenient pocket. 

The Marmoset has a strange liking for hair, and is fond of playing with the locks of its 
owner. One of these little creatures, which was the property of a gentleman adorned with a 
large bushy beard, was wont to creep to its master’s face, and to nestle among the thick masses 
of beard which decorated his chin. Another Marmoset, which belonged to a lady, and which 


GROUP OF MARMOSETS. 


Was liable to the little petulances of its race, used to vent its anger by nibbling the end-of her 
ringlets. If the hair were bound round her head, the curious little animal would draw a tress 
down, and bite its extremity, as if it were trying to eat the hair by degrees. The same indi- 
vidual was possessed of an accomplishment which is almost unknown among these little 
monkeys, namely, standing on its head. 

Generally the Marmoset preserves silence ; but if alarmed or irritated, it gives vent to a 
little sharp whistle, from which it has gained its name of Ouistiti. It is sufficiently active 
when in the enjoyment of good -health, climbing and leaping about from bar to bar with an 
agile quickness that reminds the observer of a squirrel. 

Its food is both animal and vegetable in character ; the animal portion being chiefly com- 
posed of various insects, eggs, and it may be, an occasional young bird, and the vegetable diet 
ranging through most of the edible fruits. A tame Marmoset has been known to pounce upon 
a living gold fish, and to eat it. In consequence of this achievement, some young eels were 


THE PINCHE. 9 


jn 


given to the animal, and at first terrified it by their strange writhings, but in a short time they 
were mastered, and eaten. 

Cockroaches are a favorite article of food with the Marmoset, who might be put to good 
service in many a house. In eating these troublesome insects, the Marmoset nips off the head, 
wings, and bristly legs, eviscerates the abdomen, and so prepares the insect before it is finally 
eaten. These precautions, however, are only taken when the cockroach is one of the larger 
specimens, the smaller insects being eaten up at once, without any preparation whatever. 

Several instances of the birth of young Marmosets have taken place in Europe, but the 
young do not seem to thrive well in these climates. The color of the young animal is a dusky 
gray, without the beautiful markings which distinguish them when adult, and the tail is 
destitute of hair. 

The length of the full-grown Marmoset is from seven to eight inches, exclusive of the tail, 
which measures about a foot. 

Among the elegant little animals which are represented in the preceding page are members of 
the same genus as the Marmoset, inhabitants of nearly the same localities, and possessed of many 
similar qualities. 


The Prncue is remarkable for the tuft of white and long hair which it bears on its head, 
and which is so distinctly marked, that the little creature almost seems to be wearing an arti- 
ficial head of hair. The throat, chest, abdomen, and arms, are also white, and the edges of 
the thighs are touched with the same tint. On each shoulder there is a patch of reddish- 
chestnut, fading imperceptibly into the white fur of the chest, and the grayish-brown hair that 
covers the remainder of the body. Its eyes are quite black. 

The tail of the animal is long and moderately full; its color slightly changes from the 
russet-brown tint with which it commences, to a deeper shade of brownish-black. Its voice is 
soft and gentle, and has often been compared to the twittering of a bird. 

The Pinche is quite as delicate in point of health as its slight form seems to indicate, and 
can with difficulty endure the privations of a voyage. When the animal is full-grown, the 
length of its head and body is about eight inches, and that of its tail rather exceeding a foot. 

Among the various members of the money tribe, there is hardly any species that can com- 
pare with the exqisite little Martkrna, either for grace of form, or soft beauty of color. 

The hair with which this creature is covered is of a bright and lustrous chestnut, with a 
golden sheen playing over its long glossy locks. To the touch, the fur of the Marikina is pecu- 
liarly smooth and silken ; and from this circumstance it is sometimes called the Silky Monkey. 

Both for the texture and color of the hair, the name is happily chosen, for the tint of the 
Marikina’s fur is just that of the orange-colored silk as it is wound from the cocoon, while in 
texture it almost vies with the fine fibres of the unwoven silk itself. 

Another name for the same animal is the Lion Monkey, because its little face looks out of 
the mass of hair like a lion from out of his mane. 


92 THE LEMURS. 


The color of the hair is nearly uniform, but not quite so. On the paws it darkens con- 
siderably, and it is of a deeper tint on the forehead and the upper surface of the limbs than on 
the remainder of the body. Some specimens are wholly of a darker hue. In no place is the 
fur very short ; but on the head, and about the shoulders, it is of very great length in propor- 
tion to the size of the animal. 

The Marikina is rightly careful of its beautiful clothing, and is fastidious to a degree about 
preserving its glossy brightness free from stain. Whether when wild, it keeps its own house 
clean, or whether it has no house at all, is 
not as yet accurately ascertained ; but in 
captivity, it requires that all cleansing shall 
be performed by other hands. This sloth- 
fulness is the more peculiar, because the 
creature is so sensitive on the subject, that 
if it be in the least neglected, it loses its 
pretty gaiety, pines away and dies. 

It is fond of company, and can seldom 
be kept alone for any length of time. The 
food of the Marikina is chiefly composed 
of fruits and insects; but in captivity, it 
will eat biscuit and drink milk. It is a 
very timid animal, unable to fight a foe, 
but quick in escape, and adroit in con- 
cealment. Its voice is soft and gentle 
when the animal is pleased, but when it is 
excited by anger or fear, it utters a rather 
sharp hiss. The dimensions of the Mari- 
kina are much the same as those of the 
Pinche. 

The Marmosets (Jacchus) are repre- 
sented by several species, all very small, 
and delicate in their features. They have 
much the same habits as the squirrels. 
Being so petite they readily climb out 
upon the slender branches of trees, where 
they rob nests of birds and prey upon 
their eggs. 

The little caricatures of a lion seen in some of the species, are highly suggestive of the 
king of beasts in the full array of flowing mane. ; 


MARIKINA.—Jacchus rosalia. 


THE LEMURS. 


Tue form of the monkeys which are known by the name of Lemurs, is of itself sufficient 
to show that we are rapidly approaching the more quadrupedal mammalia, the which, how- 
ever, we shall only reach through the wing-handed animals, or bats, and the strangely formed 
flying-monkey, which seems to span the gulf between the monkeys and bats. 

The head of all the Lemurs is entirely unlike the usual monkey head, and even in the 
skull the distinction is as clearly marked as in the living being. Sharp, long, and pointed, 
the muzzle and jaws are singularly fox-like, while the general form of these animals, and 
the mode in which they walk, would lead a hasty observer to place them among the true 
quadrupeds. Yet, on a closer examination, the quadrumanous characteristics are seen so 
plainly, that the Lemurs can but be referred to their proper position among, or rather, at the 
end of, the monkey tribe. 

The word Lemur signifies a night-wandering ghost, and has been applied to this group 


THE LEMURS. 93 


of animals on account of their nocturnal habits, and their stealthy, noiseless step, which 
renders their progress almost as inaudible as that of the unearthly beings from whom they 
derive their name. 

The Rurrep Lemur is one of the handsomest of this family, challenging a rivalship even 
with the Ring-tailed Lemur in point of appearance. 

The texture of the fur is extremely fine, and its color presents bold contrasts between pure 
white and a jetty blackness, the line of demarcation being strongly defined. The face of the 
Ruffed Lemur is black, and a fringe of long white hairs stands out like a ruff round the face, 
giving to the creature its very 
appropriate title. 

As is the case with all the 
Lemurs, it is a native of Mada- 
gascar and of the adjacent 
islands, and seems to take the 
place of the ordinary monkeys. 
Of all the Lemurs this species 
is the largest, its size equalling . 
that of a moderately grown cat. 
Its voice is a sepulchral, deep 
roar, peculiarly loud, consider- 
ing the size of the animal, and 
can be heard ata great distance 
in the stilly night. As the Le- 
murs delight in gathering to- 
gether in large companies, the 
effect of their united voices is 
most deafening. The eyes are 
furnished with a transverse pu- 
pil, which dilates as darkness 
draws on, enabling the creature 
to see even ina dark night, and 
to make search after their daily, 
or rather their nightly food. 

This species is timid at the 
presence of man, and hides itself 
at the sound of his footsteps. 
But if pursued and attacked, it 
takes instant courage from de- CaS GR aETs ionic! 
spair, and flinging itself boldly 
on its antagonist, wages fierce battle. In the conflict, its sharp teeth stand it in good stead, 
and inflict wounds of no trifling severity. 

It is easily tamed, and although it is not a very intellectual animal, it displays much gentle 
affection, readily recognizing its friends, and offering itself for their caresses, but avoiding the 
touch of those with whom it is not acquainted, or to whom it takes a dislike. It is very 
impatient of cold, and likes to sit before a fire, where it will perch itself for an hour at a time 
without moving, its attention solely taken up by the grateful warmth. 

It is an active creature, being able to leap to some distance, and always attaining its mark 
with unfailing accuracy. While leaping or running rapidly, the tail is held in a peculiar and 
graceful attitude, following, indeed, Hogarth’s line of beauty. 

The RrnG-TAILED Lemur, or Macao, is at once recognizable by the peculiarity from which 
it derives its popular name. 

It is not quite so large as the Ruffed Lemur, as it only measures a foot from nose to tail, 
the tail itself being some seven or eight inches in length. In captivity it soon becomes familiar, 
and when it chooses to exhibit its powers, is very amusing with its merry pranks. If several 


94 - THE LEMURS. 


individuals are confined in the same cage, they are fond of huddling together, and involving 
themselves in such a strange entanglement of tails, limbs, and heads, that until they separate, 
it is almost impossible to decide upon the number of the animals that form the variegated mass. 

It sometimes breeds in confinement, and then affords an interesting sight. The young 
Lemur is not so thickly clothed as its mother, but makes up deficiencies in its own covering 
by burying itself in the soft fur of its parent. Many atime have I seen the little creature 
sunk deeply in the soft fur of its mother’s back; and so harmonizing with her, that the child 
could hardly be distinguished from the parent. Sometimes it would creep under the mother, 
and cling with arms and legs so firmly, that although she might move about her cage, the little 
one was not shaken off, but held as firmly as Ulysses to the Cyclops’ ram. 

There is a curious structure in the 
hand and arm of this Lemur, bearing con- 
siderable analogy to the formation of the 
spider monkey’s tail. By means of this 
construction of the limb, the fingers of the 
hand are closed when the arm is stretched 
out, so that the animal can suspend itself 
from a_ tree-branch, without incurring 
fatigue. It sometimes utters a sound which 
resembles the purring of a cat, and from 
that habit is derived the name of Cattus. 
The manner in which the dark spots and 
rings are distributed over the body and 
tail is wel] shown in the engraving, and 
need not be described. 

The WHITE-FRONTED LEMUR derives 
its name from the patch of white hairs 
which appears on its forehead. Some natu- 
ralists suppose it to be the female of 
similar animal on whose forehead a sable 
patch is substituted for the white, and is 
therefore called the Black-fronted Lemur. 
At present, however, the Black-fronted 
animal is considered to be a distinct spe- 
cies ; and the only difference between the 
sexes of the White-fronted Lemur seems 
to be, that in the male animal the forehead 

RING-TAILED LEMUR.—Lemur catta. and some other portions of the fur are 

white, while in the female they are of a 

light gray. The general color of the animal is a brownish chestnut, but in some ceumalies a 
gray tint takes the place of the darker color. 

It is a gentle and engaging creature, and not at all shy, even to strangers, unless they 
alarm it by loud voices or hasty gestures. It is possessed of great agility, climbing trees, and 
running among the branches with perfect ease, and capable of springing through a space of 
several yards. So gently does it alight on the ground after it leaps, that the sound of its feet 
can hardly be heard as they touch the ground. 

The Rep Lemur possesses a fur which has somewhat of a woolly aspect, the hair separating 
into tufts, each of which is slightly curled. It is a beautifully decorated animal, displaying 
considerable contrast of coloring. The body, head, and the greater portion of the limbs, are 
of a fine chestnut, with the exception of a large white patch covering the back of the head and 
nape of the neck, and a smaller one in the midst of each foot. The face, the tail, and paws, 
are black, as is all the under side of the body. This latter circumstance is most remarkable, as 
it is almost a general rule that the under parts of animals are lighter in tint than the upper. 
Around the sides of the face, the hair is of a paler chestnut than that which covers the body. 


THE LEMURS. 95 


Tn habits it is similar to the Lemurs which have already been described. Being naturally 
a nocturnal animal, it passes the day in a drowsy somnolence, its head pushed between its 
legs, and the long, bushy tail wrapped round its body, as if to exclude the light and retain the 
heat. Should it be accustomed to be fed during the daytime, it shakes off its slumber for the 
purpose of satisfying the calls of hunger; but even though urged by so strong an inducement, 
it awakes with lingering reluctance, and sinks to sleep again as soon as the demands of its 
appetite are satisfied. Its entire length is nearly three feet, of which the tail occupies about 
twenty inches. Its height is about a foot. 

The curious animal which is known by the name of the D1aApEmM Lemur, is generally 
thought to belong quite as much, if not more, to the Indris than to the Lemurs, and has, there- 
fore, been placed by Mr. Bennett in a separate genus, which he names Propithecus. 


PROPITHECE, OR DIADEM LEMUR.—Propithecus diadema. 


The name of Diadem Lemur is given to this creature on account of the white semi-lunar 
stripe which runs across the forehead ; the curve being just the opposite to the crescent on the 
head of the Diana monkey, and therefore assuming the shape of a diadem. This white stripe 
is very conspicuous, and serves by its bold contrast with the black head and face, to distin- 
guish the animal from any of its relatives. The shoulders and upper part of the back are of 
a sooty tint, not so black as the head, and fading almost imperceptibly into palest brown on 
the hinder quarters and the limbs. The under parts of the body are very light gray, nearly 
white. The paws are nearly black. The tail is tawny at its commencement, but gradually 
changes its color by the admixture of lighter hairs, until at its tip it is nearly white, although 
with a slight golden tinge. 

The hair of the tail is not so long as that of the body, which is long and rather silky in 
texture, with the exception of the fur about the lower end of the spine, which has a slight 
woolliness to the touch. As may be seen from the engraving, the thumbs of the hinder paws 


96 THE LORIS. 


are large in proportion, and suited for taking a firm grasp of any object to which the animal 
may cling ; while the corresponding members of the fore-paws are not so largely developed, 
but yet can be used with some freedom. The face of the Propithece is not so long as that of 
the true Lemurs, and the round tipped ears are hidden in the bushy hair which surrounds the 
head. The length of the animal, exclusively of the tail, is about twenty-one inches, and the 
length of the tail is about four inches less. 

Resembling the Lemurs in many respects, and given to similar customs, the animals which 
are known by the name of Loris are distinguished from the Lemurs by several peculiarities of 
structure. 

The first point which strikes the eye of the observer, is the want of that long and bushy 
tail which is possessed by the Lemurs, 
and which is only rudimentary in the 
Loris. The muzzle too, although sharp 
and pointed, is abruptly so, whereas 
that of the Lemur tapers gradually 
from the ears to the nose. The country 
which they inhabit is not the same as 
that which nurtures the Lemurs, for 
whereas the latter animals are found ex- 
clusively in Madagascar, the Loris is 
found in Ceylon, Java, Sumatra, and 
other neighboring parts. 

The SLENDER Loris is a small ani- 
mal, measuring only nine inches in 
length, and possessed of limbs so deli- 
cately slender, as to have earned for it 
the popular naine by which it is distin- 
guished from the Slow-paced Loris. Its 
color is gray, with a slight rusty tinge, 
the under portions of the body fading 
into white. Round the eyes, the fur 
takes a darker hue, which is well con- 
trasted by a white streak running along 
the nose. 

Small though it be, and apparently 
without the power to harm, it is a ter- 
rible enemy to the birds and insects on 

BUEN DER GUO RIS Siai0nie acl. which it feeds, and which it captures, 
‘like Fabius, by delay.” 

The Stow-PacEep Loris, or KuKANG, is very similar in its habits to the animal just 
mentioned, but differs from it in size, color, and several parts of its form 

The fur is of a texture rather more woolly than that of the Slender Loris, and its color has 
something of a chestnut tinge running through it, although some specimens are nearly as gray 
as the Slender Loris. As may by seen from the engraving on page 97, a dark stripe surrounds 
the eyes, ears, and back of the head, reaching to the corners of the mouth. From thence it 
runs along the entire length of the spine. The color of this dark band is a deep chestnut. It 
is rather langer than the preceding animal, being a little more than a foot in length. 

In the formation of these creatures some very curious structures are found, among which 
is the singular grouping of arteries and veins in the limbs. 

Instead of the usual tree-like mode in which the limbs of most animals are supplied with 
blood,—one large trunk-vessel entering the limb, and then branching off into numerous sub- 
divisions,—the limbs of the Loris are furnished with blood upon a strangely modified system. 
The arteries and veins as they enter and leave the limb, are suddenly divided into a great num- 
ber of cylindrical vessels, lying close to each other for some distance, and giving off their 


THE GALAGO. 97 
tubes to the different parts of the limb. It is possible that to this formation may be owing 
the power of silent movement and slow patience which has been mentioned as the property of 
these monkeys, for a very similar structure is found to exist in the sloth. 

In captivity, this Loris appears to be tolerably omnivorous, eating both animal and vege- 
table food, preferring, however, the former. Living animals best please its taste, and the 
greatest dainty that can be offered to the creature is a small bird, which it instantly kills, 
plucks and eats-entirely, the bones included. Eggs are a favorite food with it, as are insects. 
It will take butcher’s meat, if raw, but will not touch it if cooked in any way. Of vegetable 
substances, sugar appears to take its fancy the most, but it will eat fruits of various kinds, 
such as oranges and plantains, and has been known to suck gum arabic. 

Another curious inhabitant of Madagascar is the Inprt, or AVAHI, a creature that has 
sometime been considered as one of the lemurs, and placed among them by systematic natu- 


KUKANG, OR SLOW-PACED LORIS.—Stenops tardigradus. 


ralists. From the curled and woolly hair with which the body is covered it derives its name of 
‘*Laniger,”’ or Wool-bearer. Just over the loins, and partly down the flanks, the soft wool- 
like hair takes a firmer curl than is found to be the case in any other part of the body or 
limbs. It is but a small animal, the length of its head and body being only a foot, and its tail 
nine inches. The general color of the fur is a lightish brown, with a white stripe on the back 
of the thigh, and a tinge of chestnut in the tail. In some individuals a rusty red, mingled 
with a yellow hue, takes the place of the brown; and in all the under parts are lighter than 
the upper.- Its face is black, and the eyes are gray, with a greenish light playing through 
their large orbs. 

The name Indri is a native word, signifying, it is said, ‘‘man of the woods.’’ Its voice is | 
not very powerful, but can be heard at some distance. It is of a melancholy, wailing character, 
and has been likened to the cry of a child. 

The LitrTLE GALAGO is sometimes called by the name of the Madagascar Rat, on account 
of its rat-like form, and the color of the fur. It is about the size of a small rat, and might 
easily be mistaken for one of those animals by a non-zoologist, The tint of its fur is a very 
light mouse-color, 


98 THE GALAGO. 


The ears of the Ga- 
lago are large, and, during 
the life of the animal, are 
nearly transparent. The 
eyes are very large, and 
= of that peculiar lustre 
which is always seen in 
the nocturnal animals. 
It is a native of Mada- 
\ gascar. 

The Moot GALAGO 
isa larger animal than the 
preceding, being nearly 
sixteen inches in length, 
inclusive of the tail. Its 
color is gray, with irreg- 
ular markings of a deeper 
hue. The under parts of 

the body are nearly white, 
AS. ae AY Sy ; and the limbs are slight- 
AVAHI, OR INDRIL.—Zndris laniger. ly tinged with a golden 

lustre. The tail is not 
very bushy, excepting at the extremity, and its color is a chestnut brown. The texture 
of the fur is very soft, and there is a slight woolliness in its setting. 

Nocturnal in habits, it sleeps during the day, with 
its large ears folded over the head in such a manner 
as to give it the aspect of an earless animal. More 
active than the loris, the Moholi does not secure its 
prey by stealing on it with slow and silent movements, | 
but leaps upon the flying insects on which it loves to 
feed, and seizes them in its slender paws. Besides 
insects, various fruits form part of the Moholi’s food, 
more especially such as are of a pulpy nature, and it 
is said that the Moholi eats that vegetable exudation 
which is known by the name of Gum-Senegal. Its 
diurnal repose is taken in the curious nest which it 
builds in the forked branches of trees, using grass, & 
leaves, and other soft substances for the purpose. In } 
this lofty cradle the young are. nurtured until they are 
of an age to provide for themselves. 

The face is full of expression, in which it is aided 
by the large and prominent ears; and the creature is 
said to contract its countenance into strange grimaces, 
after the fashion of the ordinary monkeys. Like the 
monkeys, too, it can leap for some little distance, and 
springs from one branch to another, or from tree to tree 
with agility and precision. The Moholi Galago is an 
inhabitant of Southern Africa, having been found by | 
Dr. Smith hopping about the branches of the trees = 
that bordered the Limpopo river, in twenty-five degrees 
of south latitude. 

At first sight, there is some external resemblance - 
between the Galago and the little animal which is 
figured on page 99, The ears, however, are not so large THE GALAGO.—Otolicnus galago. 


THE TARSIER. 99 


as those of the Galago, and the tail is less thickly covered with fur, being almost devoid of hair, 
except at its extremity, where it forms a small tuft. On reference to the figure, it will be seen 
that the hands are of extraordinary length, in proportion to the size of the creature. This pecu- 
liarity is caused by a considerable elongation of the bones composing the ‘Tarsus,’ or back 
of the hands and feet, and has earned for the animal the title of Tarster. This peculiarity is 
more strongly developed in the hinder than in the fore-paws. 

The color of the Tarsier is a grayish-brown, with slight olive tint washed over the body. 
A stripe of deeper color surrounds the back of the head, and the face and forehead are of a 
warmer brown than the body and limbs. 
It is a native of Borneo, Celebes, the 
Philippine Islands, and Banca. From 
the latter locality it is sometimes called 
the Banca Tarsier. Another of the titles 
by which it is known, is the Podji. 

It is a tree-inhabiting animal, and 
skips among the branches with little 
quick leaps that have been likened to 
the hoppings of afrog. In order to give 
the little creature a firmer hold of the 
boughs about which it is constantly leap- 
ing, the palms of the hands are furnished 
with several cushions. The back of the 
hands are covered with soft downy fur, 
resembling the hair with which the tail is 
furnished. Excepting on the hands and 
tail, the fur is very thick and of a woolly 
character, but at the root of the tail, and 
at the wrists and ankles, it suddenly 
changes to the short downy covering. 

The true position of that very rare 
animal the AYE-AYE, seems very doubt- 
ful, some naturalists placing it in the 
position which it occupies in this work, 
and others, such as Van der Hoeven, 
considering it to form a link between 
the monkeys and the rodent animals. 

As will be seen by a reference to 
the figure, in its head and general shape 
it resembles the Galagos, but in the 
number and arrangement of its teeth it 
approaches the rodent type. There are 
no canine teeth, and the incisors are 
arranged in a manner similar to those Ba ae a 
of the rodents, the chief difference being 
that, instead of the chisel-like edge which distinguishes the incisor teeth of the gnawing animals, 
those of the Aye-aye are sharply pointed. These curious teeth are extremely powerful, and are 
very deeply set in the jaw-bones, their sockets extending neary the entire depth of the bone. 

The color of the animal is a rusty brown on the upper portions of the body, the under 
parts, as well as the cheeks and throat, being of a light gray. The paws are nearly black. 
The fur of the body is thickly set, and is remarkable for an inner coating of downy hair of a 
golden tint, which sometimes shows itself through the outer coating. On the tail the hair is 
darker than on the body, greater in length, and in texture much coarser. The tail seems to be 
always trailed at length, and never to be set up over the body, like the well-known tail of the 
squirrel. The ears are large, and nearly destitute of hair. 


LOO THE AYVE-AVE. 


It is probable that the natural food of the Aye-aye, like that of the preceding animals, is 
of a mixed character, and that it eats fruit and insects indiscriminately. In captivity it usually 
ate boiled rice, which it picked up in minute portions, like Amine in the “Arabian Nights,” 
using, however, its slender fingers in lieu of the celebrated bodkin with which she made her 
mock meal. But in its wild state it is said to search the trees for insects as well as fruits, and 
to drag their larvee from their 
concealment by means of its 
delicate fingers. Buds and 
various fruits are also said 
to be eaten by this animal— 
possibly the buds may con- 
tain a hidden grub, and the 
entire flower be eaten for the 
sake of the living creature 
which it contains, as is the 
case with many a bud that 
is plucked by small birds in 
this country. 

It is a nocturnal animal 
like the Galagos and Lemurs, 
and seeks its prey by night 
only, spending the day in 
sleep, curled up in the dark 
hollow of a tree, or in some 
similar spot, where it can 
retire from view and from 
light. 

As is shown by the scien- 
tific name of the Aye-aye, it 
is a native of Madagascar, 
and even in that island is ex- 
tremely scarce, appearing to 
be limited to the western 
portions of the country, and 
to escape even the quick eyes 
of the natives. Sonnerat, the . 
naturalist, was the first to 
discover it, and when he 
showed his prize to the na- 
tives, they exhibited great 
astonishment at the sight of 
an unknown animal, and the 
exclamations of surprise are 
said to have given the name 
of Aye-aye to the creature. The name ‘‘ Cheiromys,”’ signifies ‘‘ Handed Mouse,” and is given 
to the animal because it. bears some resemblance to a large mouse or rat which is furnished 
with hand-like paws instead of feet. 

With the exception of the Aye-aye, all the Quadrumanous animals bear their mammz 
upon the breast, and clasp their young to their bosoms with their arms. But in the Aye-aye, 
the milk-giving organs are placed on the lower portion of the abdomen, and thus a great dis- 
tinction is at once made between this creature and the true quadrumana. Indeed, there are 
so many points of discrepancy in this strange being, that it is quite impossible to make it agree 
with the systematic laws which have hitherto been laid down, and naturalists place it in one 
order or another, according to the stress which they lay on different points of its organization, 


THE AYE-AYE.—Chiromys madagascarensis. 


THE COLUGO. 101 


The eyes are of a brownish-yellow color, and very sensitive to light, as may be expected 
in a creature so entirely nocturnal in its habits. The movements of the Aye-aye are slow 
and deliberate, though not so sluggish as those of the Loris. It is not a very small animal, 
measuring almost a yard in total length, of which the tail occupies one moiety. 

On a review of this and the Lemurine monkeys, it can hardly fail to strike the observer 
that there must be something very strange in the climate or position of Madagascar—perhaps 
in both—that forbids the usual quadrumanous forms, and produces in their stead the Lemurs, 
the Indris, and the Aye-aye. So very little is known of this important island, that it may be 
the home of hitherto unknown forms 
of animal life, which, when brought 
under the observation of competent 
naturalists, would fill up sundry blanks 
that exist in the present list of known 
animals, and afford, in their own per- 
sons, the clue to many interesting sub- 
jects which are now buried in mystery. 


THE strange animal which is known 
by the name of the Fryinec Lemur, or 
CoLuGo, presents a singular resem- 
blance to the large bat which is popu- 
larly called the Flying Fox, and evi- 
dently affords an intermediate link of 
transition between the four-handed and 
the wing-handed mammals. 

By means of the largely-developed 
membrane which connects the limbs 
with each other, and the hinder limbs 
with the tail, the Colugo is enabled to 
leap through very great distances, and 
to pass from one bough to another with 
ease, although they may be situated so 
far apart that no power of leaping 
could achieve the feat. This membrane 
is a prolongation of the natural skin, 
and is covered with hair on the upper 
side as thickly as any part of the body, COLUGO.—Galeopithecus volitaus. 
but beneath it is almost naked. When 
the creature desires to make one of its long sweeping leaps, it spreads its limbs as widely as 
possible, and thus converts itself into a kind of living kite. By thus presenting a large sur- 
face to the air, it can be supported in its passage between the branches, and is said to be able 
to vary its course slightly by the movement of its arms. 

When the animal is walking or climbing about among the branches, the wide membrane 
is folded so closely to the body, that it might escape the observation of an inexperienced eye. 
The membrane is not used in the manner of wings, but is merely employed as a sustaining 
power in the progress through the air. It is evident, therefore, that at every leap, the spot 
at which it aims must be lower than that from which it starts, so that it is forced, after some 
few aérial voyages, to run up the trees and attain a higher station. It is said that the Colugo 
will thus pass over nearly a hundred yards. 


A GROUP OF WATER BATS. 


GabIROR TERA: 


OR, WING-HANDED ANIMALS. 


HE Cheiroptera, literally Wing-handed Animals, are placed as ranking next after 
the Primates, though later authorities regard them as representing features of 
a more inferior grade. Over four hundred species of bats have been described, 
being distributed over the entire globe. In the family Phyllostomidee thirty-one 
genera and sixty species are recorded. These are the leaf-nosed Bats, and are 
confined to the range east of the Andes, in Chili. The blood-sucking Vampires 
belong to this group. 

In the group called the Short-headed Bats (Woctilionide), there are fourteen genera and 
fifty species. They range from Mexico and California to Chili. 

The family Vespertilionida embraces eighteen genera and two hundred species, inhabit- 
ing various parts of the world ; in America as far north as Hudson’s Bay and the Columbia 
River. 

From the earliest times in which the science of zoology attracted the attention of observant 
men, the discovery of a true systematic arrangement has been one of the great objects of those 
who studied animal life, and the forms on which it is outwardly manifested. Among the more 
conspicuous of those enigmatical beings are the strange and wierd-like animals which are 
popularly known by the terse title of Bats, and, scientifically, by the more recondite name of 
Cheiroptera. 

A most remarkable example of the occurrence of bats in large numbers is recorded in the 
seventh volume of the Smithsonian Institution, in the form of a letter from M. Figaniere, 
Portuguese. Minister, resident in or near Washington. He had purchased a piece of property 
at Seneca Point, in Maryland. The house had remained unoccupied some time, and had 
become the abode of bats. A detailed account is given of how much trouble the creatures 
gave the owner before they would yield up their domiciles. Upon actual count of those killed 


CHEIROPTERA; THE BATS. 103 


in the main building, besides several thousand in out-buildings, there were nine thousand six 
hundred and forty killed. 

Audubon relates an amusing incident which occurred to a guest of his, whom he does not 
mention by name, but who is known to have been the late M. Rafinesque, an eminent naturalist 
who made his home in our country. ‘‘The latter had been assigned a room, and when it was 
waxed late, and we had all retired to rest, every person I imagined was in profound slumber, 
save myself, when of a sudden I heard a great uproar in the naturalist’s room. I got up and 
reached the door, when, to my astonishment, I saw my guest running about the room naked, 
holding the handle of my favorite violin, the body of which he had battered to pieces against 
the walls trying to kill the Bats which had entered by the open window ; probably attracted 
by the insects around his burning candle. I stood amazed, but he continued running around 
the room until he was fairly exhausted, when he begged me to capture one of the animals, as 
he felt sure they were a new species.”’ 

The first peculiarity in the Bat form which strikes the eye, is the wide and delicate mem- 
brane which stretches round the body, and which is used in the place of the wings with which 


AMAA J 
ee 


SKELETON OF BAT. 


birds are furnished. This membrane, thin and semi-transparent as it is, is double in structure, 
being a prolongation of the skin of the flanks and other portions of the animal, and, therefore, 
having its upper and under surface, in the same manner as the body of the creature itself. The 
two surfaces are so clearly marked that, with ordinary care, they can be separated from each 
other. Along the sides, this double membrane is rather stronger and thicker, but, as it 
extends from the body, it assumes greater tenuity, until at the margin it is so exquisitely thin, 
that the tiny blood-corpuscules, which roll along the minute vessels that supply the wing with 
nourishment, can be seen clearly through its integument, by the help of a good microscope. 

In order to support this beautiful membrane, to extend it to its requisite width, and to 
strike the air with it for the purposes of flight, the bones of the fore-part of the body, and 
especially those of the arms and hands, undergo a singular modification. 

The two bones of the fore-arm are extremely long, and the bone which is scientifically 
known by the name of the ‘‘ulna,”’ is extremely small, and in many species almost wholly 
wanting. The reason for this arrangement is, that the great object of these two bones is, by 
the mode in which they are jointed to each other, to permit the arm to rotate with that move- 
ment which is easily shown by the simple process of turning the hand with its palm upwards. 
This latitude of motion would not only be useless to the Bats, but absolutely injurious, as the 
wing-membranes would not be able to beat the air with the steady strokes which are needful 
for maintaining flight, Therefore the arm is rendered incapable of rotation. 


104 THE VAMPIRE BAT. 


Passing onwards from the arms to the hands, the finger-bones are strangely dispropor- 
tioned to the remainder of the body, the middle finger being considerably longer than the 
head and body together. The thumb is very much shorter than any of the fingers, and fur- 
nished with a sharp and curved claw. By means of this claw, the Bat is enabled to proceed 
along a level surface, and to attach itself to any object that may be convenient. In some of 
the Bats the thumb is much longer than that which is here figured. 

The bones of the breast and the neighboring parts are also formed in a peculiar manner, 
being intended to support the broad surface of the wing-membrane, and to enable it to beat 
the air with sufficient force. The collar-bones are long, considerably arched, and strongly 


VAMPIRE BAT.—Phyllostoma spectrum. 


jointed to the breast-bone and the shoulder-blades. In the insect-eating Bats, these bones are 
more developed than in the fruit-eaters ; probably because the former need a better apparatus 
for the capture of their quick-winged prey than the latter for seeking their vegetable food. 
Some species of Bat present a collar-bone which is half the length of the elongated upper arm. 

The VAMPIRE Bar is a native of Southern America, and is spread over a large extent of 
country. It is not a very large animal, the length of its body and tail being only six inches, 
or perhaps seven in large specimens, and the spread of wing two feet, or rather more. The 
color of the Vampire’s fur is a mouse tint, with a shade of brown. 

Many tales have been told of the Vampire Bat, and its fearful attacks upon sleeping 
men,—tales which, although founded on fact, were so sadly exaggerated as to cause a reaction 
in the opposite direction. It was reported to come silently by night, and to search for the 
exposed toes of a sound sleeper,—its instinct telling it whether the intended victim were 
thoroughly buried in sleep. Poising itself above the feet of its prey, and fanning them with 
its extended wings, it produced a cool atmosphere, which, in those hot climates, aided in 
soothing the slumberer into a still deeper repose, The Bat then applied its needle-pointed 


THE VAMPIRE BAT. 105 


teeth to the upturned foot, and inserted them into the tip of a toe with such adroit dexterity, 
that no pain was caused by the tiny wound. The lips were then brought into action, and the 
blood was sucked until the bat was satiated. It then disgorged the food which it had just 
taken, and began afresh, continuing its alternate feeding and disgorging, until the victim 
perished from sheer loss of blood. 

For a time, this statement gained dominion, but, after a while, was less and less believed, 
until at last, naturalists repudiated the whole story as a ‘“‘traveller’s tale.’’ However, as 
usual, the truth seems to have lain between the two extremes; for it is satisfactorily ascer- 
tained, by more recent travellers, that the Vampires really do bite both men and cattle during 
the night, but that the wound is never known to be fatal, and, in most instances, causes but 
little inconvenience to the sufferer. 

When they direct their attacks against mankind, the Vampires almost invariably select 
the foot as their point of operation, and their blood-loving propensities are the dread of both 
natives and Europeans. With singular audacity, the bats even creep into human habitations, 
and seek out the exposed feet of any sleeping inhabitant who has incautiously neglected to 
draw a coverlet over his limbs. 

When they attack quadrupeds, they generally fix themselves on the shoulders and flanks 
of the animal, and inflict wounds sufficiently severe to cause damage unless properly attended 
to. It is quite a common occurrence that when the cattle are brought from the pastures 
wherein they have passed the night, their shoulders and flanks are covered with blood from 
the bites of these blood-loving bats. It might be said that the bleeding wounds might be 
accounted for by some other cause, but the matter was set at rest by a fortunate capture of a 
Vampire ‘‘red-handed”’ in the very act of wounding a horse. 

Darwin, who narrates the circumstance, states that he was travelling in the neighborhood 
of Coquimbo, in Chili, and had halted for the night. One of the horses became very restless, 
and the servant, who went to see what was the matter with the animal, fancied that he could 
see something strange on its withers. He put his hand quickly on the spot and secured a 
Vampire Bat. Next morning there was some inflammation and soreness on the spot where 
the bat had been captured, but the ill effects soon disappeared, and three days afterwards the 
horse was as well as ever. 

It does not seem to be the severity of the wound which does the harm, but the irritation 
which is caused by pressure, whether of a saddle, in the case of a horse, or of clothing, in the 
case of a human being. 

The Vampire seems to be very capricious in its tastes, for while one person may sleep in 
the open air with perfect impunity, another will be wounded almost nightly. Mr. Waterton, 
urged by his usual enthusiastic desire for personal investigation, slept for the space of eleven 
months in an open loft, where the Vampires came in and out every night. They were seen 
hovering over the hammock, and passing through the apertures that served for windows, but 
never made a single attack. Yet an Indian, who slept within a few yards, suffered frequently 
by the abstraction of blood from his toes. This distinction was not on account of color, for a 
young lad about twelve years of age, the son of an English gentleman, was bitten on the fore- 
head with such severity, that the wound bled freely on the following morning. The fowls 
of the same house suffered so terribly, that they died fast; and an unfortunate jackass was 
being killed by inches. He looked, to use Mr. Waterton’s own language, ‘‘like misery steeped 
in vinegar.”’ 

Although these bats have so great a predilection for the blood of animals, they are not 
restricted to so sanguinary a diet, but live chiefly on insects which they capture on the wing. 
Indeed, they would have but a meagre diet were they to depend wholly on a supply of human 
or brute blood, for there are sufficient Vampires in existence to drain the life-blood from man 
and beast. Many other creatures have the same propensities—happy if they can gratify them ; 
satisfied if they are withheld from so doing. The common leech is a familiar example of a 
similar mode of life; for it may be that not one leech out of a thousand ever tastes blood at, 
all, although they are so ravenously eager after it when they have the opportunity for gratify- 
ing their sanguinary taste. 


106 THE VAMPIRE BAT. 


On reference to the figure of the Vampire Bat, it will be seen that the wide and flattened 
membrane which supports the body in the air, connects together the whole of the limbs and 
the tail, leaving free only the hinder feet, and the thumbs of the fore-paws. This membrane 
is wondrously delicate, and is furnished not only with the minute blood-vessels, to which allu- 
sion has already been made, but with a system of nerves which possess the most BgiUusi Ne 
power of sensation. 

It has been long known that bats are able to thread their way among boughs of trees and 
other impediments with an ease that almost seems beyond the power of sight, especially when 
the dark hours of their flight are considered. Even utter darkness seems not to impede these 
curious animals in their aérial progress, and when shut up in a darkened place, in which 
strings had been stretched in various directions, the bats still pursued their course through 
the air, avoiding every obstacle with perfect precision. In order to ascertain beyond doubt 
whether this faculty were the result of a more than usually keen sight, or whether it were 
caused by some hitherto unknown structure, Spallanzani deprived a bat of its eyes, and dis- 
covered by this most cruel experiment, that the bat seemed as capable of dincening its flight 
among the strings without its eyes as with them. 

Whether this curious power were resident in any part of the animal’s structure, or whether 
it were the result of a sixth and unknown sense, was long an enigma to naturalists. The diffi- 
culty, however, seems to have been solved by the investigations which have been made into 
the formation of the bat’s wing, and it is now universally allowed, that to the exquisite 
nervous system of its wings the bat is indebted for the above-mentioned faculty. 

The Vampires are said to unite in themselves the progressive power of quadrupeds and 
birds, and to run on the ground as swiftly as rats, while they fly through the air as easily as 
any bird. But this accomplishment of running is by no means general among the bats, whose 
mode of progress is awkward in the extreme, and when the animal is hurried or alarmed, 
positively ludicrous. 

Bats are in general very much averse to the ground, and never, unless under compuleion’ 
place themselves on a level surface. Their mode of walking is grotesque and awkward in the 
extreme; and the arduous task of proceeding along the ground is achieved with such diffi- 
culty, that it seems almost to be painful to the animal which is condemned for the time to 
exchange its easy aérial course for the tardy and uncongenial crawl to which its earthly prog- 
ress is limited. Quadrupedal in its form, although that form may be strangely modified, the 
bat will occasionally assume quadrupedal action, and walk on the ground by the aid of all its 
four feet. The method of advancing is as follows: 

The bat thrusts forward one of the fore-legs or ‘‘ wings,’’ and either hooks the claw at its 
extremity over any convenient projection, or buries it in the ground. By means of this hold, 
which it thus gains, the animal draws itself forward, raises its body partly off the earth, and 
advances the hind leg, making at the same time a kind of tumble forward. The process is 
then repeated on the opposite side, and thus the creature proceeds in a strange and unearthly 
fashion, tumbling and staggering along as if its brain were reeling from the effects of disease. 
It steers a very deviating course, falling first to one side and then to the other, as it employs 
the limbs of either side. 

None of the bats like to raise themselves into the air from a perfectly level surface, and 
therefore use all their endeavours to climb up some elevated spot, from whence they may 
launch themselves into the air. 

They climb with great ease and rapidity, being able to hitch their sharp and curved claws 
into the least roughness that may present itself, and can thus ascend a perpendicular wall 
with perfect ease and security. In so doing they crawl backwards, raising their bodies against 
the tree or wall which they desire to scale, and drawing themselves up by the alternate use 
of the hinder feet. When they have attained a moderate height they are able to fling them- 
selves easily into the air, and to take to immediate flight. They have the power of rising at 
once from the ground, but always prefer to let themselves fall from some elevated spot. 

The reason is now evident why the bats take their repose in the singular attitude which 
has been already mentioned. When suspended by their hind feet, they are in the most favor- 


THE HORSESHOE BAT. 107 


able position for taking to the air, and when they desire to fly need only to spread their 
wings, and loosing their foothold, to launch themselves into the air. 

There may be, and probably are, other reasons for the curious reversed attitude, but that 
which has already been given accounts in some measure for it. Even among the birds 
examples are found of a similar mode of repose ; members of the genus Colius, an African group 
of birds, sleep suspended like the bats, clinging with their feet, and hanging with their heads 
downwards. But these birds cannot assume this attitude for the purpose of taking to flight, 
as their wings are used as readily as those of most other feathered creatures, and therefore the 
reason which was given for the reversed position of the bats will not apply to the birds. 

On the nose of the Vampire Bat may be observed a curious membrane of a leaf-like shape. 
This strange and not prepossessing appendage to the animal is found in some of the bats which 


THE GREAT HORSESHOE BAT.—Rhinélophus ferrum-equinum. 


inhabit Great Britain. Among the bats which possess the leaf-decorated nose, the GREAT 
HorsEsHOE Bat is the most conspicuous. In its wings and body it differs but very little 
from other bats. 

The membrane which gives to this creature the title of Horseshoe Bat, is extremely large 
in proportion to the size of the animal, though not so large as in some of the foreign bats. It 
is double in form, that portion which is in front resembling a horseshoe in shape, and curving 
from the lips upwards, so as to embrace the nostrils. The second leafy membrane is placed on 
the forehead, and is sharply pointed. 

The ears of this bat are large, pointed, and marked with a succession of ridges, which 
extend from the margins nearly half-way across the ears. The ‘‘tragus,’”’ or inner ear, is 
wanting in this bat, but its office seems to be fulfilled by a large rounded lobe at the base 
of the ear. 

The color of the fur is gray with a slight tinge of red above, while on the under portions 
of the animal the ruddy tint vanishes, and the hair is of a very pale gray. The membrane 
is of a dusky hue. The bat is not a very large one, the length of the head and body being 
only two inches and a half, while that of the extended wings is about thirteen inches. The 
ears are half an inch in breadth, when measured at their widest part, and are about three- 
quarters of an inch in length. 

What may be the object of the wonderful nasal appendage seems to be quite unknown. 
The most obvious idea is, that it is given to the animals for the purpose of increasing the 


108 THE BARBASTELLE. 


delicacy of their sense of smell in seeking food and avoiding foes. But even if such be the case, 
there seems to be no apparent reason why such a privilege should be granted to one species 
and denied to another—both animals being in the habit of seeking their nutriment and escaping 
pursuit in a similar manner. The generic term, Rhinolophus, which is applied to these bats, 
is derived from two Greek words, the former signifying a nose, and the latter a crest. 

Another peculiarity of form which has been noticed in these animals, is the presence of two 
prominences on the groin, which have been taken for supplementary mamme, and described 
as such. As, however, no mammary glands exist beneath these projections, they are evidently 
no true mammee, and probably belong only to the skin. 

The Great Horseshoe Bat seems to be less endurent of light than many of its relatives, 
and takes up its abode in caverns so dark and gloomy that no other species of bat will bear 
it company. ‘This instinct of concealment induces the bat to leave its home at a later and 
to return at an earlier hour than the other bats, and consequently it has only recently been 


THE BARBASTELLE.—Barbastellus communis. 


found to exist in England. The first specimen which was captured had fixed its abode in 
rather a precarious situation, and was found in a building belonging to the Dartmouth powder 
mills. Since that time it has been discovered in many places, but always in some dark and 
retired situation. 

There is another similar animal found in England, called the Lesser Horseshoe Bat 
(Rhinélophus hipposidéros). This creature was for some time thought to be the young of 
the last mentioned animal, but is now known to be a distinct species. The name Hipposideros 
is Greek, and in that language signifies the same as Ferrum-equinum in Latin, 7.e. Horseshoe. 

The bats which we shall now examine are devoid of that strange nasal leafage which gives 
so unique an aspect to its wearer. The BARBASTELLE does not seem to be very plentiful in 
Europe, although specimens have several times been taken in various parts of it. It is a 
singular coincidence that the first acknowledged British specimen was captured in a powder 
mill, as was the case with the Great Horseshoe Bat. 

One of these animals which was for some weeks in the possession of Mr. Bell, was taken 
in Kent, at the bottom of a mine seventy feet in depth. It did not seem to be so active as 
some Long-Eared and other bats which were taken in the same locality, and preferred lying 
on the hearth-rug to using its wings. It fed readily on meat and would drink water, but 
never became so tame as its companions. Its captive life lasted only a few weeks, its death 
being apparently hastened by the attacks of the other bats, one of which was detected in the 
very act of inflicting a bite on the Barbastelle’s neck. 

The color of the Barbastelle is extremely dark, so much so, indeed, that by depth of tint 
alone it can be distinguished from almost any other bat. On the hinder quarters, a rusty 


THE LONG-EARED BAT. 109 


brown takes the place of the brownish-black hue which characterizes the fore-part of the body. 
Underneath, the hair is nearly gray, being, however, much darker towards the neck. 

The length of its head and body is just two inches, that of the ears half an inch, and 
the expanse of wing measures between ten and eleven inches. The ears are tolerably 
large, and slightly wrinkled. The tragus is sharply pointed at its tip, and widened at its 
base. A full view of the face shows a rather deep notch in the outer margin and near the 
base of the ear. 

One of the most common, and at the same time the most elegant, of the Cheiroptera, is 
the well-known LonG-EARED Bat. 

This pretty little creature may be found in all parts of England ; and on account of its 
singularly beautiful ears and gentle temper has frequently been tamed and domesticated. I 
have possessed several specimens of this bat, and in every case have been rewarded for the 
trouble by the curious little traits of temper and disposition which have been exhibited. 


LONG-EARED BAT.—Plecotus auritus. 


The enormous ears, from which the animal derives its name, are most beautiful organs. 
Their texture is exquisitely delicate, and the bat has the power of throwing them into graceful 
folds at every movement, thereby giving to its countenance a vast amount of expression. 

It sometimes happens that the Long-eared Bat has lived long in captivity, and even pro- 
duced and nurtured its young under such conditions. For the following very interesting 
account of a maternal bat, I am indebted to the kindness of Mrs. 8. €. Hall. 

‘While living in an old rambling country house in Ireland, without any companions of 
my own age,—an only solitary child left (after my ‘lessons’ were finished) to create my own 
amusements—I made friends, of course, with our own dogs and horses ; and as all the servants 
loved ‘little Miss,’ and’ anxiously ministered to her desires, I became well acquainted with the 
habits and peculiarities of the wild creatures in our own grounds and neighborhood. We 
were within a mile of the sea, and there was a beautiful walk from the dear old house, on to 
the cliff that sheltered our bathing cove, which I have traversed, accompanied by our New- 
foundland dog, the old retriever-spaniels, and a fine deerhound, at nearly all hours of the day 
and night. 

‘A lovely ivy-covered cottage near the orchard, which, before I was born, was occupied 
by an old gardener, was at last given over to my menagerie, as the only way of keeping the 
‘pig house’ free from ‘Miss Mary’s pets.’ My ‘help’ was a strong-bodied girl, one of the 
‘weeders,’ who had the rare merit of not being afraid of anything ‘barring a bull; and she 
always intimated if I made a pet of a bull, she would ‘ wash her hands clean out of the mena- 
geeree for ever—Amin !’ 

‘“As I never did, poor Sally remained my assistant until the death of my dear grand- 


110 THE LONG-EARED BAT. 


mother broke up the establishment ; and I came to England in the first blush of girlhocd, to 
be civilized and educated, and made ‘like other young ladies.’ 

‘‘ But those years were precious years to me; I grew, and fostered in those wild hours, 
an acquaintance with, and a love of Nature, which has refreshed my life with greenest memo- , 
ries. My dear young mother knew every bud and blossom of the parterre and the field, and 
though she disliked my seal, and obliged my young badger to be sent away (I was not very 
sorry for him, he bit so furiously, and would not be friends with the dogs, which the seal 
was), yet she tolerated my owl, my kites, and even a most prosperous colony of mice of many 
colors, and a black rat who was really an affectionate companion. My hare I was permitted 
to keep at the house, for he would hold no friendship with rabbits. 

‘‘Song birds I never attempted to cage, but robins and pigeons followed me (according to 
Sally), ‘like their born mother.’ 

“The gable end of an old stable was covered by one of the finest myrtles I ever saw: it 
was twenty-two feet high and seventeen wide, and standing out here and there from the wall. 
Swallows and bats loved to shelter in the holes of the old building. Iwas just a small bit 
afraid of the ‘leather-winged bat;’ my nurse often told me how they sucked cows, and even 
scratched out children’s eyes. 

‘* But one cold spring morning I saw a boy tossing into the air and catching again what 
I fancied to be a large mouse: of course, my sympathy awoke at once, and I rushed to the 
rescue ; it proved to be a half-dead bat, very large and fat; its beautiful broad ears were still 
erect, and when I took it in my hands I felt its heart beat. I placed it in a basket, covered it 
with cotton, and put it inside the high nursery fender. I peeped frequently under the lid, 
and at last had the pleasure of seeing it hanging bat-fashion on the side of the basket, its keen 

“bright eyes watching every movement. When it was fully restored, | endeavored to take it 
out, and then discovered that one of its hind feet had been crushed, and was hanging by a bit 
of skin. With trembling hands I removed the little foot, and applied some salve to the 
extremity. 

‘* All this time the poor thing continued hooked on to the basket, and during the first day 
she would take no food, would not be tempted by meat or milk, by a fly or a spider. The 
next morning I saw her cowering in the cotton, and when I attempted to touch her she 
endeavored to bite my finger, and made the least possible noise you can imagine. I then 
offered her a fly, and in a moment it was swallowed; a bit of meat shared the same fate, and 
then she folded her wings round her, intimating, as I imagined, that she had had enough. 
All day she never moved, and at dusk, when I again tempted her with food, she took it. 
This continued for some days; she became tamer, and seemed to anticipate ‘feeding-time.’ 

‘At last, to my astonishment, I saw a baby-bat covered with light brownish fur, but still 
looking as young mice look, under the folds of her wing (I do not know what else to call it). 
Doubtless Nature had taught her that for the sake of this little one she myst take food. I 
believe it sucked, for, afterwards, when she again suspended herself against the side of the 
basket, the young bat was not in the cotton, and I fancied that it hung from the mother while 
imbibing nutriment. 

‘The old bat became furious if I attempted to touch the young one ; her soft hair stood 
up, and she would tremble all over, and utter little, short, sharp sounds. I wanted very much 
to see if the baby—like Chloe’s puppies—was blind, but she would not allow an investigation. 
Certainly before a fortnight had passed, I saw its eyes, like little bright beads in the candle- 
light. 

‘“My bat and her baby excited great curiosity, and she was too frequentiy disturbed ; the 
young one lived for about a month, when, to my great grief, I found it dead in the cotton, the 
parent hanging, as usual, from the side of the basket. I am sorry to add, that the wee bat 
had what might have been a bruise, but which looked very much like a bite, at the back of 
the neck. 

“The old bat became as tame as a mouse, would hang itself to any convenient portion of 
my dress, and devour whatever I gave it of animal food, and lick milk off my finger. It knew 
me well, would fly round my room in the evening, and go out at the window hawking for 


NOCTULE, OR GREAT BAT. iat 


insects, and return in a couple of hours and hang to the window-sill, or to the sash, until 
admitted. At night, it would sometimes fasten in my hair, but never went near my mother 
-or the servants. It did not seem to experience any inconvenience from the loss of its foot, 
and continued a great favorite for more than two years. I suppose the heat of my room 
prevented its becoming torpid in winter, though certainly it never prowled about as it used to 
do in spring and summer ; I do not think it ate in winter, but of this I cannot be certain. It 
disappeared altogether at last, fallmg a prey, I believe, to some white owls, who held time- 
honored possession of an old belfry. I was very sorry for my bat, and should be glad to culti- 
vate the intellect and affections of another, if I had the opportunity.”’ 

It is curious, by the way, to mark the analogy that exists between the swallows and bats. 


NOCTULE, OR GREAT BAT.— Vesperugo noctula. 


Each of these groups loves the air, and is mostly seen on the wing. Their food consists of the 
flying insects, which they chase by their exquisite command of wing; and it will be noticed 
that, as soon as the swallows retire to rest at dusk, after clearing the air of the diurnal insects, 
the bats issue from their homes, and take up the work, performing the same task with the 
insects of night, as the birds with those of day. Then, as the dawn breaks, out come the 
swallows again, and so they fulfil their alternate duties. : 

The NocruLe is not so pleasant a companion as the Long-eared Bat, for it gives forth a 
most unpleasant odor. Its cry is sharp and piercing, thereby producing another analogy with 
the swifts, which are popularly known by the name of ‘‘ Jacky-screamers.”’ 

The voice of all bats is singularly acute, and can be tolerably imitated by the squeaking 
sound which is produced by scraping two keys against each other. There are many people 
whose ears are not sensible to the shrill cry of these animals—which, in some cases, is rather 
fortunate for them. I well remember being on a heath, one summer’s evening, when the air 
was crowded with bats hawking after flies, and their myriad screams were so oppressive, that 
I longed for temporary deafness. Yet my companion—an accomplished musician—was per- 


112 THE FLYING FOX, OR ROUSSETTE. 


fectly insensible to the shrill cries, which seemed to pierce into the brain like so many needles. 
It is also known that many ears are deaf to the stridulous call of the grasshoppers. 

One use of the tail is, evidently, that it should act as a rudder, in order to guide the flight 
while the creature is on the wing. There is, however, another purpose which it serves, and 
which would never have been discovered, had not the bat been watched. It seems that the 
female bat uses its tail, and the membrane which stretches on either side from the tail to the 
hind legs, as a cradle, in which to deposit its young when newly born and comparatively 
helpless. 

Bats are generally found to assemble in great numbers wherever they find a convenient 
resting-place, and in such localities as church towers, rocky caverns, hollow trees, and the 
like, they may be found by the hundred together. These numerous assemblies are the cause 
of a large deposition of guano, which consists almost wholly of the refuse of insects, such as 
wings, legs, and the harder coverings. In this guano are found, by the aid of the microscope, 
very many curious infusorial objects, which may be separated from the guano by the usual 
modes of preparation. — 

The odor which arises from this substance is peculiarly sharp and pungent, and cannot 
easily be mistaken. The animals themselves are readily alarmed when disturbed in their 
home; they disengage themselves from their perches, and flap about in great dismay, knocking 
themselves against the intruder’s face, much as the great nocturnal beetles are wont to do on 
summer’s evenings. A visit to a bat-cave is, therefore, no pleasant affair. 

The bats which have heretofore been mentioned feed on animal substances, insects appear- 
ing to afford the principal nutriment, and raw meat or fresh blood being their occasional 
luxuries. But the bats of which the Flying Fox is an example, are chiefly vegetable feeders, 
and, in their own land, are most mischievous among the fruit-trees. 

They are the largest of the present bat tribe, some of them measuring nearly five feet in 
expanse of wing. Their popular name is Fiyrne Foxes, a term which has been applied to 
them on account of the red, fox-like color of the fur, and the very vulpine aspect of the 
head. Although so superior in size to the Vampires, the Flying Foxes are not to be 
dreaded as personal enemies, for, unless roughly handled, they are not given to biting ani- 
mated beings. 

But though their attacks are not made directly upon animal life, they are of considerable 
importance in an indirect point of view, for they are aimed against the fruits and other vegeta- 
ble substances by which animal life is sustained. Figs and other soft fruits appear to be the 
principal food of these bats ; and so pertinacious are the animals in their assaults on the crops, 
whether of field or tree, that they are held in no small dread by the agriculturist. 

It is no easy matter to guard against such foes as these winged devourers, for as the air 
is an ever open path by which they can proceed on their destructive quest, and the darkness 
of night shields them from watchful eyes, the ordinary precautions which are taken against 
marauders would be useless. 

There are but two alternatives for any one who desires to partake of the fruit which he 
has cherished—the one, to cover the whole tree with netting or similar fencing, and the other, 
to enclose each separate fruit-cluster with a sufficient protection. As the trees which the 
Kalongs, as these bats are often called, most affect, are of considerable size, the latter plan is 
that which is generally pursued. For this purpose, the natives weave from the split branches 
of the bamboo, certain basket-like armor, which is fastened round the fruit as it approaches 
maturity, and is an effectual guard even against the Kalong’s teeth. 

When the trees are small, they are sometimes covered entirely with netting, but not to 
such good purpose as when each fruit is separately protected. For these bats are so cunning, 
that they creep under the nets and render nugatory all the precautions which have been taken. 
One proprietor of a garden at Pernambuco was never able to secure a single fig from his trees, 
in spite of nets by night and guns by day. The bats are wise animals, and do not meddle 
with unripe fruit. 

The flight of these creatures is unlike that of the more active insect-feeding Cheiroptera. 
The stroke of the wings is slow and steady, and instead of the devious course which charac- 


THE FLYING FOX, OR ROUSSETTE. 115 


terizes the carnivorous bats as they flit about the air in chase of their insect prey, these fru- 
givorous species fly in straight lines and to great distances. 
The Kalongs do not seem to care much for dark and retired places of abode ; and pass the 


“uy 


nolan 


THE EDIBLE KALONG.—Piéropus edulis. 


day, which is their night, suspended from 
the trunks of large trees, preferring those 
which belong to the fig genus. On these 
boughs they hang in vast numbers, and 
by an inexperienced observer, might read- 
ily be taken for bunches of large fruits, 
so closely and quietly do they hang. If 
disturbed in their repose, they set up a 
chorus of sharp screams, and flutter about 
in a state of sad bewilderment, their night- 
loving eyes being dazzled by the hateful 
glare of the sun. They are apt to quarrel 
under such circumstances, and fight for 
their roosting, or rather their hanging places, much as birds do when retiring to rest for the night. 

Bats do not seem to be very tempting additions to the cuisine, but man is an omnivorous 


animal, and eats everything, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral, the last-named diet being 


114 THE FLYING FOX, OR ROUSSETTE. 


exemplified by the ‘‘stone-butter’’ of the German miners, and the clay balls of the Indian 
savage. Some nations there are which feed on their own kind. Many there are which live 
habitually on the quadrumana that inhabit their country, and there are some who find a 
favorite article of diet in the Cheiroptera. 

The species which is most generally eaten is the Edible Kalong (Ptéropus Hdiilis), a bat 
which is found in great quantities in the island of Timor and other places. It is a very large 
animal, the expanse of wing rather exceeding five feet, and the length of head and body being 
about a foot. The eye is a fine brown. The flesh of these bats is said by those who have ven- 
tured upon so strange a diet, to be very delicate in flavor, tender in substance, and white in color. 

It is probably to these animals that Bennett refers, in his ‘‘ Whaling Voyage round the 
Globe.”’ 

‘The only animals that came under our notice at Timor, were bats and foxes. The bats 
were of that large kind which sailors call Flying Foxes. When our woodcutters commenced 
their labors in the forest, the first blow of the axe caused a large flock of these creatures to 
mount in the air, and wing their way to a less precarious retreat. They flew in a 
body to the distance of more than two hundred yards, then returned as simul- 
taneously to the vicinity of the spot which they had quitted, and ultimately: 
settled in the depths of the jungle. 

‘Considering how little their vision is adapted for day duty, it was inter- 
esting to notice the systematic manner in which they directed their flight: one 
which arose some time after the others, taking immediately the right direction 
to follow and join the main body of fugitives.” 

In this latter passage is mentioned one distinguished peculiarity of these 
creatures, namely their habit of flying in long lines, somewhat after the manner 
of rooks returning to roost— 


«The blackening train of crows to their repose.” 


One bat seems to take the lead, and the others follow at short and irregular 
intervals, pursuing the same course as their pioneer. 

The bats which belong to this genus (Pteropus) are remarkable for the fact 
that they possess fewer vertebrae than any other known mammalian animal. In 4.3. op 
the entire spinal column there are but twenty-four of these bones; this paucity rp1an sat. 
of number being caused by the entire absence of a tail. 

The hair with which the bat tribe is furnished, is of a very peculiar character, and 
although closely resembling the fur of a rat or mouse when seen by the unaided eye, is so 
unique in aspect when seen under a microscope, that a bat’s hair can be detected almost at a 
glance. Each hair is covered with very minute scales, which are arranged in various modes 
around a central shaft. 

The accompanying figure exhibits the central portion of a hair taken from one of the 
Indian bats, magnified five hundred diameters, or two hundred and fifty thousand times super- 
ficially. Near the root, the hair is almost devoid of these scales, and therefore appears much 
smaller than in the central and terminal portions. Some of these external scales bear a close 
resemblance to the scales which are placed on the surface of a butterfly’s wing ; but can easily 
be distinguished from them by their smaller size, and the absence of the striated markings 
that are found on the scales of the butterfly’s wing. 

The strange similitude between the bat’s hair, and the plant which is popularly known 
by the name of ‘‘ Mare’s-tail,’’ cannot but strike any one who is in the least acquainted with 
botany. It may be, that so remarkable an outward resemblance would not exist unless there 
were some cause, at present hidden, which would account for it. 

Before leaving the study of the bats, we must take a cursory view of the strange condition 
of life in which these animals pass the colder months of the year, which condition is known 
by the name of hibernation, because it takes place in the winter. 

The insect tribes on which the bats chiefly feed and maintain their subsistence, are either 
quiescent during the winter months, or are abroad in such limited numbers that they could 


HIBERNATION OF THE BATS. 115 


not afford a subsistence to the bats or swallows. The latter creatures meet the difficulty by 
emigrating to more genial lands, and there finding the food which they would lose in these 
cold climes; but the former are obliged by the laws of their being to remain in the country 
where they were born. It is evident, therefore, that unless some provision were made for 
them during the insectless time of year, every bat would perish of hunger. 

Such a provision exists, and exerts its power by throwing the bats into a deep lethargy, 
during which they require no food and take no exercise, but just live throughout the winter 
in a state of existence that seems to partake more of the vegetable than the animal life. 

During hibernation, the respiration ceases almost wholly, and if it takes ‘place at all, is so 
slight as to defy investigation. The air in which these creatures pass the winter seems to 
undergo no change by the breath, as would be the case if only one inspiration were made ; 
and, strangest of all, the animal seems capable of existing for some time in gases that would 
be immediately fatal to it in the waking state, or even without any air at all. The tempera- 
ture, too, sinks to that of the surrounding atmosphere, although, as a general fact, the animal 
heat of these creatures is rather high, as is the case with most flying beings, whether mammals 
or birds. 

Many curious and valuable trials have been made upon bats while in a state of torpidity, 
the subjects of experiment being placed in such a manner that the least act of respiration 
made itself clearly visible, by the movements of a delicate index. The wing was extended 
in such a manner, that the circulation of the blood was perceptible through its semi-trans- 
parent membrane, and a thermometer was arranged so as to register the temperature. 

Very great care is requisite in conducting these experiments, because the least excitement, 
or the slightest raising of the temperature, suffices to rouse the somnolent animal, and to alter 
the conditions which are absolutely necessary for true hibernation. A hasty footfall, or an 
accidental tap given to the table on which the creature rested, would cause it to make several 
respirations, and to recover sufficient vitality to raise the temperature, and to consume some 
portion of oxygen from the air. The same animal which passed ten hours in a state of perfect 
somnolence, without producing any perceptible effect on the oxygen contained in the atmos- 
pheric air, consumed in a single hour more than four cubic inches of oxygen, when aroused 
and lively. 

The curious subject of hibernation will be again noticed in connection with the various 
animals, such as the marmot, dormouse and others, which pass the cold months in a state of 
torpidity. 


SED Ad 3 


OR, DHE: CAT. TRIBE. 


HE beautiful and terrible animals which are known by the genera: name of the 
Cat Tribe, now engage our attention. 

‘With the exception of one or two of the enigmatical creatures which are 
found in every group of beings, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral, the Cats, 
or FELIDa as they are more iesraneallsy termed, are as distinct an order as the 
monkeys or the bats. Pre-eminently carnivorous in their diet, and destructive 
in their mode of obtaining food, their bodily form is most exquisitely adapted 

to carry out the instincts which are implanted in their nature. — 

All the members of the cat tribe are light, stealthy, and silent of foot, quick of ear and 
eye, and swift of attack. Most of them are possessed of the power of climbing trees or rocks, 
but some few species, such as the Lion, are devoid of 
this capability. 

The teeth of the exclusively carnivorous animals 
are always of a form which permits them to seize and 
tear their prey, but does not give them the power of 
masticating their food after the manner of the vege- 
table feeders. Weare all familiar with the mode in 
which the domestic cat consumes her food, whether 
it be a piece of butchers’ meat which is given to her 
by the hand of man, or a mouse which she has cap- 
tured by her own paws. Instead of the grinding 
process which is employed by monkeys and other 
creatures whose teeth are fitted for grinding their JAWS AND TEETH OF LION. 
food, the cat tears the meat into wemnanieantlsy sized 
morsels, and then eats the food by a series of pecking bie The annexed engraving of a 
Lion’s teeth and jaws will explain the reason for this mode of action. 

In the accompanying figure the mechanism of the claw 
is exhibited. 

When the animal is at rest, the upper tendons draw 
the claw backwards, so that it is lifted entirely from the 
eround, and the weight of the body rests only on the soft 
pads which stud the under surface of the foot. But when 
the creature becomes excited, and thrusts out its paw for 
the purpose of striking a blow, or clutching at its prey, 
the upper tendons become relaxed, while the lower ten- 
dons are tightened, and the claw is thrown boldly MOLAR 
wh sharp and ready for either use. 

CLAW OF LION. The claw which is represented is that of the Lion, 
but the mechanism is common to all the true cats. 

Another curious structure is common to the group of feline animals; and as the 
Lion seems to be their most perfect representative, the example has been taken from that 
animal. 

Every one who cares for cats, and who in consequence is cared for by those graceful 


‘NOIT 


THE LION. 117 


creatures, is familiar with the dry roughness of pussy’s tongue, as she licks the hand of her 
human friend. This peculiarity of formation is the more conspicuous because it presents so 
great a contrast with the wet, smooth tongue of the dog; and, as a general rule, men are more 
accustomed to the lingual caresses of the dog than of the’cat. -The cause of the strangely dry 
tongue of the Felide is at once seen by reference to the tongue of a lion or tiger, or by apply- 
ing a magnifying glass to the tongue of a domestic cat. 

The entire surface of the tongue is covered with innumerable conical projections, which 
are so curved that their points lie towards the throat. On the central line of the tongue these 
projections are larger than at the side. Their chief, if not their only use, is to aid the cat in 
stripping the flesh from the bones of the animals which it has killed, and so to prevent the 
least avoidable waste of nutriment. Truly, in 
nature the economical system reigns supreme, and 
waste is an impossibility. 

So strongly made are these armatures, that 
the constant licking of a cat’s tongue will remove 
the living tissues from a delicate skin, while the 
tongue of the Lion can rapidly cause the outflow 
of blood. There is a well-authenticated anec- 
dote of a tame Lion cub and its owner, which 
exhibits strongly the rasping power of the feline 
tongue. 

Of the magnificent and noble creatures called 
. Lions, several species are reported to exist, 

TONGUE OF LION. although it is thought by many experienced 
judges that there is really but one species of 
Lion, which is modified into permanent varieties according to the country in which it lives. 

The best known of these species or varieties is the SourH ArricaNn Lion, of whom so 
many anecdotes have been narrated. This noble animal is found in nearly all parts of Southern 
Africa, where the foot of civilized man has not stayed its wanderings. Before the tread of the 

. white man, the Lion shrinks unwillingly, haunting each advanced post for a time, but driven 
surely and slowly backward as the human intellect gains opportunity for manifesting its 
supremacy over the lower animals. So entirely does man sweep the wild beasts from his 
presence, that even in the Cape colony, a living Lion is just as great a rarity as in England, 
and there are very few of the colonists who have ever beheld a living Lion except when 
pent in a cage. 

The color of the Lion isa tawny yellow, lighter on the under parts of the body, and darker 
above. The ears are blackish, and the tip of the tail is decorated with a tuft of black hair. 
This tuft serves to distinguish the Lion from any other member of the cat tribe. The male 
Lion, when full grown, is furnished with a thick and shaggy mane of very long hair, which 
falls from the neck, shoulders, and part of the throat and chin, varying in tint according to 
the age of the animal, and possibly according to the locality which it inhabits. The Lioness . 
possesses no mane, and even in the male Lion it is not properly developed until the animal 
has completed his third year. 

When fully grown, the male Lion measures some four feet in height at the shoulder, and 
about eleven feet in total length. These measurements are only applicable to the noble animals 
which have passed their lives in the free air of their native land, and have attained their 
majority with limbs unshackled and spirits unbroken. 

The Lioness is a smaller animal than her mate, and the difference of size appears to be 
much greater than really is the case, because she is devoid of the thick mane which gives such 
grandeur and dignity to her spouse. Although smaller in size, she is quite as terrible in com- 
bat ; and, indeed, the Lioness is oft-times a foe much more to be dreaded than the Lion. When 
she has a little family to look after, Lezena is a truly fearful enemy to those who cross her 
path, assuming at once the offensive, and charging the intruders with a fierce courage that 
knows no fear and heeds no repulse. 


118 THE LION. 


Of the character of the Lion, opinions the most opposite have been promulgated. 

Until later days the Lion was considered to be the very type of fiery courage and kingly 
generosity, indomitable in conflict with the strong, but merciful in sparing the weak and 
defenceless. Latterly, however, writers have passed to the opposite extreme, speaking of the 
Lion as a cowardly sneaking animal, and have even gone so far as to declare him to be no more 
formidable than a mastiff. It must be remarked that these opposite ideas have been put forth 
by men of practical experience, who have been personally acquainted with the king of beasts 
in his own domains. 

Making due allowance for the ‘‘ personal error,’’ as astronomers would term the difference 


SOUTH AFRICAN LION.—LZeo capensis, 


of idiosyncrasy in the narrators, we may safely conjecture that the truth lies somewhere 
between the two extremes, and that the Lion is not always so fierce an animal as is said to be 
the case by some, nor always so cowardly as it is said to be by others. 

Even the same individual may be at one time ferocious and truculent, attacking a party of 
armed men, in spite of their fire-rampart, and carrying off one of their number from among 
them ; or at another time it may be timid and cowardly, skulking out of sight if discovered, 
and flying in terror before the shouts and cries of a few savages. 

Hunger seems to be the great cause of a Lion’s defiance of danger; and it but seldom 
happens that a Lion which has had plenty to eat troubles itself to attack man or beast. 

There seems to be a considerable spice of indolence in the Lion, which indeed is the case 
in most of the members of the cat tribe. It is capable of very great muscular efforts, and for 
a time will exert the most wary vigilance. But as soon as the existing cause is removed, the 
creature seems overcome with lethargy, and, seeking the cover of its lair, yields itself to repose. 

Even when aroused by the calls of hunger, the Lion will not take more trouble than is 


THE LION. 119 


necessary for the attainment of its end, and if it can strike down an antelope or jaguar with a 
blow of its paw, will be quite satisfied with its success, and will not trouble itself about such 
difficult game as a buffalo or a giraffe. 

It is supposed by those who have had much experience of the leonine character, that the 
terrible ‘‘man-eating’’ Lions owe their propensity for human flesh to the indolence of their 
character or the infirmity of their frame, and not to their superior activity or courage. 
Unwilling, or unable, to expend strength and patience in the pursuit of the swift-footed 
antelope or powerful buffalo, the Lion prowls about the villages, thinking to find an easy prey 
in the man, woman, or child that may happen to stray from the protecting guardianship of 
the kraal and its dogs. Unarmed, man is weaker of limb, slower of foot, and less vigilant of 
senses than any of the wild animals, and therefore is a victim that can be slain without much 
trouble. 

It is said that the taste for human flesh is often engendered by the thoughtless conduct of 
the very people who suffer from the ‘‘man-eaters.’’ The Kaffirs are apt to leave their slain 
exposed in the bush, ‘‘a prey to dogs and all kinds of birds.’’ 

As a general rule, the Lion is no open foe. He does not come boldly out on the plain and 
give chase to his prey, for he is by no means swift of foot, and, as has already been mentioned, 
has no idea of running into danger without adequate cause. He can make tremendous leaps, 
and with a single blow from his terrible paw can crush any of the smaller animals. So he 
creeps towards his intended prey, availing himself of every bush and tree as a cover, always 
taking care to advance against the wind, so that the pungent feline odor should give no alarm, 
and when he has arrived within the limits of his spring, leaps on the devoted animal and 
strikes it to the ground. 

This mode of action gives a clue to the object of the fear-instilling roar which has made 
the Lion so famous. / 

As the Lion obtains his prey by stealth, and depends for nutrition on the success of his 
hunting, it seems strange that his voice should be of such a nature as to inspire with terror 
the heart of every animal which hears its reverberating thunders. Yet it will be seen, that 
the creature could find no aid so useful as that of his voice. 

Tf the Lion has been prowling about during the evening hours, and has found no prey, he 
places his mouth close to the earth, and utters a terrific roar, which rolls along the ground on 
all sides, and frightens every animal which may chance to be crouching near. Not knowing 
from what direction the fearful sound has come, they leave their lairs, and rush frantically 
about, distracted with terror and bewildered with the sudden arousing from sleep. In their 
heedless career, one or two will probably pass within a convenient distance of the lurking foe. 

These nocturnal alarms cause great trouble to those who travel into the interior of Africa. 
When night draws on, it is the custom to call a halt, and to release the draught oxen from 
their harness. A kind of camp is then made, a blazing fire is kept alight as a defence against 
the wild beasts, and the oxen are fastened either to the wagons or to the bushes by which 
the encampment is made. 

The Lion comes and surveys the mingled mass of oxen, men, and wagons, but fears to 
approach too closely, for he dreads the blaze of a fire. In vain does he prowl around the 
encampment, for he can discover no stragglers from the protecting flame, and, moreover, finds 
that the watchful dogs are on the alert. So he retires to some little distance, and putting his 
mouth to the ground, pours forth his deepest roar. Struck with frantic terror, the stupid 
oxen break away from their halters, and quitting their sole protection, gallop madly away 
only to fall victims to the jaws and talons of the author of the panic. 

Tt often happens that several Lions combine in their attacks, and bring their united forces 
to bear upon the common prey, each taking his appointed part in the matter. One of these 
joint attacks was witnessed by two English officers engaged in the late Kaffir war, with one 
of whom I am well acquainted. 

A small herd of zebras were quietly feeding in a plain, all unconscious of the stealthy 
approach of several Lions, which were creeping towards them in regular order, under cover of 
a dense reed thicket. So quietly did the Lions make their advance, that their progress was 


120 THE LION. 


unnoticed even by the zebra-sentinel. The Lions crept on, until they reached the sheltering 
thicket, when the sentinel took the alarm. It was too late—with a single bound, the leading 
Lion sprang over the reeds, felled one of the zebras, and set the others scampering in all direc- 
tions so as to fall an easy prey to his companions. 

It has happened that such alliances have come to a tragical end for the assailant as well 
as the victim. 

‘*Karly one morning,’’ says Mr. Anderson, in his ‘‘ Lake Ngami,’’ ‘‘ one of our herdsmen 
came running up to us in a great fright, and announced that a Lion was devouring a Lioness. 
We thought at first that the man must be mistaken, but his story was perfectly true, and only 
her skull, the larger bones, and the skin were left. On examining the ground more closely, the 
fresh remains of a young springbok were also discovered. We therefore conjectured that the 
Lion and Lioness, being very hungry, and the antelope not proving a sufficient meal for both, had 
quarrelled ; and he, after killing his wife, had coolly eaten her also.”’ 

The same writer relates a curious instance of a wounded Lion 
being torn in pieces by a troop of his fellows. 

In the attack of large animals, the Lion seldom attempts an 
unaided assault, but joins in the pursuit with several companions. 
Thus it seems to be that the stately giraffe is slain by the Lion, 
five of which have been seen engaged in the chase of one giraffe, 
two actually pulling down their prey, while the other three were 
waiting close at hand. The Lions were driven off, and. the neck of 
the giraffe was found to be bitten through by the cruel teeth of the 
assailants. 

When the Lion kills an eland, and does not happen to be very 
ravenously hungry, he feeds daintily on the heart and other viscera, 
not often touching the remainder of the flesh. In so doing, he rips 
open the abdomen with his powerful claws, and tearing out his 
favorite morsels, devours them. Sometimes, after satisfying his 
hunger, he will leave the eland lying on the ground apparently unin- ahha ee aa 
jured, the only visible wound being that which he has made by “WHISKER HAIR. - 
tearing the animal open. 

Owing to the uniform tawny color of the Lion’s coat, he is hardly distinguishable from 
surrounding objects even in broad daylight, and by night he walks secure. Even the practised 
eyes of an accomplished hunter have been unable to detect the bodies of Lions which were 
lapping water at some twenty yards’ distance, betraying their vicinity by the sound, but so 
blended in form with the landscape, that they afforded no mark for the rifle even at that short 
distance. : 

Under such circumstances, their glowing eyes afford the only means by which they can 
be discovered, and even with such assistance the position of the body cannot be made out. 
The felidee tread so silently that no footfall gives notice of their whereabouts ; and aided by 
the beautiful mechanism of the “‘whiskers,’’ they appear to be enabled to thread their 
stealthy way, almost without the aid of eyes. 

Each whisker hair is, in fact, an organ endued with an exquisite sense of touch, and in 
connection with a set of large nerves that convey to the brain the least touch. In the engraving 
is given a magnified representation of a single hair-bulb of one of the whiskers, together with 
the nerves by means of which the hair is converted into a tactile organ. It will be seen, on 
reference to the figure, that if the extremity of the hair is touched, a pressure will instantly 
be made on the nerves at its root. By means of these delicate feelers, the animals are able to 
guide themselves through the thickets, and to escape the risk of alarming their intended prey 
by too rude a contact with the branches. 

Among the more inland settlers of Southern Africa, adventures with the Lion are of com- 
mon occurrence. As may by expected, many of these rencontres are of a deeply tragic nature, 
while others are imbued with a decidedly comic element. A great number of original anec- 
dotes of this nature have been most kindly placed at my disposal by Captain Drayson, who 


THE LION. 121 


heard them from the lips of the actors themselves. In these narratives, the characters of both 
man and beast are well shown. 


Awny person who has mixed much with either Dutch, Hottentot, or Kaffir sportsmen, is 
sure to have heard many exciting and curious adventures connected with the chase of the 
Lion. From amongst a somewhat large stock I will now select one or two anecdotes which 
will serve to illustrate either the habits and character of the animal, or the method of hunting 
him. 

‘‘A soldier, belonging to a line regiment, had heard that a great quantity of money might 
be obtained from amongst the Dutch Boers in the interior, by various simple processes with 
which he fancied himself acquainted. 

‘‘Selecting a favorable opportunity, he deserted, taking care to well fill his haversack 
with meat, to serve him during his march across the wild uninhabited district which separated 
the Dutch locations from our frontier. 

‘The soldier marched, during two days, some sixty miles or so, taking care when he slept 
to place the bag containing his meat under his head. On the third or fourth night, he lay 
down as usual to rest, with his head upon his pillow. It happened that in the country to 
which he belonged Lions were very common, and one of these unwelcome visitors happened to 
be prowling about in search of a supper, and dropped upon the military hero who was quietly 
snoring. 

‘“ Whether the Lion were aware of the fierce calling of the sleeper, and therefore paid him 
some respect, is not mentioned ; but, instead of carrying off the man, he merely clawed up the 
bag, and trotted away growling with his trophy. The only damage that he had inflicted on 
the soldier was the abstraction of a few inches of his scalp. 

‘A Dutch Boer found the deserter wandering half starved on the plain, where he had 
been without food for a day and a night. The Boer fed and doctored him, but in return made 
him act as leader to the oxen and wagon, a position considered by the Dutch Boers to be the 
most degrading to man.” 


‘““NEAR the sources of the Mooi river there are several extensive plains on which large 
herds of elands and hartebeest were formerly found. Bordering on these plains are several 
ranges of hills, spurs from the Quathlomba mountains, and between these rocky spurs, kloofs 
or ravines exist, affording shelter for bush-buck, buffaloes, and many other animals which 
seek cover amongst either reeds or bushes. 

‘At the time when the following scene occurred, there was scarcely an inhabitant in this 
locality besides a few Welshmen, who resided amongst the stony hills, and lived by the chase, 
and two or three Dutch Boers, the remnants of those who had accompanied Maritz in his 
migration from the old colony. 

““The Dutchmen had built themselves some wattle-and-daub huts, and were contented to 
remain where they were, as hunting and grazing-grounds were plentiful. A few thefts per- 
formed by their little neighbors, the Bushmen, had caused a commando to be raised, and, 
during the invasion of the hills that were then occupied by these little men, a boy had been 
captured by one of the Boers, and had been retained as a domestic. This individual will 
figure in the following scene with the Lion. 

‘*One evening, whilst one of these Boers was sitting with his son, a lad of about sixteen 
years of age, in front of his hut, smoking his stone pipe, and looking with pride upon his 
sleek herds which grazed about him, he noticed some object that moved slowly along the side 
of an old watercourse at a considerable distance from him. <A telescope was an article of value 
which few of these residents possessed ; it was therefore by patient watching only that the 
father and son at length discovered that the object was a Lion, which appeared to be carefully 
stalking a valuable black stallion grazing near the old watercourse. Instantly seizing their 
guns, which were as usual loaded and at hand, the two ran down towards the Lion, shouting 
as they went to the Hottentots who were engaged about the farm. 

“These individuals did not appear to be anxious about hurrying towards the scene of 


122 THE LION. 


danger, and, consequently, the Dutchman and his son reached the stallion before any other aid 
arrived. 

‘“The course which they had followed caused them to lose sight of the Lion in con- 
sequence of intervening slopes of ground, so that, upon reaching the horse, which was grazing 
unconscious of danger, no Lion was to be seen. The young Boer, acting against the advice of 
his father, walked along the side of a ravine, in search of the grim monster. The old Boer 
repeatedly called to his incautious son to come back, and wait for the Hottentots and the dogs, 
which would soon come up; but, finding his advice disregarded, he left the horse, and walked 
towards his son, whom he found throwing stones into the long grass which fringed the edge 
of the ravine for the purpose of starting the Lion. When the Boer was about a hundred yards 
from the lad, he saw him stop, raise his gun, and fire suddenly, though apparently without 
aim, and then turn, running a few paces towards him. At the same instant, he saw the Lion 
make two prodigious bounds, and alight on his boy, whom he instantly dragged to the ground. 

‘‘All this occurred in a very few seconds; so that before the Boer, who ran to the rescue, 
arrived, the young Dutchman was mortally wounded. The Lion, crouching down among the 
long grass, retreated a few yards, then bounded over the rocks and reeds until out of sight, 
the shot which was fired by the old Boer being unheeded by him. When the father reached 
the fatal spot, he found his son senseless, and torn so fearfully as to preclude all possibility of 
recovery. He, however, had him conveyed home, but the lad never again spoke, and died 
during the night. Revenge was the first thought of the old Dutchman, who immediately sent 
round to his neighbors to warn them that a Lion was in their vicinity, and to beg their 
assistance on the following day in tracing the Lion to its den. 

“The night was passed by the Boer as usual; for these men are very philosophic, and 
rarely allow any circumstance to interfere with their comfort. On the following morning, 
however, he was up very early, busily preparing for the great business of the day; bullets 
were being cast and powder-horn filled, etc., etc., when he was suddenly interrupted by the 
entrance of his little Bushman, who had, since his capture by the Boer some years before, 
reached his full growth, and might be estimated at any age between sixteen and sixty. 

“What do you here?’ asked the Dutchman. 

“The Bushman, who was armed with his tiny bow and arrows, answered by showing a 
small tuft of black hair like a shaving brush. 

‘“This was an intelligible answer to the Boer, who, with eagerness, demanded the par- 
ticulars ; and the following is a translation of the Bushman’s account. 

‘“When the Lion struck down the young Dutchman, the Bushman was sitting upon a 
rock which commanded a view of the scene. The little creature then watched the Lion in its 
retreat, and marked it down amongst some long grass and bushes at the distance of a mile or 
so. He then procured an old and nearly useless ox from the cattle kraal, and arming himself 
with his bow and poisonous arrows, drove the beast close to the Lion’s retreat, made it fast to 
a bush, and concealed himself in some long grass. 

“The Bushman, from his nocturnal habits, can see by night nearly as well as by day; and 
so, when, shortly after dark, the Lion left his lair and walked on to the open plain outside, 
the Bushman was an attentive observer of his movements. 

“The ox soon attracted the attention of the Lion, which approached with caution upon 
its victim; the Bushman at the same time holding his bow and arrows in readiness for an 
attack upon /7s victim. Soon the Lion sprang upon the ox, and, at the instant when he was 
engaged in the death struggle, the Bushman, with great rapidity, twice twanged his bow, and 
lodged two poisoned barbs in the Lion’s flesh. 4 

‘“The ox was soon overcome, and was dragged amongst the reeds, whilst the Bushman 
sought shelter in the crannies of the rocks near the scene of his operations. 

‘* As soon as day began to dawn, the Bushman commenced his stealthy approach, through 
the grass and reeds, towards the Lion’s lair, and was shortly sitting grinning on the carcass of 
the Lion, which, but a few hours before, was a terror to all the Hottentots on the farm, but 
now, overcome by the malignant poison with which the arrows had been prepared, was as 
harmless as one of the stones on which he lay. 


THE LION. 123 


‘Being anxious to proclaim his triumph, the Bushman merely cut off the tuft of hair 
from the tail of the Lion and returned with this trophy to the Dutchman, who was not, how- 
ever, quite satisfied with the business, for he would have preferred to shoot the Lion himself ; 
moreover, he grudged the loss of the old ox, which he thought might have been spared to die 
the usual death of a draught ox, ¢.¢e. to work until it drops from fatigue, and to die where it 
falls. The Bushman, however, explained that, if he had wounded the Lion as it was walking 
along, it would have sprung upon him as soon as it felt the sharp arrow in its side ; but, when 
it was busily employed in killing the ox, it would only think that the ox had pricked it with 
its horns, and would neither see nor think of its human enemy. Therefore it was safer and 

- more certain to take the ox for a bait, and so, to save many a young and vigorous animal by 
the sacrifice of one old and worn-out beast.” 


‘‘A Borer, a very humorous fellow, told me that he was returning to his wagons one 
evening, when he was far in the interior; at the time, he had with him only the single charge 
of powder with which his gun was loaded, as he had been out buck-shooting all day. 

“Straight in his path he disturbed a Lion, which jumped up and turned to look at him. 
Very naturally, his first impulse was to fire, but remembering that he had but that one charge 
in his gun, he changed his tactics. 

““The Dutchmen usually wear large broad-brimmed felt hats, around which several ostrich 
feathers are fastened. The Boer jumped from his horse, and pulled off his hat, which he held 
with his teeth by the brim, so that the upper part only of his face could be seen above the 
conglomeration of feathers. He then dropped upon his hands and knees, and commenced 
crawling towards the Lion. Such a strange animal had never before been seen by the aston- 
ished Leeuw, which turned and fled without a moment’s hesitation. 

“This method of alarming animals is not always successful; for whilst I was on the 
frontier, a Hottentot, who had been told of a somewhat similar plan to frighten a savage ox, 
met with a severe accident. 

“The man had been instructed that to stoop down and look back at an animal from 
between the knees was a certain means of driving it away. So, being pursued by an infuriated 
ox, he stopped short, and doubled himself up for his peep; but unfortunately without the 
desired result. For the animal charged home, ripped up the Totty’s leather crackers, wounded 
him, and sent him sprawling into a bush.”’ 


“An OLD Dutch Boer, who lived under the shadow of the Draakensberg mountains, gave 
me the following account of an interview with a Lion. The man was a well-known sportsman, 
and lived principally by means of the dollars which he realized upon ivory and skins. He was 
accustomed to make a trip each year into the game country, and traded with the Kaffirs or 
other inhabitants, under very favorable auspices. His stock-in-trade consisted of his guns 
and ammunition, several spans of fine oxen, some horses, and about a dozen dogs. 

“A Lion, which appeared to have been roaming about the country, happened to pass near 
this Boer’s location, and scenting the three coursers kept by the Boer, thought that the 
locality might suit him for a short period. A dense kloof, situated about a mile from the 
farm, afforded both shelter and water, and this spot the Lion selected as a favorable position 
for his head-quarters. 

“The Boer had not to wait for more than a day, before the suspicions which had been 
excited in his mind by some broad footmarks which he saw imprinted in the soil, were con- 
firmed into a certainty that a full-grown Lion had passed near his residence. 

‘““It now became a question of policy, whether the Boer should attack the Lion, or wait 
for the Lion to attack him. He thought it quite possible, that Zeeww, having been warned 
off by the dogs, whose barking had been furious and continued during the night on which the 
Lion was supposed to have passed the farm, might think discretion to be the better part of 
valor, and consequently would move farther on, in search of a less carefully guarded locality 
upon which to quarter himself. He determined, therefore, to wait, but to use every precau- 
tion against a night surprise. 


124 THE LION. 


‘The Lion, however, was more than a match for the Boer. For during the second night, 
Roeberg, the stout after-ox of the pet span, was quietly carried off, and although there was 
some commotion amongst the dogs and cattle, it was supposed that the alarm had scared the 
Lion, which had then decamped. 

‘<The morning light, however, showed that the poacher had leapt the palisade which sur- 
rounded the kraal, and having killed the ox, had evidently endeavored to scramble over it 
again, with the ox in his possession. The joint weight of the Lion and ox had caused the 
stakes to give way, and an exit had then been easily effected. 

“The spoor of the Lion was immediately followed by the Boer, who took with him a 
Hottentot and half-a-dozen of his best dogs. The traces were easily seen, and the hunters had 
no difficulty in deciding that the Lion was in the kloof. But this in itself was no great 
advance, for the kloof was about a mile in length, and three or four hundred yards in breadth ; 
and the cover was composed of wait-a-bit thorns, creepers, and long grass, forming a jungle so 
thick and impenetrable, that for a man to enter appeared almost impossible. 

‘“‘Tt was therefore agreed that the Boer should station himself on one side, whilst the 
Hottentot went to the other side of the kloof, and that the dogs should be sent into the cover. 
This arrangement, it was hoped, would enable either the Dutchman or Hottentot to obtain a 
shot; foreach concluded that the dogs, which were very courageous animals, would drive the 
Lion out of the kloof, and that it would, upon breaking cover, afford one or the other a good 
chance. 

“The excited barks of the dogs soon indicated that they had discovered the Lion, but 
they appeared to be unable to drive him from his stronghold: for although they would 
scamper away every now and again, as though the enraged monster were charging them, still 
they returned to bay at the same spot. 

‘‘ Both of the hunters fired several shots, wpon the hope that a stray bullet might find its 
way through the underwood to the heart of the savage. Buta great quantity of ammunition 
was expended, and no result achieved. 

“At length, as the dogs had almost ceased to bark, it was considered advisable to call 
them off. But all the whistling and shouting failed in recalling more than two out of the six, 
and one of these was fearfully maimed. The others, it was afterwards found, had been dis- 
posed of by the Lion in the most unceremonious manner; a blow from his paw had sufficed 
either to break the back or smash the skull of the nearest intruder. 

“Tt thus happens that the bravest dogs are not always the best adapted for Lion or 
buffalo hunting. A cur is, perhaps, the most suitable ; for while a courageous dog will boldly 
face a Lion, and even venture within reach of his deadly stroke, and thus soon be ‘expended,’ 
a cur will continue to annoy and occupy the attention of the fierce game, but at the same time 
will take good care of its own safety. It is not expected that a dog is to struggle with either 
a Lion or a buffalo ; its duty is merely to distract the animal, and prevent it from devoting too 
much of its time to the hunter. Well-bred dogs are nearly useless when employed against 
dangerous game. i 

“This, the first attempt on the Lion, was a total failure, and the Boer returned home to 
lament the loss of -his dogs, and to refresh himself after his exertions. During the night, he 
watched beside his kraal, but the Lion did not pay him a second visit. 

‘‘ arly on the following evening, he, accompanied by his Hottentot, started afresh for the 
kloof, and having marked the spot from which the Lion had on the former occasion quitted 
the dense thorny jungle, the two hunters ascended a tree, and watched during the whole night 
for a glimpse at their purposed victim. But whilst they were paying the residence of the 
Lion a visit, He favored the farm with a call, and this time, by way of variety, carried away a 
very valuable horse, which he conveyed to the kloof, having been wise enough to walk out 
and return by a different path to that which he used on the former occasion. Consequently 
he had avoided the ambush which had been prepared for him. 

‘“When the Boer returned to his farm, he became furious at his new loss, abused the 
Totties and Kaffirs for their neglect and cowardice, but soon became reasonable, and deter- 
mined on a plan which, although dangerous, was still the one which appeared the most likely 


THE LION. 125 


to insure the destruction of this ravenous monster. This plan was to enter the dense kloof on 
foot, without dogs, and to endeavor by fair stalking to obtain his shot at the Lion. 

‘“Now, when we consider the difficulty of moving through any cover without making a 
noise, and also the watchful habits of every member of the feline race, we may be certain that 
to surprise the Lion was a matter of extreme difficulty, and that the probability was that the 
Dutchman would meet with a disaster. 

“At about ten o’clock on the morning after the horse slaughter, the Boer started for the 
kloof, armed with a double-barrelled smooth bore, and clothed in the most approved bush 
costume. He would not allow his faithful Hottentot to accompany him, because, as success 
mainly depended upon surprise, he considered that the highly flavored Totty might be scented 
by the Lion; whereas he alone would be more likely to escape detection. By this arrange- 
ment the Boer demonstrated the truth of the proverb with reference to the pot and the kettle, 
for the Dutchmen are not fonder of lavations than their Hottentot servants, and it is probable 
that, although a wide-awake Lion might have scented the Totty at 600 yards down wind, he 
would have discovered the Boer under similar conditions at 400 yards. We must, however, 
take the Boer’s reason as a just one, and conclude that to leave his Totty at home was a wise 
precaution. 

‘*On the first occasion, when the Lion was attacked by the Boer, it had been bayed by 
the dogs near some tall trees, far down in the kloof. If the animal had again selected the 
same location, the Boer would have had to creep through two or three hundred yards of 
thorny bush, and he would probably have alarmed the Lion long before he arrived within shot. 
He had thought over this, and had concluded that after dragging the carcass of the horse all 
the way from the farm, the Lion would not be disposed to drag it very far through the under- 
wood in the kloof, and that, therefore, he should find the carcass of the horse at least at no 
great distance from the edge of the ravine, and probably the Lion close to it. 

‘‘Now it is the nature of the Lion, when gorged, to sleep during the day ; and if the 
animal has carried off any prey, it usually conceals itself near the remains to watch them until 
it is ready for another feast. 

‘“The Boer was aware of all this, and had laid his plans very judiciously. He approached 
the kloof slowly and silently, hit off the spoor of the Lion, and traced the spot where the 
horse had been allowed to remain on the ground fora short time. 

‘‘Although he moved onwards very slowly and with great caution, he was soon surrounded 
by the bush ; and the brightness of the plain was succeeded by the gloom of the kloof. Being 
a most experienced hand at bushcraft, he was enabled to walk or crawl without causing either 
a dried stick to crack or a leaf to rustle, and he was aware that his progress had been accom- 
plished without noise; for the small birds, usually so watchful and so much on the alert, flew 
away only when he approached close to them, thus showing that their eyes and not their ears 
had made them conscious of the presence of man. 

‘‘Birds and monkeys are the great obstacles in the bush to the success of a surprise, for 
the birds fly from tree to tree, and whistle or twitter, whilst the monkeys chatter and grimace, 
and express, by all sorts of harlequin movements, that some curious creature is approaching. 
When, therefore, the bushranger finds that birds and monkeys are unconscious of his presence 
until they see him, he may be satisfied that he has traversed the bush with tolerable silence, 
and has vanquished such formidable obstacles as sticks hidden by leaves, broken and dead 
branches, ete. ; 

‘There is a vast difference between hearing or reading how any dangerous work has been 
accomplished, and doing that work itself. But we can, by imagining ourselves in the position 
of the performer, realize in a measure the sort of sensations which he must have experienced, 
and we can then weigh the effect which the circumstance would have produced upon our own 
moderately strong nerves. It is highly probable that those who sigh for new sensations, might 
possibly find them were they to enter a dense bush on foot, and expect momentarily to meet, 
within speaking distance, a Lion of capacious maw, or a long-tusked, heavy-footed-elephant, 
or even such a moderate opponent as a bull buffalo. 

“The effect produced upon the system is much decreased when many individuals are 


126 THE LION. 


together. To obtain the most satisfactory results, therefore, a person should undertake the 
journey alone, and he will soon learn to consider those only as epicures who thus conjointly 
enjoy solitude and excitement. 

‘“The Boer had penetrated scarcely fifty yards into the bush, when he had reason to 
suspect that he was close upon the lair of the Lion. He believed that such was a fact in 
consequence of the strong leonine scent, and from a part of the carcass of the horse being 
visible between the intervening branches. Instead, therefore, of advancing, as an incautious 
or inexperienced bushranger would have done, he crouched down behind a bush, and assumed 
a convenient attitude, so that he could remain still without inconvenience. 

‘‘ All the animal creation are aware of the advantages of a surprise, and the feline tribe 
especially practise the ambuscading system. The Boer therefore determined, if possible, to 
turn the tables on the Lion, and to surprise, rather than to be surprised. He concluded that 
the Lion, even when gorged with horse-flesh, would not be so neglectful of his safety as to 
sleep with more than one eye at a time, and that, although he had walked with great care 
through the bush, he had probably caused the Lion to be watchful ; if, therefore, he should 
go up to the carcass of the horse, he might be pounced upon at once. 

“To sit down quietly within a few yards of a Lion, whose exact hiding-place was not 
known, required a certain amount of nerve; but the Boer knew what he was about, and had 
adopted the best and safest method to conquer his foe. 

‘“‘ After remaining silent and watchful for several minutes, the Boer at length saw that an 
indistinctly outlined object was moving behind some large, broad-leafed plants, and at about 
twenty paces from him. This object proved to be the Lion, which was half-crouched behind 
some shrubs, and was attentively watching the bushes near the Boer. The head only was 
clearly visible, the body being concealed by the foliage. 

“Tt was evident that the Lion was aware that some person or thing had approached, but 
was not certain where this thing was now concealed. The Boer knew that this was a critical 
period for him, and therefore remained perfectly steady ; he did not like to risk a shot at the 
forehead of the Lion, for it would require a very neat shot to insure a death wound, and the 
number of branches and twigs which were on the line of flight of the bullet would render a 
clear course almost impossible. 

“The Lion, after a careful inspection, appeared to be satisfied, and laid down behind the 
shrubs. The Boer then cocked both barrels of his heavy roer, and turned the muzzle slowly 
round, so that he covered the spot on which the Lion lay, and shifted his position so as to be 
well situated for a shot. 

““The slight noise which he made in moving attracted the attention of the Lion, who imme- 
diately rose to his feet. A broadside shot could not be obtained, so the Boer fired at a spot 
between the eyes; the bullet struck high, as is usually the case when the range is short and 
the charge of powder is heavy, but the Lion fell over on its back, rising, however, immediately, 
and uttering a fierce roar. As it regained its feet, it Showed its side to the Boer, who sent his 
second bullet into its shoulder. 

“The Lion bounded off through the bush, much to the satisfaction of the Boer, nt felt 
more calm as each snap of a branch showed that the animal was farther from him. 

“<The Boer immediately started off home, and brought his Hottentots and dogs to assist 
in the search after the wounded animal, which the Boer concluded would be found dead, as 
the second wound, he thought, must be a mortal one. 

‘‘Before sunset that evening, the skin of the Lion was pegged down outside the Boer’s 
house, and the Hottentots were drunk with delight at the success of ‘the master.’ ”’ 


KoLBEN, a traveller who visited the Cape about the year 1705, described the appearance 
and character of the African Lion. He gives a rule by which all travellers may know to a 
certainty the state of mind in which Leeww may be. He, however, does not mention whether 
he actually tested the truth of his assertions, but merely states as follows :— 

“The Lions here are remarkable for their strength. When they come upon their prey 
they knock it down, and never bite till they have given the mortal blow, which is generally 


THE LION. 127 


accompanied by a fearful roar. When the Lion is pinched with hunger, he shakes his mane 
and lashes his sides with his tail. When he is thus agitated it is almost certain death to come 
in his way, and as he generally lurks for his prey behind the bushes, travellers sometimes do 
not discover the motion of his tail till it is too late; but if a Lion shakes not his mane, nor 
lashes himself with his tail, a traveller may pass safely by him. 

“Tf we could drive a bargain with the Felis Leo that he should always thus signal to 
travellers, we might pass through the African wilderness with less risk than at the present 
time. But from the experience gained by more modern hunters, it appears that the Lion 
will frequently attack horses, oxen, etc., without any intimation from mane or tail. 

“The most formidable attacks are those which take place during a dark night, when it 
would be impossible to be prepared in consequence of not observing the shaking and lashing 
above referred to.” 

It has already been mentioned, that several naturalists accept the Lion of Western Africa 
as a species distinct from the Lion of Southern Africa, and have therefore given to the animal a 
different specific name, which is derived from the country in which it is found. Whatever may 
be said of the distinction between the Asiatic and African Lion, there seem to be scarcely suffi- 
cient grounds for considering the very slight differences which are found in Lions of Africa to 
be a sufficient warrant for constituting separate species. They may be permanent varieties, and 
even in that case are not nearly so different from each other as the mastiff from the spaniel. 

From all accounts, however, it seems that the habits of all Lions are very similar, and that 
a Lion acts like a Lion, whether he resides in Africa or Asia. 

We all are familiar with the self-gratulatory half-threatening mixture between a purr and 
a growl, which is emitted by the domestic cat when she has laid her paws on a mouse or a 
bird, and is divided in mind between the complacent consciousness of having won a prize by 
her own efforts, and the ever present fear that it should escape or be taken away. If we 
substitute a Lion for a cat, and suppose ourselves to be in the position of the victim, we may 
partly realize the feeling which must have filled the mind of a recent traveller and hunter in 
Southern Africa. 

He had built for himself a ‘‘skarm,”’ or slight rifle-pit, composed of stones, logs, and other 
convenient substances, and had watched during the night in hopes of finding game worthy the 
sacrifice of time and sleep. Nothing, however, had come within range of the concealed hunter 
excepting a white rhinoceros, which was shot, and fell dead on the spot. Wearied out 
with the prolonged vigil, the hunter dropped asleep, and lay for some time wrapped in 
unconsciousness. 

But the active desert life requires that its votary should be ever prepared for any emer- 
gency, and even during sleep should be capable of instantaneous awaking ready for action. 
So it happened, that although the deep sleep of wearied nature had wrapped the hunter’s 
senses in oblivion, a part of his being remained awake, ready to give the alarm to that portion 
which slept. Suddenly a sense of danger crept over the sleeper, and he awoke to a feeling 
that a monotonous rumbling sound, which reverberated in his ears, was in some way connected 
with imminent peril. A moment’s reflection told him that none but a Lion could produce 
such sounds, and that one of those fearful animals was actually stooping over him, its breath 
playing on his face. 

Taught by practical experience of the danger of alarming the Lion, the hunter quietly felt 
for his gun, which was lying ready loaded and cocked in front of him, and raised himself in 
order to get a glimpse at the foe. Slight as the movement was, it sufficed to alarm the Lion, 
which uttered a sharp, menacing growl, speaking in a language well known to the intended 
victim. Knowing that not a moment could be lost, he pointed his weapon towards an indistinct 
mass, which loomed darkly through the mists of night, and fired. 

The report of the gun was instantly mingled with the fierce roarings of the infuriated 
Lion, maddened with the pain of its wound, seeking to wreak its vengeance on its foe, and 
tearing up the ground in its fury, within a very few paces of the skirm. By degrees the 
fierce roars subsided into angry growls, and the growls into heavy moans, until the terrible 
voice was hushed, and silence reigned during the remainder of the night. 


128 THE LION. 


When the dawn. broke, the hunter ventured from his place of concealment, and 
searched for the carcass of the Lion, which he found lying within fifty yards of the spot 
from whence the fatal shot had been fired. Even in that short space of time the hyenas 
and jackals had been busy over the body of their departed monarch, and had so torn his 
skin that it was entirely spoiled for any purpose except that of a memorial of a most 
fearful night. 

The hero of this adventure was C. J. Andersson, who has recorded his valuable African 
experiences in his visit to ‘‘ Lake Ngami.”’ 

The same author relates a curious anecdote of a half-starved, and entirely bewildered 
Lion, which contrived to get into the church at Richterfeldt. The unfortunate brute was so 
weakened by fasting, that the Damaras dragged him out of the edifice by his tail and ears, 
and speared him without trouble. 

In the leonine character is no small craft, which displays itself in various modes. Keen 
of scent in perceiving the approach of an enemy, the Lion appears to be well aware of the 
likelihood that his own approach might be manifested by the powerful odor that issues from 
his body. He therefore keeps well to leeward of the animal which he pursues, and employs 
the direction of the wind to conceal him from the olfactory senses of his game, and the position 
of the rocks, trees, or reeds, to hide his approach from their organs of vision. 

A curious property connected with the Lion’s tooth is worthy of notice. It has happened 
that, when a man has been bitten by a Lion, and escaped from its fangs, he has long felt the 
after effects of the injury, and this in a singular manner. Although the wound has healed 
kindly, and to all appearance has left no evil result except the honorable scar, yet that wound 
has broken out afresh on the anniversary of the time when it was inflicted. There is probably 
some poisonous influence upon the Lion’s tooth by which this effect is produced, for it has 
been recorded that two men have been attacked by the same Lion, one of whom, who was 
bitten upon his bare limb, suffered from the annual affliction, while the other, whose limb was 
protected by his coat, felt no after inconvenience of a similar nature from the bite of the same 
animal. : 

A similar effect, lasting for several years, has been produced by the bite of a rabid dog, 
where the poisonous effects of the envenomed tooth were not sufficiently powerful to produce 
the fearful disease of hydrophobia. In an instance with which I am acquainted, the wound 
continued to re-open annually at least for the space of six years, and possibly for some years 
longer. The bite of a venomous snake has sometimes been known to produce the same phe- 
nomenon. 

The Lion is by no means so fastidious a feeder as is popularly supposed. It is true that 
he does very much like to strike down a living prey, and lap the hot blood as it wells from 
the lacerated victim. But he is very well satisfied with any dead animal that he may chance 
to find, and indeed is in no way particular whether it be tainted or otherwise. So thoroughly 
is this the case, that Lion-hunters are in the habit of decoying their mighty game by means of 
dead antelopes or oxen, which they lay near some water-spring, knowing well that the Lions 
are sure to seize so excellent an opportunity of satisfying at the same time the kindred appe- 
tites of thirst and hunger. 

In default of larger game, the Lion feels no hesitation in employing his mighty paw in the 
immolation of the small rodents, and frequently makes a meal on locusts, diversified with an 
occasional lizard or beetle. Led by implanted instinct, this animal will, when water is not to 
be found, quench its thirst by devouring the juicy water-melons that so marvellously store up 
the casual moistures of the desert, which would otherwise be exhaled in vapor before the fierce 
rays of the burning sun. Many other carnivorous animals, and one or two carnivorous birds, 
are known to possess the same instinctive knowledge. The scientific name of this water-melon 
is ‘‘ Cucumis Caffer,’’ and its native title ‘‘ Kengwe,”’ or ‘‘ Kéme.”’ 

That a carnivorous animal should voluntarily take to vegetable food is a very curious fact, 
and seems to argue a high state of intellectual power. It is true that herbivorous animals, 
such as the rhinoceros and others, will resort to the same plant for the purpose of quenching 
their thirst ; but then it must be remembered that these latter creatures are but following their 


. 


SENEGAL LION 


vs ras | 


3 


THE LION. 129 


usual dietary system, while the Lion is acting in a manner directly opposed to his own flesh- 
loving nature. 

The cautious habits which the Lion acquires when its domain has been invaded by man 
are most singular, and exhibit a considerable degree of reasoning power. The Lion which has 
never known man, knows no fear at the sight of man and his deadly weapons, attacking him 
with as much freedom as it would attack an antelope. But after it has had some experience 
of man and his wiles, it can only be induced by the calls of pressing hunger to venture upon 
an open attack, or to approach any object that looks as if it might be a trap. 

Lions have been known to surround an escaped horse, and to prowl round it for two entire 
days, not daring to attack so apparently defenceless a prey, simply because its bridle was 
dangling from its neck, and made the creature suspicious, even though the rein had acci- 
dentally been hitched over a stump. On another occasion, a Lion crept close to a haltered ox, 
saw the halter, and did not like it, crept away again until he reached a little hillock about 
three hundred yards away, and there stood and roared all night. 

The hunters take advantage of this extreme caution to preserve the game which they have 
killed from any marauding Lion that may happen to pass in that direction. A simple white 
streamer tied to a stick, and waving over the dead beast, is amply sufficient to prevent the 
Lions from approaching so uncanny an object. Sometimes, when no streamer can be manu- 
factured, a kind of clapper is substituted, which shakes in the wind, and by the unaccustomed 
sound, very much alarms the Lion. It does truly seem absurd, that so terrible a beast as the 
Lion should be frightened by the fluttering of a white handkerchief, or the clattering of two 
sticks—devices which would be laughed to scorn by a tomtit of ordinary capacity. 

Nearly all the feline animals seize their prey by the back of the neck, but the Lion seems 
to prefer the flank or shoulders as his point of attack. It seldom happens that the Lion 
springs upon the back of his prey, as is the case with many of the felide, for in the chase of 
a large animal, he chooses rather to pull down the doomed creature by main strength, his 
hinder feet resting on the earth, and his fore-paws and fangs tearing deeply into the neck and 
shoulders of his victim. There are, of course, exceptional instances, but the general rule 
seems to be that the Lion either strikes down his prey with a furious blow of his paw, or drags 
it to the ground by hanging on its neck with teeth and claws. 

The young of the Lion are various in number, sometimes amounting to three or four at a 
birth, thus entirely contraverting the well-known fable of the Lioness and Fox. For some 
time, the young Lion cubs present a curious appearance, their fur being faintly brindled in a 
manner very similar to that of the tiger, or, to give a more familiar illustration, resembling 
the coat of a tabby cat, very indistinctly marked upon a light tawny ground. These faint 
brindlings are retained for some months, when they gradually fade into the deeper brown 
which tinges the tawny fur, and after awhile become wholly merged in the darker hue. I have 
observed a similar absorption of the brindled markings in a kitten. In its earliest youth, it 
was of a lightish brown, marked with tolerably defined stripes ; but as it grew older, the dark 
streaks gradually became more faint, and, when the animal was about three months old, 
vanished entirely. 

A cub-lion is just as playful an animal as a kitten, and is just as ready to romp with any 
one who may encourage its little wanton humors. Only it is hardly so safe a playfellow, for 
the very small Lion is as large as a very big cat, and sometimes becomes rather unpleasantly 
rough in its gamesomeness. It has no idea of the power of its stroke, and if it should deal a 
playful blow with its claws protruded, is apt to do damage which it never intended. 

The weight of a Lion-cub is extraordinary in comparison with its size. I have personally 
tested the weight of several cubs, and was surprised at the massive build of the little creatures. 
Their bones are very large, and the muscular system very solid, so that a cub which about 
equals a large cat in actual measurement, far exceeds that animal in weight. 

The development of the young Lion is very slow, three or four years elapsing before he 
can lay claim to the full honors of Lionhood, and shake his tawny mane in conscious strength. 

At the tip of the Lion’s tail is sometimes found a curious appendage, which was once 
thought to be a veritable claw, and to be used for the purpose of exciting the Lion to rage, 


130 THE TIGER. 


when he lashed his sides with his tail. It is now, however, proved to be nothing but a piece 
of thickened skin, which is only slightly attached by its base to the member on which it rests, 
and falls off at a very gentle touch. A similar protuberance has been discovered on the tail of 
an Asiatic leopard. 

Before bidding farewell to the African Lion, it is but right to refer to the species or variety 
which inhabits the more northern portion of this huge continent. According to the account 
of Jules Gerard, the French lion-hunter, the Northern Lion is far more formidable an antago- 
nist than his Southern relative. But to an unprejudiced reader, the spirited narratives which 
are given in the name of that author seem rather to bear reference to the singular cowardice 
of the native Algerian mind when brought in contact with the Lion, than the absolute ferocity 
of the animal, or the courage of the hunter. 

To take but one instance. 

That a large party of warriors, each armed with loaded musket, should stand in a row 
with their backs against a rock, trembling in deadly fear, whilst a Lion walked coolly along 
the line, with tail erect, in calm defiance of the firelocks that waved their faltering muzzles 
before his gaze like ears of corn before the gale, speaks but little for the courage of the war- 
riors, and, in consequence, for that of their impudent foe. 

It is true, also, that the North African Lion is a terribly fearful opponent on a dark night, 
when he is met face to face, with but a few yards between his body and the rifle-muzzle of the 
hunter; but so is the Lion of Southern Africa, in similar circumstances. All animals, like 
dogs, ‘‘bark best on their own threshold,”’ and it behoves a man, who dares alone to make his 
nocturnal quest after the Lion, to bear a bold heart, a quick eye, and a ready hand. Yet 
these accomplishments are far more general than some writers would have us suppose, and 
there is many an unassuming hunter who sallies out at night and shoots a Lion or two 
without thinking that the beast was so inordinately ferocious, or himself so marvellously 
courageous. 

There is really nothing in the character or history of the Lion of Algeria that could sepa- 
rate him from the Lion of Southern Africa. 


Upon the African continent, the lion reigns supreme, sole monarch over the feline race. 
But in Asia his claims to undivided royalty are disputed by the T1GER, an animal which equals 
the lion in size, strength, and activity, and certainly excels him in the elegance of its form, the 
erace of its movements, and the beauty of its fur. The range of the Tiger is not so widely 
spread as that of the lion, for it is never found in any portions of the New World, nor in 
Africa, and, except in certain districts, is but rarely seen even in the countries where it 
takes up its residence. Some portions of country there are, which are absolutely infested 
by this fierce animal, whose very appearance is sufficient to throw the natives into a state of 
abject terror. 

In its color the Tiger presents a most beautiful arrangement of markings and contrasts of 
tints. Ona bright tawny yellow ground, sundry dark stripes are placed, arranged, as may be 
seen by the engraving, nearly at right angles with the body or limbs. Some of anges stripes 
are double, but the greater number are single dark streaks. The under parts of the body, the 
chest, throat, and the long hair which tufts each side of the face, are almost white, and upon 
these parts the stripes become very obscure, fading gradually into the light tint of the fur. 
The tail is of a whiter hue than the upper portions of the body, and is decorated in like manner 
with dark rings. 

So brilliantly adorned an animal would appear to be very conspicuous among even the 
trees and bushes, and to thrust itself boldly upon the view. But there is no animal that can 
hide itself more thoroughly than the Tiger, or which can walk through the underwood with 
less betrayal of its presence. 

The vertical stripes of the body harmonize so well with the dry dusky jungle grass among 
which this creature loves to dwell, that the grass and fur are hardly distinguishable from each 
other except by a quick and experienced eye. A Tiger may thus lie concealed so cleverly, 
that even when crouching among low and scanty vegetation, it may be almost trodden on with- 


BARBARY LION. 


Fier 


yal 


THE TIGER. 131 


out being seen. The step, too, is so quiet and stealthy, that it gives no audible indication of 
the creature’s whereabouts, and the Tiger has, besides, a curious habit of drawing in its breath 
and flattening its fur, so as to reduce its bulk as far as possible. Whena Tiger thus slinks 
away from the hunters or from any dreaded danger, it looks a most contemptible and cowardly 
creature, hardly to be recognized in the fiery beast, which, when driven to bay, rushes, regard- 
less of danger, with fierce yells of rage and bristling hair, upon the foremost foe. 

When seeking its prey, it never appears to employ openly that active strength which 
would seem so sure to attain its end, but creeps stealthily towards the object, availing itself 
of every cover, until it can spring upon the destined victim. Like the lion, it has often been 
known to stalk an unconscious animal, crawling after it as it moves along, and following its 
steps in hopes of gaining a nearer approach. It has even been known to stalk human beings 


TIGER.— Tigris regdlis. 


in this fashion, the Tiger in question being one of those terrible animals called ‘‘ Man-eaters,”’ 
on account of their destructive propensities. It is said that there is an outward change caused 
in the Tiger by the indulgence of this man-slaying habit, and that a ‘‘Man-eater”’ can be 
distinguished from any other Tiger by the darker tint of the skin, and a redness in the cornea 
of the eyes. Not even the Man-eating Tiger dares an open assault, but crawls insidiously 
towards his prey, preferring, as does the lion, the defenceless women and children as the object 
of attack, and leaving alone the men, who are seldom without arms. 

The Tiger is very clever in selecting spots from whence it can watch the approach of its 
intended prey, itself being couched under the shade of foliage or behind the screen of some 
friendly rock. It is fond of lying in wait by the side of moderately frequented roads, more 
particularly choosing those spots where the shade is the deepest, and where water may be 
found at hand wherewith to quench the thirst that it always feels when consuming its prey. 


152 THE TIGER. 


From such a point of vantage it will leap with terrible effect, seldom making above a single 
spring, and, as a rule, always being felt before it is seen or heard. 

It is a curious fact that the Tiger generally takes up his post on the side of the road 
which is opposite his lair, so that he has no need to turn and drag his prey across the road, 
but proceeds forward with his acquisition to his den. Should the Tiger miss his leap, he 
generally seems bewildered and ashamed of himself, and instead of returning to the spot, for 
a second attempt, sneaks off discomfited from the scene of his humiliation. The spots where 
there is most danger of meeting a Tiger, are the crossings of nullahs, or the deep ravines 
through which the water-courses run. In these localities the Tiger is sure to find his two 
essentials, cover and water. So apathetic are the natives, and so audacious are the Tigers, 
that at some of these crossings a man or a bullock may be carried off daily, and yet no steps 
will be taken to avert the danger, with the exception of a few amulets suspended about the 
person. Sometimes the Tigers seem to take a panic, and make a general emigration, leaving, 
without any apparent reason, the spots which they had long infested, and making a sudden 
appearance in some locality where they had but seldom before been seen. 

In the districts where these terrible animals take up their abode, an unexpected meeting 
with a Tiger is by no means an uncommon event. While engaged in hog-spearing, the sports- 
men have many times come suddenly upon a Tiger that was lying quite composedly in the 
heavy ‘‘rhur’’ grass from which the hog had started. In such cases, the terror of the native 
horses is excessive, for their dread of the Tiger is so great, that the very scent of a Tiger’s 
presence, or the sight of a dried skin, is sufficient to set them plunging and kicking in their 
attempts to escape from the dreaded propinquity. One horse, which had been terrified by a 
Tiger, could not afterwards endure the sight of any brindled animal whatever, and was only 
restored to ordinary courage by the ingenious device of his master, who kept a brindled dog 
in the same stable with the horse until the poor beast became reconciled to the abhorred 
striped fur. 

A very curious introduction to a Tiger occurred to a gentleman who was engaged in deer 
shooting. 

He had crept up to a convenient spot, from whence he could command a clear view of the 
deer, which were lying asleep in the deep grass; had taken aim at a fine buck which was only 
at twelve yards’ distance, and was just going to draw the trigger, when his attention was 
roused by a strange object which was waving above the grass, a few feet on the other side of 
the deer. It was the tail of a Tiger, which had approached the deer from the opposite direc- 
tion, and had singled out the very animal which was threatened by the rifle. Not exactly 
knowing what kind of an object it was that stirred the grass, the sportsman re-adjusted his 
piece, and was again going to fire, when a Tiger sprang from the cover of the ‘‘moonje”’ grass, 
and leaped upon the very buck which had been marked out as his own. Under the circum- 
stances, he did not choose to dispute the matter, but retreated as quietly as possible, leaving 
the Tiger in possession of the field. 

The deer was an Axis, or Spotted Deer, animals which are very common in some parts of 
India, and are much appreciated by Tigers as well as men. Peacocks also abound in the same 
districts ; in short, wherever spotted deer and peacocks may be found, Tigers are sure to be at 
no great distance from them. On one occasion, another sportsman had wounded a peacock, 
which fluttered about for a time, and then fell into a little open space in the bushes. As these 
birds, when winged, can run too fast to be overtaken by a man, the sportsman ran after the 
bird in order to catch it as it fell, and on entering the little area found himself in the presence 
of three Tigers, which had been evidently asleep, but were just roused by the report of the 
gun, and were looking about them in a dreamy and bewildered manner. The peacock lay dead 
close to the Tigers, who probably made a light repast on the game thus unexpectedly laid 
before them, for the sportsman took to his heels, and did not feel himself safe until he was 
fairly on board of his vessel. 

The chief weapons of the Tiger are his enormous feet, with their sharp sickle-like talons, 
which cut like so many knives when the animal delivers a blow with his powerful limbs. Even 
were the talons retracted, the simple stroke of that sledge-hammer paw is sufficient to strike 


THE TIGER. 1338 


to the ground as large an animal as an ox; while, if the claws lend their trenchant aid to the 
heavy blow of the limb, the terrible effects may be imagined. ; 

Besides the severity of the wound which may be inflicted by so fearful a weapon, there 
are other means of destruction that lie hid in the Tiger’s claws. From some cause or other,— 
it may be presumed on account of some peculiar manner in which the claws affect the nervous 
system,—even a trivial wound has often been known to produce lockjaw, and to destroy the 
victim by the effects of that fearful disease. It may be, that the perturbation of mind caused 
by the attack of the Tiger, may have some hand in the matter. Captain Williamson, an officer 
of twenty years’ experience in Bengal, states that he never knew a person to die from the 
wounds inflicted by a Tiger’s claws without suffering from lockjaw previous to death; and he 
adds, that those cases which appeared the least alarming were the most suddenly carried off. 

Many modes are adopted of killing so fearful a pest as the Tiger, and some of these plans 
are very ingenious. 

There is the usual spring-bow, which is placed in the animal’s path, the bow drawn to the 
arrow’s head, and a string leading from the trigger across the path in such a manner that the 
creature presses against it with its breast, discharges the weapon, and so receives the arrow in 
its heart. : 

The bow is set by fastening it to two strong posts set by the side of the Tiger’s path, the 
string of the bow being parallel with the path. The string is then drawn back to its utmost 
limits, and a stick placed between the bow and the string, thus keeping the weapon bent. A 
long wedge is inserted between the stick and the bow, and the liberating cord tied to is pro- 
jecting end. Lastly, the arrow is laid on the string, and the engine is ready for action. Of 
necessity, as soon as the Tiger presses the cord, the wedge is drawn away, the guarding stick 
drops, and the bow hurls its deadly missile. So rapidly does this simple contrivance act, that 
the Tiger is generally hit near the shoulder. The arrow is usually poisoned by means of a 
thread dipped in some deadly mixture, and wrapped round the arrow-point. 

There is another plan, in which human aid is requisite, namely, by building a strong 
bamboo enclosure, in which the hunter lies, armed with a spear. At nightfall the Tiger comes 
prowling along and smelling the man, rears up on its hind legs, trying to claw down the 
bamboo bars. The hunter in the meanwhile takes his spear, and mortally wounds the brindled 
foe, by striking the spear-point between the bars of the edifice. 

A still more ingenious mode of Tiger killing is that which is employed by the natives 
of Oude. 

They gather a number of the broad leaves of the prawss tree, which much resembles the 
sycamore, and having well besmeared them with a kind of birdlime, they strew them in the 
animal’s way, taking care to lay them with the prepared side uppermost. Let a Tiger but put 
his paw on one of these innocent looking leaves, and his fate is setjled. Finding the leaf stick 
to his paw, he shakes it, in order to rid himself of the nuisance, and finding that plan unsuc- 
cessful, he endeavors to attain his object by rubbing it against his face, thereby smearing the 
ropy birdlime over his nose and eyes, and gluing the eyelids together. By this time he has 
probably trodden upon several more of the treacherous leaves, and is bewildered with the 
novel inconvenience ; then he rolls on the ground, and rubs his head and face on the earth, in 
his efforts to get free. By so doing, he only adds fresh birdlime to his head, body, and limbs, 
agglutinates his sleek fur together in unsightly tufts, and finishes by hoodwinking himself so 
thoroughly with leaves and birdlime, that he lies floundering on the ground, tearing up the 
earth with his claws, uttering howls of rage and dismay, and exhausted by the impotent 
struggles in which he has been so long engaged. These cries are a signal to the authors of his 
misery, who run to the spot, armed with guns, bows, and spears, and find no difficulty in 
despatching their blind and wearied foe. 

Another mode of destroying the Tiger is by means of a strongly constructed trap, made 
on the same principle as the ordinary mousetraps, which take their victim by dropping a door 
over the entrance. The Tiger trap is little more than the mousetrap, only made on a much 
larger scale, and of strong wooden bars instead of iron wires. The bait is generally a pariah 
dog, or a young goat, both of which animals give vent to their anxiety by loud wailings, and 


134 THE TIGER. 


so attract the prowling foe. In order to secure the living bait from being drawn out of the 

rap by the Tiger’s claws, it is protected by an inner cage, to which the animal cannot gain 
access without dropping the door against his egress. This plan, however, is not very generally 
followed, as it possesses hardly sufficient elements of success. 

A more productive plan—productive, because the reward for killing a Tiger, together with 
the sum for which the skin, claws, and teeth sell, is sufficient to keep a native for nearly a 
twelvemonth,—is, by digging a hole in the ground near a Tiger’s haunt, putting a goat in the 
hole, and tethering it to a stake which is firmly driven into the centre of the little pit. A 
stone is then tied in one of the goat’s ears, which cruel contrivance causes the poor animal to 
cry piteously, and so to call the attention of the Tiger. On hearing the goat cry, the Tiger 
comes stealthily to the spot, and tries to hook up the goat with his paw. Not succeeding, on 
account of the depth of the pit, he walks round and round, trymg every now and then to 
secure the terrified goat, and thus exposing himself fairly to the hunters, who, quietly perched 
on a neighboring tree, and taking a deliberate aim with their heavy firelocks, lay him dead 
on the spot of his intended depredation. . 

A somewhat similar, but more venturesome mode of proceeding is that which is adopted 
by the Shikarries, as these native hunters are called. 

When a Tiger has carried off a bullock, or some such valuable animal, the shikarrie pro- 
ceeds to the spot, and after waiting sufficient time for the robber to gorge himself, and become 
drowsy, he sets off in search of the murdered bullock ; a dangerous task, but one which is 
much lightened by the indications afforded by vultures, jackals, and other carrion-loving 
creatures, which never fail to assemble round a dead animal, of whatever race it may be. 

Having found the half-eaten carcase, and ascertained that the Tiger is fast asleep, the 
hunter calls together as many assistants as possible, and with their aid, rapidly builds a 
bamboo scaffold, some twenty feet high, and four feet wide, which is planted close to the spot 
where the dead and mangled bullock lies. On the summit of the scaffold the shikarrie mounts ; 
his gun and ammunition are handed up to him by his companions, his sharp ‘‘ tulwar,’’ or 
sword, is hung ready to his grasp, and after offering their best wishes for success, the assistants 
take their leave, each putting in a claim for some part of the spoils. The claws are the most 
coveted portion of the animal, for the natives construct from two of these weapons a charm, 
which, on the homaopathic principle, is supposed to render the wearer invulnerable to attacks 
from similar weapons. 

After awhile the Tiger wakes from the drowsy lethargy which was caused by repletion, 
and after shaking himself, and uttering a few yawns, which draw the attention of the watchful 
hunter, proceeds to his temporary station, for the purpose of making another meal on the 
remains of the slaughtered animal. 

The shikarrie takes advantage of the opportunity, and resting his gun on the platform, 
takes a deliberate aim, and lodges a bullet—often an iron one—in the body of the Tiger. 
Generally the aim is so true that the Tiger falls dead, but it sometimes happens that the wound, 
although a mortal one, is not instantaneously fatal, and the animal springs furiously upon the 
foe who dealt the blow. The Tiger is no climber, but rage will often supply temporary ability ; 
and so fiercely does the animal launch itself against the scaffolding, that if made of a softer 
material, permitting the hold of the Tiger’s claws, the creature might reach the hunter; or 
that if not firmly planted, the whole edifice would be brought to the ground. But the smooth, 
hard surface of the bamboo affords little hold for the sharp talons; and, even if the animal 
should succeed in approaching the platform where the hunter sits, a blow from the razor-edged 
tulwar strikes off a paw, and the Tiger falls helplessly to earth, only to meet its fate by a 
second bullet from the deadly firelock. 

Attracted by the report of the hunter’s gun, the neighbors flock to the spot, each man 
armed according to his ability ; and if the beast is killed outright, join in a chorus of lauda- 
tion towards the successful hunter, and of anger towards his victim, which may now be insulted 
with perfect impunity. Besides the ordinary trophies, which consist of the skin, claws, teeth, 
and the ordinary reminiscences of success, other portions of the Tiger are eagerly sought by 
the natives, the tongue and liver bearing the highest value. These organs are appropriated to 


THE TIGER. 135 


the medical art, and after being chopped into little dice-like cubes, are prepared after some 
Esculapian and mysterious fashion, and thenceforward hold rank as remedies of the first order. 

Another, though less gallant, mode of killing Tigers is by setting certain enormous nets, 
supported on stakes, so as to form an inclosure, into which the animal is partly enticed and 
partly driven. z 

The height of the stakes to which the nets are suspended is about thirteen feet; so that, 
allowing for the droop at the upper portion of the toils, the nets are about eleven feet in height 
at their lowest point. It is, however, rather a stupid, and withal hazardous, mode of Tiger- 
hunting, and is not very often employed. It requires the aid of a very large body of men, and 
besides there is always a risk of inclosing some large animal, such as the buffalo or elephant, 
which rushes madly forward, and with the irresistible impetus of its huge body bears to the 
ground nets, stakes, and sentinels, leaving a wide path free for the remainder of the inclosed 
game to follow. 

In order to induce the Tiger to leave its lair and to enter the toils, all possible means are 
used. Fires are lighted, burning torches are waved, guns are fired, drums are beaten, and, 
lastly, fireworks are largely employed. The most effective kind of firework is one which is 
made on the rocket principle, the tube which holds the fiery composition being of iron, and 
the ‘‘tail,”’ or shaft, of bamboo. The rocket is held in the hand like a spear, and the fuse 
lighted. When it begins to fling out its burning contents, and to pull against the hand of the 
thrower, it is launched by hand, as if it were a spear, in the direction of the concealed quarry. 
An extremely powerful impulse is given by the burning composition, and the missile rushes 
furiously onward, scattering on every side its burden of fiery sparkles, hissing and roaring 
with a terrible sound, and striking right and left with its long wooden tail. 

No Tiger can endure this fiery dragon which comes on with such fury, and accordingly 
the terrified animal dashes out of cover, and makes for the nearest place of concealment. But 
so artfully managed is, the whole business that his only path of escape takes him among the 
nets, and, once there, his doom is certain. He cannot leap over the toils, because they are too 
high, nor break them down, because they are so arranged that they would only fall on him, 
and inclose him in their treacherous folds. Should he endeavor to climb over the rope fence, 
he exposes himself as a target for bullets and arrows innumerable ; and, if he yields the point, 
and tries to conceal himself as best he may, he only delays his fate for a time, falling a victim 
to the watchful enemies who start him from his last fortress, and, from the safe eminence of 
an elephant’s back, or the branches of a tree, pour their leaden hail on the devoted victim. 

This mode of hunting, as well as the more legitimate custom of following the Tiger into 
the jungle, while mounted on elephants, requires the aid of many men, elephants, and horses, 
and cannot be undertaken every day. There is, however, another method of killing this 
terrible beast, which, when employed by hunters who understand each other’s plans, and can 
place the fullest reliance on their mutual courage and tact, is more destructive to the fierce 
quarry than even the netting system, with its mob of beasts and men. 

Two, or at the most three, hunters set out on their campaign, accompanied by their chosen 
“‘beaters’’ and other servants, and start with the determination of bearding the Tiger in his 
den, unaided by horse or elephant. It is a bold plan, yet, like many bold plans, succeeds 
through its very audacity. 

The object of the beaters is by no means to give assistance when a Tiger is started, because 
they always run away as soon as the brute shows itself; but to make so astounding a noise 
that the Tiger cannot remain in the vicinity. When they reach a likely, or as it is termed, a 
‘‘Tigerish’’ spot, they shout, they yell, they fire pistols, they rattle stones in metal pans, they 
beat drums, they ring bells, they blow horns, and, by their united endeavors, produce such 
horrible discord, that not even a Tiger dare face such a mass of men and noise. This precau- 
tion is absolutely necessary, for the Tiger loves to hide itself in as close a covert as it can find, 
and, unless driven from its place of refuge by such frightful sounds as have been mentioned, 
would lie closely crouched upon the ground, and either permit the hunters to pass by, or leap 
on them with a sudden spring, and so obtain a preliminary revenge of its own death. 

A few bold and active beaters are sent forward as scouts, whose business is to climb trees, 


136 THE TIGER. 


and, from that elevated position, to keep watch over the country, and detect the Tiger if it 
attempt to steal quietly away. 

Not only is the Tiger skin considered as an article possessing a commercial value, but the 
fat commands an equally high price among the natives, who employ it as an infallible specific 
against rheumatic affections. It is prepared for use in rather a curious, and withal, a simple 
manner. 

Were the fat to be exposed to the action of the atmosphere, it would soon become rancid, 
and then putrid; but by subjection to the native mode of treatment, it clarifies itself with no 
trouble to the preparer. As soon as removed from the animal, the fat is cut into long strips 
of a convenient size to enter the necks of sundry bottles, which are cleansed for the purpose. 
By the aid of a stick, as many as possible of these strips are pushed into the bottle, which is 
then corked, and set in the sunshine for a whole day. The heat of the sun’s rays soon melts 
the fat, and liquefies it as if it were oil. In this state it is permitted to remain until the even- 
ing, when it cools down into a firm white mass, resembling lard. This prepared fat is as 
useful to Europeans as to natives, not so much to rub on their rheumatic joints, as to lubricate 
their guns and locks, on which may depend the life of the owner. 

Those who have hunted the Tiger in a genuinely sportsmanlike manner, matching fairly 
man against beast, are unanimous in asserting it to be a very cunning animal, putting all the 
powers of the human intellect to the proof. As is the case with the fox,—our most familiar 
instance of astuteness among brutes,—each Tiger seems to have its peculiar individuality so 
strongly marked, that it must be separately matched by the hunter’s skill. 

In India, many tales are told of the Tiger and its ferocious daring. It has often been 
known to leap on the roof of a native hut, tear up the slight covering with its claws, and leap 
into the room below. However, when a Tiger acts in this manner, the tables are generally 
turned, for the noise made by the scratchings and clawings on the roof give warning for the 
inhabitants to make their escape by the door, and bar the entrance behind them. It is not so 
easy to jump out of the house as into it, and in consequence, the neighbors speedily change 
the course of events by getting on the roof in their turn, and shooting the [nue meas quad- 
ruped through the opening which its own claws had made. 

A minen ludicrous adventure occurred to an old woman who was on her way home. She 
had just arrived in sight of her doorway, when she perceived a large Tiger crawl up to the 
entrance, and allured, probably, by the scent of provisions, walk coolly into her house. With 
great presence of mind she closed the door on the intruder, and calling for aid from her friends, 
soon had the satisfaction of placing her hand upon the Tiger’s carcass as he lay on her floor, 
pierced with the missiles hurled at him through the window. 

Many of these beautiful animals have been brought to America, and through the medium 
of Zoological Gardens and travelling menageries are familiar to us all. When caught in its 
first infancy, or when born and bred in captivity, the Tiger is as tameable an animal as the 
lion or any of the feline race, displaying great attachment to its keeper, and learning many 
small accomplishments, such as jumping through hoops and over sticks, enacting the part of 
a couch to its keeper, letting him pull its huge jaws open, and all with perfect good humor. 
These exhibitions, however, are never quite safe, and ought not to be permitted. 

On some occasions the animal may be ina bad temper, and not willing to go through its 
performances, and upon being urged strongly to act against its inclination, may turn upon its 
persecutor and inflict a fatal wound in a moment. The creature may not intend to commit 
murder, but its strength is so great that, having no mathematical knowledge of the theory of 
forces, it cannot calculate the effect of a blow from its paw, or a grip of its teeth. Such events 
have more than once occurred, one of which, the death of the well-known “Lion Queen,’’ was 
singularly tragical. The Tiger was required by the ‘‘ Lion Queen”’ to exhibit some part of his 
usual performances, and being in a sulky mood, refused to obey. The girl struck him with her 
whip, when he sprang upon her, forced her against the side of the cage, and seized her by the 
throat. She was almost immediately extricated from his grasp and removed from the cage, but 
although no apparently mortal injury had been inflicted, she died within a very few minutes. 

Dissimilar as are the lion and Tiger, there has been an example of a mixed offspring of 


SELMAR HESS, PUBLISHER, N. Y. 


THE LEOPARD. 137 


these animals, the lion being the father and the Tigress the mother. The lion had been born 
and bred in captivity, and the Tigress had been captured at a very early age, so that the 
natural wildness of their character had been effaced by their captive life, in which they felt no 
need to roam after living prey, as their daily sustenance was always forthcoming. 


Untuk the Tiger, which is confined to the Asiatic portion of the world, the Lroparp is 
found in Africa as well as in Asia, and is represented in America by the Jaguar, or, perhaps, 
more rightly, by the Puma. 

This animal is one of the most graceful of the graceful tribe of cats, and, although far less 
in dimensions than the tiger, challenges competition with that animal in the beautiful mark- 
ings of its fur, and the easy elegance of its movements. It is possessed of an accomplishment 
which is not within the powers of the lion or tiger, being able to climb trees with singular 


LEOPARD.—Leopardus antiquorum. 


agility, and even to chase the tree-loving animals among their familiar haunts. On account 
of this power, it is called by the natives of India ‘‘ Lakree-baug,”’ or Tree-tiger. Even in 
Africa it is occasionally called a ‘‘Tiger,’’ a confusion of nomenclature which is quite bewil- 
dering to a non-zoologist, who may read in one book that there are no tigers in Africa, and in 
another, may peruse a narrative of a tiger hunt at the Cape. Similar mistakes are made with 
regard to the American felide, not to mention the numerous examples of mis-called animals 
that are insulted by false titles in almost every part of the globe. For, in America, the Puma 
is popularly known by the name of the Lion, or the Panther, or ‘‘ Painter,”’ as the American 
forester prefers to call it, while the Jaguar is termed the ‘‘ Tiger.”’ 

In Africa, the Leopard is well known and much dreaded, for it possesses a most crafty 
brain, as well as an agile body and sharp teeth and claws. It commits sad depredations on 
flocks and herds, and has sufficient foresight to lay up a little stock of provisions for a future 
day. A larder belonging to a Leopard was once discovered in the forked branches of a tree, 
some ten feet or so from the ground. Several pieces of meat were stowed away in this novel 
receptacle, and hidden from sight by a mass of leaves piled upon them. 

When attacked, it will generally endeavor to slink away, and to escape the observation 
of its pursuers ; but, if it is wounded, and finds no mode of eluding its foes, it becomes furious, 


138 THE LHOPARD. 


and charges at them with such determinate rage, that, unless it falls a victim to a well-aimed 
shot, it may do fearful damage before it yields up its life. In consequence of the ferocity and 
courage of the Leopard, the native African races make much of those warriors who have been 
fortunate enough to kill one of these beasts. 

The fortunate hunter is permitted to decorate his person with trophies of his skill and 
courage, and is looked on with envy by those who have not been able to earn such honorable 
distinctions. The teeth of the Leopard are curiously strung, with beads and wire, into a neck- 
lace, and hung about the throat of the warrior, where they contrast finely with their polished 
whiteness against the dusky hue of the native’s brawny chest. The claws are put to similar 
uses, and the skin is reserved for the purpose of being dressed and made into a cloak, or 
‘‘kaross,”? as this article of apparel is popularly termed. The tail is cut off, and, being hung 
to a string that passes round the waist, dangles therefrom in a most elegant and fashionable 
manner. Ifa Kaffir is able to procure some eight or ten tails, which he can thus suspend 
around his person, he is at the very summit of the aristocratic world, and needs no more 
attractions in the eyes of his comrades. Generally these ‘‘tails’’ are formed from the’ skin 
of the monkey, which is cut into strips, and twisted so as to keep the hairy side of the fur out- 
wards. But these are only sham tails, and are as nothing in comparison to the real tail which 
is taken from a veritable Leopard. 

The natives seem in some way to connect the Leopard’s skin with the idea of royalty, and 
to look upon it as part of the insignia of majesty, even when it is spread on the kingly throne, 
instead of hanging gracefully from the kingly shoulders. And, though the throne be but a 
mound of earth, and the shoulders be redolent with rancid grease, yet the native African 
monarch exercises a sway not less despotic than that of the former Turkish Sultans. 

The Leopard, like most of the feline tribe, is very easily startled, and, if suddenly alarmed, 
will in most cases make off with the best speed possible. As the creature is so formidable a 
foe, it may be imagined that to meet it on equal terms would be a proceeding fraught with the 
utmost danger. Yet this is not the case, for there are innumerable instances of such rencon- 
tres, where both parties seemed equally surprised by the meeting, and equally anxious to 
shorten its duration as much as possible. One of these adventures, which was told me by 
Captain Drayson, R.A., who had learned the tale from the hero—if so he may be called—of the 
narrative, was a most singular one, and one in which was more of peril than is usually the case. 

A Dutch Boer—one of the colonists of Southern Africa—was travelling across country, 
and, permitting the wagons to precede him at their slow uniform pace, amused himself by 
making a wide detour in search of game. Towards the end of his circuit, and just as he was 
coming in sight of the wagons in the far distance, he came upon a clump of scattered rocks, 
from which suddenly leaped no less then seven Leopards. In the hurry of the moment he 
acted in a very foolish manner, and fired his single-barrelled gun at the group. Fortunately 
for himself, the result of the adventure turned out better than he deserved ; for, instead of 
springing upon the Boer, who was quite at the mercy of so formidable a party, the Leopards 
only started at the report of the gun, and one or two of them, leaping on their hind legs, 
clawed at the air as if they were trying to catch the ball as it sang by their ears. 

In its own country the Leopard is as crafty an animal as the British fox ; and being aided 
by its active limbs and stealthy tread, gains quiet admission into many spots where no less 
cautious a creature could plant a step without.giving the alarm. It is an inveterate chicken- 
stealer, creeping by night into the hen-roosts, in spite of the watchful dogs that are on their 
posts as sentinels, and destroying in one fell swoop the entire stock of poultry that happen to 
be collected under that roof. Even should they roost out of doors they are no less in danger, 
for the Leopard can clamber a pole or tree with marvellous rapidity and with his ready paw 
strike down the poor bird before it is fairly awakened. 

The following narratives of the Cape Leopard and its capture are taken from the anecdotes 
so kindly placed at my disposal by Captain Drayson. 


THE LroparpD acts in a very subtle manner, remaining in some unlikely spot near a 
village, and committing a great amount of havoc before its whereabouts is discovered. I knew 


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THE LEOPARD. 139 


that two Leopards were located in the bush at Natal within half a mile of the barracks, and 
yet they were never seen. The disappearance of a dog and a stray pig were the only indica- 
tions that they gave to the non-observers of their being in the vicinity. 

I became acquainted with their presence in rather a curious way. Being alone in the bush 
one day, as was my usual custom, I sat down under the shade of a dark Euphorbia, to watch 
the habits of a chameleon which I had caught. I set him upon a branch, and saw him try 
every change of color of which he was capable. At first he was a dull green, then some spots 
of brown came over him, and he changed all over of a brownish tint; when I irritated him 
with my finger he opened his comical mouth and gave a gaping sort of hiss, whilst his swivel 
eyes pointed each in different directions at the ce time. 

Suddenly I heard the scream of a buck ata short distance from me ; and concluding that 
the animal had been caught in a trap set by the Kaffirs, I grasped my gun, and pushed through 
the underwood towards the spot. Before I had gone far the noise ceased, and when I reached 
the place whence I conceived it had come, I saw nothing remarkable ; there was no sign of a 
buck or of a trap. I therefore examined for spoor, and found that there had been a scuffle on 
the ground ; and a few yards from the sign blood-spots lay on the leaves, together with small 
pieces of fur which I recognized as belonging to a Leopard. 

I followed the trail for some distance, but at length lost it. On several successive occa- 
sions I went over the ground, and always found the spoor of one, and sometimes of two 
Leopards, either fresh or a day or two old. 

It is a practice of this cunning animal to take up its position near a village, and then go 
to the farms of another village quite at a distance, so that its lair shall neither be suspected 
nor discovered. 


Tue LropaRpD when seen in its wild state is a most beautiful and graceful animal ; 
motions are easy and elastic, and its agility amazing. Although far inferior to the tiger in 
size, strength, and intrepidity, and though it shuns man, it is nevertheless, when wounded or 
driven to desperation, a most formidable antagonist. When hunted with dogs, the Leopard 
usually takes to a tree, if one should happen to be near. But to approach him here is a pro- 
ceeding fraught with danger ; for from this elevated position he will leap to the ground, and 
with one spring will be beside his pursuer, who will then fare badly unless he be sufficiently 
handy with his gun to kill (not wound) the animal in its advance. The Leopard usually 
selects some elevated position from which to bound upon his prey as it passes underneath. 

I have been told by Hottentots and Kaffirs that this animal has the habit of lying on the 

ground half concealed by long grass or branches, and then twisting itself about so as to attract 
the attention of any antelope hich may be near. The Leopard, being aware that curiosity is 
one of the failings of the antelope tribe, carries on its mysterious movements until its victim 
approaches to investigate what is going on, when it springs on and kills the weak-minded animal. 

Tt is a well-known fact that the Leopard does a very good baisiness when it devotes its 
attention to a herd of baboons. Success in this line speaks well for the Leopard ; for he must 
be an adept in stalking who succeeds in surprising and capturing one of these wide-awake 
caricatures of humanity. I suspect, however, that the victims are either the old and infirm, 
or those reckless youngsters who have not paid sufficient attention to the instructions which 
their anxious parents have endeavored to instil into them. 

It may by said, and with some truth, that when hunting and shooting are made the 
regular business of life, and more important pursuits neglected, we are merely expending our 
abilities and sacrificing our energies upon a frivolous pleasure. These objections may certainly 
have some weight when they are directed against those who devote the whole of their time to 
mere sporting matters ; whereas field sports should merely be taken up as a relaxation, and as 
a means of obtaining exercise and skill in those affairs which make an individual ‘‘more of a 
man.’ But these requirements cannot be employed against those who, having a great amount 
of leisure, occupy their time in hunting such animals as are to be found in India and Africa, 
and in ridding the country of man-eating tigers and lions, destructive Leopards, or other 
dangerous and formidable neighbors,—and even when engaged in the pursuit of less noble 


140 THE LEOPARD. 


game. The African sportsman is either providing himself and his servants with venison, or is 
enabled to feed whole families of hungry Kaffirs, who have fasted from meat for many days. 
To shoot or capture a Leopard is therefore useful as well as gratifying, and we shall be 
sure when we catch one of these beasts to have the opportunity of punishing either an old 
offender or one that is likely to become so. , 
When the Leopard has committed many deeds of rapine in one locality, he often appears 
to think it better to decamp and try some far-removed scene of operations. 


THE habits of the Indian Leopard are almost identical with those of its African relative. 
Equally cautious when caution is necessary, and equally bold when audacity is needed, the 
animal achieves exploits of a similar nature to those which have been narrated of the African 
Leopard. The following anecdote is a sample of the mixed cunning and insolence of this 
creature. 

An ox had been killed, and the joints were hung up in a hut, which was close to a spot 
where a sentry was posted. In the evening the sentry gave an alarm that some large animal 


BLACK LEOPARD. 


had entered the hut. A light was procured and a number of people searched the several 
rooms of which the hut was composed, without discovering the cause of the alarm. They 
were just about to retire, when one of the party caught sight of a Leopard, which was clinging 
to the thatched roof immediately above the hooks on which the meat was suspended. No 
sooner did the animal discover that its presence was known, than it dropped to the floor, laid 
about it vigorously with its claws, and leaping through the doorway, made its escape, leaving 
several souvenirs of its visit in various scratches, one of which was inflicted on the sentry who 
gave the alarm, and kept him to his bed for several weeks. 

The consternation caused by such an attack was very great, and many who escaped the 
Leopard’s claws, suffered severely from bruises which they received in the general rush 
towards the door. 

The usual color of the Leopard’s fur is a golden-yellow ground, which is thickly studded 
with dark rosette-shaped spots. The form of the rosettes and the color of the fur are by 
no means uniform. 

There are some Leopards whose fur is so very dark as to earn for them the name of Black 
Leopard. This is probably only a variety, and not a distinct species. Although at first sight 
this Leopard appears to be almost uniformly black, yet on a closer inspection it is seen to be 
furnished with the usual pardine spots, which in certain lights are very evident. There have 
been often exhibited sundry Leopards of an exceedingly dark fur, and yet partaking largely 


THE LHOPARD. 141 


of the distinct spottings of the ordinary Leopard. These were a mixed breed between the 
Black Leopard and the Leopard of Africa. The black variety of this animal is found in Java, 
and has by some authors been considered as a separate species under the title of ‘Felis 
(Leopardus) melas,”’ the latter word being a Greek term, signifying ‘‘black.”’ 

The strength of the Leopard is marvellous when compared with its size. One of these 
animals crept by night into the very midst of a caravan, seized two wolf-greyhounds that were 
fastened to one of the tent pegs, tore up the peg to which they were tethered, and although 
both the dogs were linked together, and were of that powerful breed which is used for the 
pursuit of wolves and other fierce game, the Leopard dragged them clean out of the camp and 
carried them for some three hundred yards through dense thorny underwood. <A pursuit was 
immediately set on foot, and the dogs rescued from the daring foe. To one of them aid came 
too late, for its skull was literally smashed by a blow from the Leopard’s paw. The same 
animal had sprung upon and killed a goat which was picketed in the midst of the numerous 
servants that accompany an European. 

Another Leopard committed an act of audacity which very much resembled the exploit of 
the roof-clinging Leopard mentioned before in these pages. 

In a native hut some goats were kept, and as night had drawn on, the human inhabitants 
of the hut were beneath the shelter of their own roof. A Leopard which was prowling about, 
and was probably attracted either by the bleating or the scent of the goats, clambered up the 
low walls of the hut, and tearing away with his claws the fragile thatch, leaped into the middle 
of the room. In this case, the Leopard fared well enough, for the terrified inhabitants were 
without arms, and as soon as they saw the unexpected visitor come tumbling through the roof, 
they hid themselves like so many lean Falstaffs, in some wicker corn baskets that were 
standing in the hut, leaving the Leopard to his own devices and in full possession of the 
ground. 

The Leopard has a curious and ingenious habit of obtaining a meal. He pays a visit to 
some village, and taking up a convenient post, at some little distance, sets up a loud and con- 
tinuous growling. 

The pariah dogs, which swarm in every village, present a curious contradiction of 
qualities. At the sound of a Leopard’s voice they will rush furiously to the spot, uttering 
their yelling barks, as if they meant to eat up the enemy on the spot. But when they come 
to close quarters, self-preservation obtains the upper hand, and they run away as fast as they 
had appeared, turning again and baying at their foe as soon as they see that he is not pursuing 
them. These habits render them of invaluable assistance to the hunter, who employs the pariah 
dogs to point out the locality of his fierce quarry, and to distract its attention when found. 

So at the sound of the angry growl, out rush the pariahs towards the spot from whence 
the sounds-proceeded, yelping as if they would split their throats by the exertion. To draw 
the dogs away from the protecting vicinity of man is just the object of the concealed Leopard, 
who springs from his hiding place upon one of the foremost dogs, and bounds away into the 
woods with his spoil. 

Fond as is the Leopard of well wooded districts, it appears to have a distaste for trees 
around which there is no underwood. The long grass jungle which is so favored by the tiger, 
is no way suited to the habits of the Leopard ; so that if the hunter seeks for tigers, his best 
chance of success is by directing his steps to the grass jungles, while, if Leopards are the 
objects of his expedition, he is nearly sure to find them among wooded places where the trees 
are planted among underwood reaching some seven or eight feet in height. 

When a Leopard is ‘‘treed,”’ 7.e. driven to take refuge in a tree, it displays great skill in 
selecting a spot where it shall be concealed so far as possible from the gazers below, and even 
when detected, covers its body so well behind the branches, that it is no easy matter to obtain 
a clear aim at a fatal spot. Its favorite arboreal resting places are at the junction of the larger 
limbs with the trunk, or where a large bough gives off several smaller branches. The Leopard 
does not take to water so readily as the tiger, and appears to avoid entering a stream unless 
pressed by hunger or driven into the water by his pursuers. When fairly in the water, however, 
the Leopard is a very tolerable swimmer, and can cross even a wide river without difficulty. 


142 THE LEOPARD. 


The Leopard has often been tamed, and indeed, almost domesticated, being permitted to 
range the house at will, greatly to the consternation of strange visitors. This complete state 
of docility can, however, only take place in an animal which has either been born in captivity, 
or taken at so early an age that its savage propensities have never had time to expand. Even 
in this case, the disposition of the creature must be naturally good, or it remains proof against 
kindness and attention, never losing a surliness of temper that makes its liberation too perilous 
an experiment. The very same treatment by the same people will have a marvellously different 
effect on two different animals, though they be of the same species, or even the offspring of 
the same parents. 

Some years ago, a couple of Leopards, which lived in England, afforded a strong proof of 
the innate individuality of these animals. One of them, a male, was always sulky and 
unamiable, and never would respond to offered kindnesses. The female, on the contrary, was 
most docile and affectionate, eagerly seeking for the kind words and caresses of her keeper. 
She was extremely playful, as is the wont of most Leopards, and was in the habit of indulging 
in an amusement which is generally supposed to be the specialty of the monkey tribe. 
Nothing pleased her so well as to lay her claws on some article of dress belonging to her 
visitors, to drag it through the bars of her cage and to tear it in pieces. Scarcely a day passed 
that this amusingly mischievous animal did not entirely destroy a hat, bonnet, or parasol, or 
perhaps protrude a rapid paw and claw off a large piece of a lady’s dress. 

The cubs of the Leopard are pretty, graceful little creatures, with short pointed tails, and 
spots of a fainter tint than those of the adult animal. Their number is from one to five. Even 
in captivity, the Leopard is a most playful animal, especially if in the society of companions 
of its own race. The beautiful spotted creatures sport with each other just like so many 
kittens, making, with their wild, graceful springs, sudden attacks upon one companion, or 
escaping from the assaults of another, rolling over on their backs, and striking playfully 
at each other, and every now and then uniting in a general skirmishing chase over their 
limited domains. 

Even when they are caged together with lions and tigers, their playfulness does not desert 
them, and they treat their enormous companions with amusing ccolness. I remember seeing 
rather a comical example of the sportful propensities which take possession of the Leopard. 
Several of the feline race, such as lions, tigers, and Leopards, were shut up in a rather large 
cage, and being docile animals, had been taught some of the usual tricks which are performed 
by tamed felidee. They jumped through hoops, or over the keeper’s whip, always taking 
advantage of the barred front of their den to afford a temporary support in their leaps ; they 
stood on their hind legs, they rolled on their backs, and opened their huge jaws at the word 
of command, and, in fine, went through the established feline accomplishments. 

Among the inhabitants of the cage, two were specially conspicuous. One was a very fine 
lion, all-glorious in redundant mane and tufted tail, demure and dignified in movement,—as 
became the monarch of the predacious animals. The other was a slight, agile, malapert 
Leopard, who recked little of dignities, and, so that he could play a saucy trick, cared nothing 
for the personal stateliness of the object of his joke. 

One day, the imprisoned animals had gone through their several performances with the 
usual accompaniments of growls and snarls, when the lion, as if to assert his dignity,—which 
had been somewhat chafed by his obedience to the commands of his keeper,—began to parade 
up and down the den ina solemn and stately manner, his nose thrown up, and his tail held 
perfectly erect, with the tufted tip bending to and fro in a majestic and condescending manner. 
The Leopard had, in the meantime, taken up his post on a little wooden bracket that was 
hitched over the upper bars of the cage, and formed a portion of the machinery that was 
employed in the exhibition. As this bracket was hooked over the bars of the cage, and the 
lion was parading in the very front of the den, it necessarily happened that the perpendicularly 
held tail, with its nodding tuft, passed immediately under the little bracket whereon the 
Leopard had poised himself in a compact and cat-like manner. 

Every time the lion passed beneath, the Leopard protruded a ready paw, and hit the black 
tip of the lion’s tail a rather hard pat. The owner of the aggrieved tail took no notice of this 


THE OUNCE. 143 


insult, so. the Leopard improved his amusement by lying on the bracket in such a manner, that 
both its fore paws were at liberty. As the lion passed and repassed below, the Leopard struck 
the tail-tuft first to one side, and then to the other, so that it enjoyed two blows at the lion’s 
tail instead of one. The lion, however, disdained to take the least notice, and the Leopard 
continued its amusement until the keeper put an end to the game by entering the cage, and 
commencing the performances afresh. 


There are two titles for this animal; namely, the Leopard, and Panther, both of which 
creatures are now acknowledged to be but slight varieties of the same species. The OuNcE, 
however, which was once thought to be but a longer haired variety of the Leopard, is now 
known to be truly a separate species. 

In general appearance it bears a very close resemblance to the leopard, but may be distin- 
guished from that animal by the greater fullness and roughness of its fur, as well as by some 
variations in the markings with which it is decorated. From the thickness of its furry gar- 
ment, it is supposed to be an inhabitant of more mountainous and colder districts than the 


OUNCE.—Leopardus uncia. 


leopard. The rosette-like spots which appear on its body are not so sharply defined as those 
of the leopard ; there is a large black spot behind the ears. The spots exhibit a certain ten- 
dency to form stripes, and the tail is exceedingly bushy when compared with that of a leopard 
of equal size. The general color of the body is rather paler than that of the leopard, being a 
grayish white, in which a slight yellow tinge is perceptible, and, as is usual with most animals, 
the upper parts of the body are darker than the lower. The Ounce is an inhabitant of some 
parts of Asia, and specimens of this fine animal have been brought from the shores of the 
Persian Gulf. In size, it equals the ordinary leopard of Asia or Africa. 


The feline animals which have hitherto been described belong to the African and Asiatic 
continents, with their neighboring islands. Passing to the New World, we find the feline 
races well represented by several most beautiful and graceful creatures, of which the JaguAaR 
is the largest and most magnificent example. 

Closely resembling the leopard in external appearance, and in its arboreal habits, it seems 
to play the same part in America as the leopard in the transatlantic continents. It is a larger 
animal than the leopard, and may be distinguished from that animal by several characteristic 
differences. 


144 THE JAGUAR. 


In the first place, the tail is rather short in proportion to the size of its owner, and, when 
the animal stands upright, only just sweeps the ground with its tip. Across the breast of the 
Jaguar are drawn two or three bold black streaks, which are never seen in the leopard, and 
which alone serve as an easy guide to the species. The spots, too, with which its fur is 
so liberally studded, are readily distinguishable from those of the leopard by their shape and 
arrangement. The leopard spots are rosette-shaped, and their outlines are rounded, whereas 
those of the Jaguar are more angular in their form. But the chief point of distinction is 
found in a small mark that exists in the centre of the dark spots which cover the body and 
sides. In many instances, this central mark is double, and, in order to give room for it, the 
rosettes are very large in proportion to those of the leopard. Along the spine runs a line, 
or chain, of black spots and dashes, extending from the back of the head to the first foot, 
or eighteen inches, of the tail. 

The color is not quite the same in all specimens. Many Jaguar skins have an exceedingly 
rich depth of tinting, and are very highly valued, being worth rather more than fifteen dollars. 
They are chiefly used for military purposes, such as the coverings of officers’ saddles in certain 
cavalry regiments. Sometimes, a black variety of the Jaguar is found, its color being precisely 
similar to that of the Black Leopard, mentioned before. 

The whole fur seems to take the tint of the dark spots, while the spots themselves are just 
marked by a still deeper hue. Probably, the cause of this curious difference in tint may be, 
that in the blood of the individual Jaguar there exists a larger quantity than usual of iron, 
which metal, as is well known, is found to form one of the constituents of blood. It can be 
extracted in the metallic form, and resembles very fine sand. In the human blood, late 
researches have discovered that the blood of the negro is peculiarly rich in iron, and it seems 
but reasonable that a similar cause will account for the very great variation in the leopard’s 
and Jaguavr’s fur. 

This beautiful animal is familiar to us through the medium of many illustrated works on 
natural history, and also on account of the numerous species which have been transmitted to 
this country. One of these creatures, which was taken to England by Captain Inglefield, 
and placed in the collection of the Zoological Gardens, was so gentle and docile, that it directly 
controverted the once popular notion that the Jaguar is an irreclaimable and untamable animal. 
It was a general pet on the voyage, and, from an account of its proceedings while on board 
ship, I am indebted to Captain Inglefield himself. 

The Jaguar was named “ Doctor,’’ and was as well acquainted with its name as any dog. 
It was at times rather lazy, and loved to lie at full length on deck, and stretch its limbs 
to their full extent. It was so perfectly tame that Captain Inglefield was accustomed to lie 
down by the side of the spotted favorite, using its body as his pillow. When the vessel 
arrived in harbor, and people were anxious to view the Jaguar, the creature walked to the 
stable where it was to be exhibited, merely being led by its chain. It was a remarkable 
circumstance, that, although the animal was so entirely tame and gentle towards men, and 
would let them pull it about in their rough play, it could never be trusted in the presence 
of a little child, nor of a dog. In either case, the animal became excited, and used to stretch 
its chain to its utmost limit. 

Uncooked meat was never permitted in its diet, and, except in one or two instances, when 
the animal contrived to obtain raw flesh, it was fed exclusively on meat that had been boiled. 
One of these exceptional cases was rather amusing. ’ 

At Monte Video, the admiral had signalled for the captains of H. M. ships to come on 
board and dine with him. His cook was, of course, very busy on the occasion, and more 
especially so, as there was at the time rather a scarcity of fresh provisions. The steward had 
been making the necessary arrangements for the entertainment, and came on board carrying a 
leg of mutton and some fowls. Just as he stepped on deck, the Jaguar bounced out of his 
hiding-place, and, clutching the meat and fowls out of the steward’s hands, ran off with them. 
The fowls were rescued by the captain, who got them away from the robber undamaged, with 
the exception of their heads, which had been bitten off and eaten, but the mutton was past 
reclaiming, and so, to the great disgust of the cook and steward, the bill of fare had to be altered. 


JAGUAR. 


THE JAGUAR. 145 


When ‘ Doctor”’ received his daily food, he used to clutch and growl over it like a cat 
over a mouse, but was sufficiently gentle to permit the meat to be abstracted. In order to 
take away the animal’s food, two men were employed, armed with large sticks, one of whom 
took his place in front of the Jaguar, and the other in the rear. When all was arranged, the 
man in the rear poked ‘‘ Doctor”’ behind, and, as he turned round to see what was the matter, 
the man in front hooked away the meat with his stick. However the animal might growl over 
its food, and snarl at any one who approached, it would become perfectly quiet and gentle as 
soon as the cause of anger was removed. 

It was a very playful animal, and was as mischievous in its sport as any kitten, delighting 
to find any one who would join in a game of romps, and acting just as a kitten would under 
similar circumstances. As the animal increased in size and strength, its play began to be 
rather too rough to be agreeable, and was, moreover, productive of rather unpleasant conse- 
quences to its fellow voyagers. For, as is the custom with all the cat tribe, the Jaguar 
delighted in sticking its talons into the clothes of its human playfellows and tearing them in a 
disastrous manner. The creature was so amusing that no one could resist the temptation 
of playing with it, and so the evil was remedied by docking the ‘‘ Doctor’s”’ claws of their 
sharp points. 

This animal was about two years old when it was brought to England. Two years after 
its arrival, Captain Inglefield went to see his old favorite, the ‘‘ Doctor,’ and found that the 
Jaguar recognized him in spite of the long interval of time,.and permitted him to pat its head 
and to open its mouth. 

In its native land, the Jaguar ranges the dense and perfumed forests in search of the 
various creatures which fall victims to its powerful claws. The list of animals that compose 
its bill of fare is a large and comprehensive one, including horses, deer, monkeys, capybaras, 
tapirs, birds of various kinds, turtles, lizards, and fish; thus comprising examples of all the 
four orders of vertebrated animals. Wor does the Jaguar confine itself to the vertebrates. 
Various shell-fish, insects, and other creatures fall victims to the insatiate appetite of this 
ravenous animal. 

It seems strange that such powerful creatures as horses should be reckoned among the 
prey of the Jaguar, for it would seem unlikely that the muscular force of the animal could be 
equal to the task of destroying and carrying away so large a quadruped as a horse. Yet such 
is truly the case; and the Jaguars commit infinite havoc among the horses that band together 
in large herds on the plains of Paraguay. A Jaguar has been known to swim across a wide 
river, to kill a horse, to drag it for some sixty yards to the water side, to plunge it into the 
stream, to swim across the river with its prey, to drag it out of the water after reaching the 
opposite bank, and, finally, to carry it off into a neighboring wood. The natives of the country 
where the Jaguar lives assert that even when two horses have been fastened to each other, the 
Jaguar has been known to kill one of them, and to drag off the living and the dead horse in 
spite of the strength of the survivor. 

These seem to be marvellous exploits, when the ordinary size of the Jaguar is taken into 
consideration. But Humboldt, than whom is no better or more trustworthy authority, says 
that he saw a Jaguar, ‘“‘which in length surpassed that of all the tigers of India which I 
had seen in the collections of Europe.” 

The favorite food of the Jaguar—when he can get it—is the flesh of the various monkeys. 
But to catch a monkey is not the easiest task in the world, and in general can only be achieved 
by leaping upon the prey from a place of concealment, or by surprising the monkeys while 
sleeping. Sometimes it is fortunate enough to get among a little band of monkeys before they 
are aware of the presencé of the dreaded foe, and then seizes the opportunity of dealing a few 
fierce strokes of its terrible paw among the partly-awakened sleepers, thus dashing them to 
the ground, whither it descends to feast at leisure on the ample repast. The fierce hoarse roar 
of the Jaguar and the yells of terror that come from the frightened monkeys resound far 
and wide, and proclaim in unmistakable language the deadly work that-is going on among 
the trees. 

Peccaries are also a favorite article of diet with the Jaguar, but he finds scarcely less 


146 THE JAGUAR. 


difficulty in picking up a peccary than in knocking down a monkey. For the little, active, 
sharp-tusked peccary is even more swinishly dull than is usual with its swinish relatives, and, 
being too thick-headed to understand danger, is a very terrible antagonist to man or beast. It 
seems to care nothing for size, weapons, or strength, but launches itself as fearlessly on a 
Jaguar or an armed man as on a rabbit or a child. So, unless the Jaguar can manage quietly 
to snap up a straggler, he has small chance with a herd of these war-like little pigs, which, if 
they caught a Jaguar among them, would cut him so severely with their lancet-like teeth, 
that he would ever repent his temerity, even if he escaped with his life. 

One of the easiest animals to obtain is that huge and timid rodent, the capybara, which is 
not sufficiently swift of foot to escape by flight, nor agile of limb to bound out of reach of its 
enemy, nor furnished with natural arms with which to defend itself against his assaults. 
Should it take to the water, and so endeavor to elude pursuit, the Jaguar is in nowise discon- 
certed, for he is nearly as familiar with that element as the capybara itself, and thus seldom 
fails in securing his prey. When the Jaguar strikes down a large animal, such as a horse or 
a deer, it performs its deadly task in a very curious manner. Leaping from some elevated 
spot upon the shoulders of the doomed animal, it places one paw on the back of the head and 
another on the muzzle, and then, with a single tremendous wrench, dislocates the neck. With 
smaller creatures, the Jaguar uses no such ceremony, but with a blow of the paw lays its prey 
dead at its feet. 

With the exception of such animals as the long-tailed lizards, the food of the Jaguar is of 
a nature that human hunters would not disdain, and in many instances would meet the appro- 
bation of a professed epicure. Of turtles and their eggs the Jaguar is particularly fond, and 
displays great ingenuity and strength in the securing, killing, and eating such impracticable 
animals as turtles. Any one who has handled a common land tortoise would be wofully 
puzzled if he were ordered to kill that strong mailed creature without the aid of tools, and still 
more bewildered, were his only meal that day to consist of the flesh that was locked in so hard 
and impenetrable a covering. As to a huge turtle in the vigor of active health, scuttling over 
the sandy shores, throwing up showers of blinding dust with its flippers, and ready to snap at 
an intruder with its sharp-edged jaws, he must be a powerful man who would arrest the 
unwieldy creature in its onward progress, and a very clever one who would make a dinner 
upon the flesh of the reptile. 

Yet the Jaguar contrives to catch, kill, and eat the turtle, displaying in this feat equal 
strength and ingenuity. 

Watching a turtle as she—for it is generally the female turtles that are made the Jaguar’s 
prey—walks riverwards, or seawards, as the case may be, after depositing her eggs under a 
slight covering of earth, there to be warmed into being by the genial rays of the sun, the 
Jaguar springs upon the creature as it is slowly making its way to its familiar element, and 
with a quick and adroit movement of the paws, turns the turtle on its back. There the poor 
reptile lies, helpless, and waiting until its captor is pleased to consummate his work by killing 
and eating the animal which he has thus ingeniously intercepted. The Jaguar needs no saw 
to cut through the bony shell, nor lever to separate the upper from the lower portion, nor 
knife to sever the flesh from the bones, for his paw stands him in the stead of these artificial 
instruments, and serves his purpose right well. Tearing away as much as possible of the 
softer parts that lie by the tail, the Jaguar inserts his supple paw, armed with its sharp talons, 
and scoops out, as neatly as if cut by knives, the flesh, together with the vital organs of the 
devoted chelonian. The difficulty of this task can only be rightly appreciated by those who 
have undertaken a similar task, and have achieved the feat of removing the interior of a 
tortoise or turtle without separating the upper and under shells. 

The eggs of the turtle are nearly as important to the Jaguar as is the flesh of the mother 
turtle herself. After inverting the maternal turtle, the Jaguar will leave her in her impotent 
position, and going to the shore, coolly scoop out and devour the soft leather-covered eggs 
which she had deposited in the sandy beach in vain hopes of their seasonable development by 
the warm sunbeams. 

Birds are simply struck down by a single blow of the Jaguar’s ready paw ; and so quick 


THE SERVAL. 147 


are his movements, that, even if a bird has risen upon the wing, he can often make one of his 
wonderful bounds, and with a light, quick stroke, arrest the winged prey before it has had 
time to soar beyond his reach. As to the fish, the Jaguar watches for them at the water side, 
and as soon as an unfortunate fish happens to swim within reach of the spotted foe, a nimble 
paw, with outstretched talons, is suddenly thrust forth, and the fish swept out of the water 
upon dry land. 

The Jaguar is quite as suspicious and cautious an animal as any of the Old World felide, 
and never will make an open attack upon man or beast. Should a solitary animal pass within 
reach, the Jaguar hesitates not in pouncing upon it; but if a herd of animals, or a party of 
men, should be travelling together, the Jaguar becomes very cautious, and will dog their steps 
for many miles, in hopes of securing one of the party in the act of straggling. If the Jaguar 
should be very hungry indeed, and unable to wait patiently, it will yet temper audacity with 
caution, and though it will, under that urgent necessity, seize one out of the number, it will 
always choose that individual which is hindermost, hoping to escape with its prey before the 
companions can come to the rescue. A Jaguar has been known to follow the track of travel- 
lers for days together, only daring to show itself at rare intervals. 

In the countries where the Jaguar most abounds, many tales are rife respecting the 
strength, agility, and audacity of this fierce animal. When the earlier settlers fixed their 
rough wooden huts in the recesses of the American forests, the Jaguar was one of their most 
persistent and relentless foes. Did they set up a poultry-yard, the Jaguar tore open the hen- 
roosts, and ate the fowls. Did they fill their stables with horses, the Jaguar broke their necks, 
and did his best to carry the heavy carcasses to his forest home. Did they establish a piggery, 
the Jaguar snapped up sow and litter; and in fine, it was hardly possible to secure their live 
stock so effectually that it could not be reached by this ravenous beast. The only resource 
was to kill the Jaguar himself, and so to put an effectual stop to his depredations. But there 
are many Jaguars in a district ; and fora term of years, the toil of ridding the country of these 
fierce marauders was a most arduous one. However, perseverance and indomitable courage 
gained the day at last, and the Jaguars were forced to retire from the habitations of men, and 
hide themselves in the thick uncultivated forest land. 

Its beauty is remarkable ; indeed, this characteristic has gained for it the appellation of 
the American Tiger. It is found as far north as Eastern Texas, extending to Red River, and 
south through Brazil, where it is the terror of all the smaller mammals. Its western limit is 
near the Gaudeloupe Canon (Sierra Madre). 

The Jaguar is the representative of the Leopard on this continent, and though larger, is 
very closely allied to it. 

The Zoological collection at Central Park has two fine examples of this great cat, in the 
best condition of adult pelt. 

The large Jaguar lately at the Central Park collection, which belongs to Van Amburg’s 
Menagerie, has been in confinement many years. At one time, while on the road, the cage of 
the large boa constrictor required repairing. Its glass door was newly set in putty. During 
the following night the huge folds of the snake chanced to push the glass from its frame. The 
cage of the Jaguar was near, and the snake having found itself at liberty, paid a neighborly 
visit to the cat. The night watchman, on arriving, in the course of his rounds, at the scene, 
found the Jaguar, whose prowess is not wont to be arraigned for trifles, was crouched in one 
corner of his cage, utterly impotent with fear, and even expressing in his face the torture he 
was subjected to, while the stolid, unconcerned serpent lay, all innocent of harmful motive, 
coiled around the bars of the cage, his head peering in and out of the perilous presence of the _ 
great beast. 

The Jaguar exhibits his great physical strength in killing and tearing open the great sea 
turtles. Humboldt saw one exceeding the size of the Indian Tiger. 

The superb cut of this cat is a most perfect representation of his characteristics. 


Tue SprvAL, or ‘‘ Bosch-katte,”’ é.e. ‘‘Bush-cat,”’ as it is appropriately termed by the 
Dutch colonists of the Cape, is an inhabitant of Southern Africa. It is a very pretty animal, 


148 THE PUMA. 


both with regard to the color of its fur and the elegant contour of its body. The short, puffy 
tail, however, rather detracts from the general effect of the living animal. On account of the 
bold variegations of the Serval’s fur, its skin is in great request, and finds a ready sale among 
furriers, who know it by the name of the Tiger-cat. 

The ground color of the Serval’s fur is of a bright golden tint, sobered with a wash of gray. 
The under portions of the body and the inside of the limbs are nearly white. Upon this ground 
are placed numerous dark spots, which occasionally coalesce and form stripes. In number 


SERVAL.—Leopardus serval. 


and size they are very variable. The ears are black, with a broad white band across them, and 
from their width at the base, they give the animal a very quaint aspect when it stands with 
its head erect. 

In disposition, the Serval appears to be singularly docile, and even more playful than the 
generality of the sportive tribe of cats. It is nota very large animal, measuring about eighteen 
inches in height, and two feet in length, exclusive of the tail, which is ten inches long, and 
covered with thick, bushy fur. 


Few animals have been known by such a variety of names as the Puma of America. 

Travellers have indifferently entitled it the American Lion, the Panther, the Cougar, the 
Carcajou (which is an entirely different animal), the Gouazouara, the Cuguacurana, and many 
other names besides. For the name of Lion, the Puma is indebted to its uniform tawny color, 
so different from the conspicuous streaks and spots which decorate the fur of its congeners. 
It was entitled a Panther, on account of its pardine habits, which are almost identical with 
those of the spotted leopards of both continents. The word Cougar is a Gallican abbreviation 
of the Paraguay word Gouazouara ; and then the names Careajou and Quinquajou are simply 
instances of mistaken identity. The Anglo-Americans compromise the matter by calling the 
creature a ‘‘ painter.”’ 

It is rather a large animal, but, on account of its small head, appears to be a less powerful 
creature than really is the case. The total length of the Puma is about six feet and a half, of 


THE PUMA. 149 


which the tail occupies rather more than two feet. The tip of the tail is black, but is destitute 
of the black tuft of long hair which is so characteristic of the true lion. Its limbs are extremely 
thick and muscular, as needs be for an animal whose life is spent almost entirely in climbing 
trees, and whose subsistence is gained only by the exercise of mingled activity and force. 

The color of the Puma is an uniform light tawny tint, deeper in some individuals than in 
others, and fading into a beautiful grayish-white on the under parts. It is remarkable that 
the young Puma displays a gradual change in its fur, nearly in the same way as has been 
narrated of the lion cub. While the Puma cubs are yet in their first infancy, their coat is 
marked with several rows of dark streaks extending along the back and sides, and also bears 
upon the neck, sides, and shoulders many dark spots, resembling those of the ordinary 
leopard. But, as the animal increases in size, the spots fade away, and, when it has attained 
its perfect development, are altogether lost in the uniform tawny hue of the fur. 


PUMA.—Leopardus concolor. 


Until it has learned from painful experience a wholesome fear of man, the Puma is apt to 
be a dangerous neighbor. It is known to track human beings through long distances, awaiting 
an opportunity of springing unobservedly upon a heedless passer-by. A well-known traveller 
in American forest lands told me candidly, that he always ran away from “ Grizzlys,”’ 7. e. 
grizzly bears, but that ‘‘ Painters were of no account.’’ He said that as long as a traveller 
could keep a Puma in sight, he need fear no danger from the animal, for that it would not leap 
upon him as long as its movements were watched. 

Even in those rare instances where the Puma, urged by fierce hunger, issued boldly from 
the dark leafage of the woods, and ventured to track the very pathway that was trodden 
by the travellers, there was yet no real danger. The Puma would creep rapidly towards the 
party, and would, in a short time, approach sufficiently near to make its fatal spring. But if 
one of the travellers faced sharply on the crawling animal, and looked it full in the face, 
the beast was discomfited at once, and slowly retreated, moving its head from side to side, as 
if trying to shake off the influence of that calm steady gaze to which it had never been 


150 THE PUMA. 


accustomed, and which was a positive terror to the rapacious animal. <A caged leopard has 
displayed a similar uneasiness at a fixed gaze of a spectator, and has finally been so quelled 
that in its restless walk it dared not turn its face towards its persecutor. 

Although it is not an object of personal dread to the civilized inhabitants of the forest 
lands, the Puma is a pestilent neighbor to the farmer, committing sad havoc among his flocks 
and herds, and acting with such consummate craft, that it can seldom be arrested in the act of 
destruction, or precluded from achieving it. No less than fifty sheep have fallen victims 
to the Puma in a single night. It is not, however, the lot of every Puma to reside in the 
neighborhood of such easy prey as pigs, sheep, and poultry, and the greater number of these 
animals are forced to depend for their subsistence on their own success in chasing or surprising 
the various animals on which they feed. As is the case with the jaguar, the Puma is specially 
fond of the capybara and the peccary, and makes a meal on many smaller deer than even the 
latter animal. 

Such creatures as are unfortunate enough to please the taste of the Puma, are nearly always 
taken by surprise, and struck down before they are even aware of the vicinity of their tawny 
foe. The Puma loves to hide upon the branches of trees, and from that eminence to launch 
itself upon the doomed animal that may pass within reach of its active leap and its death- 
dealing paw. 

While thus lying upon the branches, the creature is almost invisible from below, as its fur 
harmonizes so well with the brown bark which covers the boughs, that the one can scarcely be 
distinguished from the other. Even when imprisoned within the limits of a cage, where the 
eye has no great range of objects for inspection, the Puma will often lie so closely pressed 
against a tna, or flattened upon the thick boughs which are placed in its cell, that the cage 
appears at first sight to be empty, even though the spectator may have come to it with the 
express object of inspecting the inhabitants. It may therefore be easily imagined how 
treacherous a foe the Puma may be when ranging at will among the countless trees of an 
American forest. 

The flesh of this animal is said, by those who have made trial of it, to be a pleasant 
addition to the diet scale, being white, tender, and of good flavor. When taken young, 
the Puma is peculiarly susceptible of domestication, and has been known to follow its master 
just like a dog. The hunters of the Pampas are expert Puma slayers, and achieve their end 
either by catching the bewildered animal with a lasso, and then galloping off with the poor 
creature hanging at the end of the leather cord, or by flinging the celebrated bolas—metal balls 
or stones fastened to a rope—at the Puma, and laying it senseless on the ground with a blow 
from the heavy weapon. 

The Puma is the largest and most powerful of the North American cats, if we except the 
jaguar, which is more properly a southern species, being found mostly in South America, and 
as far north, occasionally, as Eastern Texas. Its entire range is from the extreme south of 
the continent, at the Straits of Magellan, to the northern portion of the State of New 
York. It has been quite common along the great range of the Blue Ridge, and northward 
to the Catskills and Adirondacks, but is rarely found north of this region. Before the 
settlement of the country, it ranged over all the New England States. It reaches in size 
the dimensions of the largest dog, and weighs about 150 pounds, the heaviest recorded being 
200 pounds. It is cowardly, though possessing great strength and ferocity, approaching its 
prey stealthily. 

Some interesting facts are recorded by Dr. Merriam in his work on the Mammals of the 
Adirondacks. He says: ‘‘The distance that a panther can pass over in a single leap is almost 
incredible. On level ground, a single spring of twenty feet is by no means uncommon, and 
on one occasion Mr. Sheppard measured a leap, over snow, of nearly forty feet. In this 
instance, there were three preliminary springs, and the panther struck his deer on the fourth. 
The longest leap measured by Mr. Sheppard was one of sixty feet, but here the panther 
jumped from a ledge of rocks about twenty feet above the level upon which the deer was 
standing. He struck it with such force as to knock it nearly a rod further off.” 

In the winter, when snow is so deep as to obstruct the travelling of deer, the great feet of 


SELMAR HESS, PUBLISHER, N. Y. 


PUMA. 


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THE YAGOUARONDL. 151 


the panther spread to such width that his locomotion is much the same as that of a man on 
snow-shoes. 

It is observed that most mammals are larger in the north than in the southern parts of the 
country. The reverse is true of the Panther. 

Fine specimens of the Puma are kept at the Zoological collection in Central Park. Several 
litters of young have been raised there. Usually, however, the kittens die before they 
are many weeks old. 

Mr. Conklin, Director of the Central Park Menagerie, informed us that one of the Pumas 
in his collection has produced young seven times in confinement, having from two to four 
kittens at a birth. Her present age is sixteen years. The period of gestation is thirteen 
weeks. Though this is the largest of our northern carnivores, it is seldom seen, excepting by 
hunters who penetrate the wilderness ; yet nearly an hundred examples have been killed since 
1860 in the Adirondacks. 

Audubon says of him, as seen in the semi-tropical regions of Florida and Texas: ‘ He is 
sometimes found on the open prairies, and his tracks may be seen on almost every cattle- 
crossing place on the sluggish bayous and creeks with their treacherous quicksands. At such 
places the Cougar sometimes finds an unfortunate calf, or, perhaps, a cow or bullock, that has 
become fast in the miry earth, and, from exhaustion, has given up its strugglings and been 
drowned, or suffocated. Such a case happened, when the specimen he figures was shot in the 
act of dragging the heifer from the mud. For the size, the Puma has extraordinary strength. 
The Cougar is ordinarily, however, compelled to hunt up smaller animals, as the prey is not 
always at hand.” 

Audubon adds his personal testimony to others in favor of the alleged cowardice, or, 
rather, want of prowess. He says: ‘‘On our way to school, as a boy, a Cougar crossed our 
path, not ten yards in front of us. When the animal saw us, it commenced a hurried retreat. 
A small terrier that accompanied us gave chase to the animal, which, after running about 
an hundred yards, mounted an oak and rested upon one of its limbs, about twenty feet from 
the ground. We approached and gave a loud whoop, when it dropped upon the ground and 
soon made its escape. 

“Among the mountains of the head waters of the Juniata, the Puma is hunted system- 
atically with a kind of half-breed dogs, the full bloods lacking the courage to attack such 
a large animal. The tales related of the cry of this animal resembling the human voice are not 
true ; their cry is like that of the common cat—much louder, naturally.”’ 

In 1865, we saw the tracks of a Puma on the sands of the Florida Reef. On Plantation 
Key we traced these tracks to a cabin where a wrecker or fisherman lived. During the previous 
night the man had lost a valuable brace of puppies, and not being familiar with this cat, 
he was in great doubt and terror. The tracks were four inches by four and a half in extent, 
and impressed our lonely wrecker with wonderful sentiments of the powers of such a beast. 
On crossing to Metacombe Key, a half-mile eastward, separated by a deep channel, we found 
the same kind of tracks, beginning at the high-water mark and continuing along the beach 
until they reached another cabin. Here the fisherman’s hog had lost an ear; the Puma, 
which proved to be the invader, had not been able to get at the hog, and was obliged to be 
satisfied with what was in reach. Our party planned a still hunt for that night, judging 
wisely, that the Puma would not forget to come back for the remainder of the hog. The 
Puma came, and met the usual greeting from extended arms. 


The Puma is not the only example of a pardine animal which is destitute of the usual 
pardine spots and stripes. 

The YAGOUARONDI possesses a fur of a nearly uniform color, without either spots or streaks. 
Its color is rather a variable brown, sometimes charged with a deep black tinge, and sometimes 
dashed with a slight freckling of white. When the animal is angry, the white grizzly tinge 
becomes more conspicuous than when its temper is undisturbed. The reason for this curious 
change of hue is, that each hair is alternately dark and white, the tips being all black 
If, therefore, the Yagouarondi is in a placid humor, its fur lies closely to the body, and only 


152 THE MARBLED CAT. 


presents its black surface to the eye. But if it is excited, and sets up its fur after the 
manner of an angry cat, the white markings of the hair immediately become visible. It is said 
to be a very savage animal when wild. 


YAGOUARONDI.—Leopardus yagouarondi. 


The Yagouarondi, like the puma, of one uniform color, forms with the latter a group 
quite unique, nearly all other cats having very distinctive markings. It is found as far north 
as Matamoras. Its size is that of a domestic cat, but the length of body and tail reminds one 
of the civet forms. 

It is a native of Guiana, and several specimens have been brought to this country. 


dl 


hia NG 
Li)’ 
DY 


MARBLED CAT.—Leopardus marmoratus. 


THE MARBLED Cat partakes more of the proverbial pardine spotted character than either 
of the two preceding animals, and although not so finely marked as the beautiful Ocelots, or 
Tiger Cats, possesses a fur prettily diversified with dark spots upon alight ground. The ground 
of the fur is generally of a grayish tawny, on which are scattered many spots, not so sharply 
defined as those of the leopard, or the Tiger Cats. It is an inhabitant of Malacca. 


THE OCELOT. 158 


Many of the members of the large genus Leopardus, are classed together under the title 
of Ocelots, or, more popularly, of Tiger Cats. They are all most beautiful animals, their 
fur being diversified with the brilliant contrasts of a dark spot, streak, or dash upon a lighter 
ground, and their actions filled with easy grace and elegance. 

The common OcELo?T is a native of the tropical regions of America, where it is found in 
some profusion. In length it rather exceeds four feet, of which the tail occupies a consider- 
able portion. — Its height averages eighteen inches. The ground color of the fur is a very light 
grayish-fawn, on which are drawn partially broken bands of a very deep fawn-color, edged 
with black, running along the line of the body. The band that extends along the spine is 
unbroken. On the head, neck, and the inside of the limbs, the bands are broken up into spots 
and dashes, which are entirely black, the fawn tint in their centre being totally merged in the 
deeper hue; the ears are black, with the exception of a conspicuous white spot upon the back 


OCELOT.—Leopardus pardaiis. 


and near the base of each ear. Owing to the beauty of the fur, the Ocelot skin is in great 
request for home use and exportation, and is extensively employed in the manufacture of 
various fancy articles of dress or luxury. 

In its habits the Ocelot is quick, active, and powerful, proving itself at all points a true 
leopard, although but in miniature. 

It is sufficiently fierce in its wild state to be a dangerous opponent if wounded or other- 
wise irritated. When in captivity, its temper seems rather capricious, depending, in all 
probability, on the individuality of the animal, or the treatment of its keepers. Some of these 
creatures are always fierce and surly, setting up a savage growl when any one approaches their 
cage, spitting at the visitor like an angry cat, and striking sharp, quick blows with the paws. 
Others, again, are as quiet and well-behaved as the generality of domestic cats, like to be 
noticed, and, if they think that the visitor is about to pass by their cage without recognizing 
them, call his attention by a gracious purr, and rubbing themselves against the bars. They 
will even offer themselves to be stroked and patted, and will bow their heads, just as a cat 
does on feeling the touch of a friendly hand. 


154 THE OCELOT. 


TuE GRAY OcELor is so called on account of the comparatively light hue of the fur. 
The spots are not quite so numerous nor so bold as in the preceding animal, and the throat is 
remarkable for its whitish-gray tint, unbroken by spots or streaks. All these creatures are 
found in tropical America. 

The Ocelot soon learns to distinguish friends from foes, and can easily be brought to a 
state of partial tameness. 3 

Several of these animals, when I first made their acquaintance, were rather crabbed in 
disposition, snarled at the sound of a strange step, growled angrily at my approach, and 
behaved altogether in a very unsocial manner, in spite of many amicable overtures. After 
awhile, I saw that these creatures were continully and vainly attempting the capture of certain 
flies which buzzed about the cage. So I captured a few large blue-bottle flies, and poked them 
through a small aperture in the cage, so that the Ocelot’s paw might not be able to reach my 
hand. At first, the Ocelots declined to make any advances in return for the gift, but they 
soon became bolder, and at last freely took the flies as fast as they were caught. The ice 
was now broken, and in a very short time we were excellent friends, the angry snarl being 
exchanged for a complacent purr, and the suspicious shrinking movements for a quiet and 
composed demeanor. 

The climax to their change of character was reached by giving them a few leaves of grass, 
for which they were, as I thought they would be, more anxious than for the flies. They tore 
the green blades out of my hand, and retired to their sleeping-house for the purpose of eating 
the unaccustomed dainty undisturbed. After this they were quite at their ease, and came to 
the front of the cage whenever I passed. 

Every one who has watched the habits of the domestic cat must have noticed how thankful 
she seems for a few leaves of grass. It is curious that a carnivorous animal should be so 
impelled by instinct as to turn for a time to vegetable food, and to become, for the nonce, a 
herbivorous creature. Dogs, it is well known, will resort to the same plant, and appear to 
use it in a medicinal point of view. 

The eye of the Ocelot is a pale yellowish brown, and tolerably full, with the linear pupil 
that is found in the smaller felide. 

There are several species of these pretty and agile animals, among which the most con- 
spicuous are the Common, the Gray, and Painted Ocelots, and the Margay, or Marjay, as it is 
sometimes called. The habits of these animals are very similar. 

In its native woods, the Ocelot seeks its food, chiefly among the smaller mammalia and 
birds, although it is sufficiently powerful to attack and destroy a moderately sized monkey. 
The monkeys it can chase into the tree branches, being nearly as expert a climber as them- 
selves, but, as it cannot follow the birds into their airy region, it is forced to match its cunning 
against their wings. As is often done by the domestic cat, the Ocelot can spring among a 
flock of birds as they rise from the ground, and, leaping into the air, strike down one of them 
with its rapid paw. But its chief method of obtaining birds is by concealing itself among the 
branches of a tree, and suddenly knocking them over as they come and settle unsuspiciously 
within reach of the hidden foe. 


Tur PAINTED OCELOT resembles the preceding animal in the general aspect of its fur, 
but is marked in a richer manner. 

The spots are more numerous, closer together, and more uniform than those of the common 
Ocelot. The black markings of the tail are of a very deep hue indeed, and occupy a large 
portion of that member. The throat is grayish white, with one or two very bold black streaks 
drawn upon it, extending towards the shoulders. These streaks are branch-like in form, and 
are very clearly defined. The spots that run along the spine are solid, and of a deep velvety 
black. 

When in captivity, the Ocelot seems to prefer birds and rabbits, or similar creatures, to 
any other food, and is able to strip the feathers from the bird before it begins its meal. The 
head appears to be its favorite morsel, and, with the head, the Ocelot generally commences its 
meal. The reader may remember that the Jaguar, mentioned on page 144, had decapitated 


THE RIMAU-DAHAN. 155 


the fowls which it had snatched from the steward, and had eaten their heads before they could 
be reclaimed. 

Ocelots have been kept in the Zoological Gardens at Central Park, and always attract by 
their exceeding beauty of markings. They resisted all attempts at familiarity, and seemed 
not amenable to domestication; though perhaps a longer term of confinement might prove 
them otherwise. 

The Eyra Cat (felis eyra) is enumerated as a North American animal, being common 
in the region near the Rio Grande of Texas. 


Tor MARGAY is a very handsome example of the Tiger Cats. The tail is rather more 
bushy towards the tip than those of the preceding animals, and the spottings are hardly so 


FAG) 


SSA \ 


Ex < PS: NN a 
Wy No. J ANRMARGT, 
MARGAY.—Leopardus tigrinus. 


apt to run into hollow streaks or links. It will be observed that the spots are small and 
numerous towards the hind quarters. 

It is, when caught young and properly treated, a very docile and affectionate animal, 
although it has been slanderously described as a wholly untamable and ferocious beast. Mr. 
Waterton mentions, in one of his essays on natural history, that when he was in Guiana he 
possessed a Margay which had been captured by a negro while still a kitten. It was nurtured 
with great care, and became so fond of its master that it would follow him about like a dog. 
Against the rats which inhabited the house, this Margay waged incessant war, creeping about 
the staircase in search of the destructive rodents, and pouncing with unerring aim on any rat 
that was unfortunate enough to make its appearance from out of its hiding-place behind the 
casements. 

With an instinctive knowledge of rats and their habits, the Margay was accustomed to 
choose the closing hours of day as its best hunting time. The creature’s assistance in rat- 
killing was most useful, for, during the owner’s absence, the rats had gained entrance to his 
house, and, finding no one there to oppose their devices, took possession, and roamed about 
the rooms at their own will. Thirty-two doors had been gnawed through by the chisel-edged 
teeth of the rats, and many of the valuable window-frames had suffered irreparable damage 
from these long-tailed pests. 


Tue very handsome animal which is known by the name of Rimau-dahan, or more 
popularly as the Clouded or Tortoise-shell Tiger, was, until comparatively late years, a 


156 THE CHATI. 


stranger to this country. One of the first specimens was exhibited for some time in a travel- 
ling menagerie, where it died. So indifferent or so ignorant were its proprietors, that after 
its death no trace was found of this unique animal, excepting a tradition that its hide had 
been cut up for the purpose of making caps for the keepers. 

The spots and marks which cover the fur of the Rimau-dahan are so very irregular in 
shape and arrangement that a detailed description is almost impossible. Some of the patches 
are nearly oval, some are angular, some are particularly open, while others are enclosed within 
a well-defined dark edging. There are stripes like those of the tiger, solid spots like those of 
the leopard, hollow spots resembling those of the jaguar, and large black-edged spots like 
those of the ocelots. The black has a peculiarly rich and velvety appearance. 


RIMAU-DAHAN.—Leopardus macrocelus. 


The ground color of the fur is gray, tinged with brown, and however the other markings 
may vary, there are always two bold uninterrupted bands of velvety-black running along the 
entire length of the animal, beginning at the back of the head, and only ending at the root of 
the tail. The tail itself is covered with dark rings, which contrast well with the very light 
ground of the fur. The hair is rather long, and beautifully fine in its texture. Altogether, 
the Rimau-dahan, although so large an animal, bears a close resemblance to the Marbled Cat, 
which has already been mentioned. 

An allied species, named popularly the TorToIsE-SHELL or SMALLER CLOUDED TIGER, and 
scientifically termed Leopardus macroceloides, is found in the same locality as the Rimau- 
dahan. It possesses many of the properties which. belong to its larger relative, and is equally 
fond of climbing up, or resting on, the branches of trees. 


ALTnouGH so gentle in its demeanor when domesticated as to have earned for itself the 
name of ‘‘métis,’”’ or ‘*placid,’”’ the Chati is, when wild, a sufficiently destructive animal It 
is not quite so large as the ocelots, with which creatures it is a compatriot. 


THE PAMPAS CAT. 157 


The color of the Chati resembles that of the Leopard, only is paler in general hue. The 
dark patches that diversify the body are very irregular—those which run along the back are 
solid, and of a deep black, while those which are 
placed along the sides have generally a deep fawn- 
colored centre. Towards the extremity of the 
tail, the spots change into partial rings, which 
nearly, but not quite, surround the tail. All speci 
mens, however, are not precisely alike, either in 
the color or the arrangement of the markings, but 
those leading characteristics which have just been 
mentioned may be found in almost every indi- 
vidual. 

When at large in its native woods, it wages 
incessant and destructive warfare against small 
quadrupeds and birds, the latter creatures being 
its favorite prey. The Chati is a vexatious and 
expensive neighbor to any one who may keep e 
fowls, for it seems to like nothing so well as a CHATI.—Leopardus mitis. 
plump fowl, and is unceasing in its visits to the 
hen-roost. It is so active and lithe an animal that it can climb over any palisade, and insinuate 
itself through a surprisingly small aperture ; and it is so wary and cautious in its nocturnal 
raids, that it generally gives no indication of its movements except that which is left next 
morning by the vacant perches, and a few scattered feathers flecked with blood-spots. 


ay ea = = 
PAMPAS CAT.—Zeopardus pajeros. 


From the shorter heads, and other characteristics of the last few animals, it will be seen 
that we are rapidly approaching that type of the feline nature with which we are so familiar 
in the domestic cat. The PAmpas Cav might easily be mistaken for a rather large domestic 
cat which had run at large for some time, and assumed the fierce, suspicious demeanor of the 
wild animal. 


158 THE EGYPTIAN CAT. 


Its general color is a yellowish gray, something like the tint which we call ‘‘sandy,’’ when 
it belongs to the fur of a domestic cat or the scalp of a human being. The body is covered 
with numerous brown stripes, admixed with yellow, which run at a very small angle with the 
line of the body. On each side of the face two bold streaks are drawn from the eye over the 
cheeks, the lower stripe running round the neck, and uniting with the corresponding stripe of 
the opposite side. Two or three dark streaks appear across the upper portion of the legs. 
The depth of tint appears to be variable in different individuals, and the markings present 
slight discrepancies. 

The fur of the Pampas Cat is extremely long, some of the hairs reaching a length of five 
inches. The tail is not very long, is well covered with bushy hair, and is devoid of the ring- 
like markings which are found in the same member in the Ocelots. 


EGYPTIAN CAT.—Feéelis maniculata. 


The natives of Buenos Ayres and its vicinity name the Pampas Cat ‘‘Gato Pajero,’’ the 
former word signifying a cat, and the latter being formed from the Spanish term ‘‘paja,’’ or 
straw. It is so called because it frequents the jungles or reeds, and by the English residents 
is oftened termed the Jungle Cat. It is spread over a very large space of country, being found 
on the whole of the Pampas which are spread on the eastern side of South America, a range 
of some fourteen hundred miles. The food of the Pampas Cat consists chiefly of the moder- 
ately sized rodents which inhabit the same country in great profusion, and it is by no means 
so dangerous a foe to poultry as the Ocelots or the Chati. 

The length of the animal, inclusive of the tail, is rather more than three feet, the tail 
occupying about eleven inches. Its height, when adult, is rather more than a foot. 

It is about the size of a large house cat, having a tail very short, and bush-like at the 
extremity. In this latter feature the next group of cats, embracing the Lynx, is suggested. 


Exceptine for a certain upright and watchful carriage of the ears, the Eayprran Cat has 
a very domestic look about it. 

This animal is supposed to be the species which was so honored by the ancient Egyptians, 
that they refused to attack an invading army which bore a number of Cats in their front rank ; 


THE WILD CAT. 159 


and even when their land was in possession of the hostile force, the people rose like one man, 
and demanded the life of a soldier who had killed one of these sacred animals. So deeply 
were these ideas implanted in their minds, and so determinately did they persist in their 
demand, that the invading general yielded to their religious enthusiasm, and actually delivered 
the unwitting offender into their hands. 

The Egyptian Cat was not only honored and protected during its lifetime, but even 
after death it uedaes. funeral honors such as only fall to the lot of distinguished or wealthy 
personages. 

There were several methods of embalming in use among the Egyptians, by which the 
bodies of the dead were, for a time, withheld from the natural and beneficial process of decay, 
only to yield to its power a few hundred years later. Of these modes, only the most elaborate 
has left its records on the still existing bodies of the mighty dead. The carcass of the plebeian 
might be drenched and soaked in the antiseptic mixture, and so be preserved for a time. But 
it was the privilege for kings and rulers alone to have their bodies imbued with costly drugs 
and sweet spices, and to lie unchanged in their tombs for thousands of years, until their mum- 
mied remains were removed from their long repose, and exhibited to the public gaze of a 
people who, in their own royal time, were but a race of naked savages. The privilege which 

was denied to the workman was granted to his Cat, and we have in this country many speci- 
mens of mummied Cats, their bodies swathed, bandaged, and spiced in the most careful man- 
ner, partaking of this temporary immortality with a Rameses or a Pharaoh. 

The species of Cat which was thus glorified by these ghastly honors of the charnel-house, 
is the animal which is represented in the engraving. It is supposed to be the original stock 
from which descended the race of domestic Cats which found their home by the Egyptian’s 
hearth, and were so piously cherished by that strange, intellectual, inexplicable people. It 
is indigenous to Nubia, and has been found on the western side of the Nile, inhabiting a dis- 
trict which was well furnished with brushwood, and broken up into rocky ground. 

The general color of this animal is something like that of the Pampas Cat, but not so clear 
or bright, as a brownish-gray tint is washed over the white portions. On the back, the color 
is deeper than on the remainder of the body. The under portions of the body and inside of 
the limbs are a grayish-white, the gray disappearing under the throat and about the cheeks, 
leaving those parts of a pure white. Many streaks and dashes of black, or ochry-yellow, are 
spread over the body and limbs, two of the lighter stripes encircling the neck. Its eye is 
bright golden yellow. 

The Egyptian Cat is about the size of an ordinary domestic cat, being nine or ten inches 
in height, and two feet five inches in length ; the tail is about nine inches long. 


Few of the Felidée are so widely spread, or so generally known as the WILD Car. It is 
found not only in this country, but over nearly the whole of Europe, and has been seen in 
Northern Asia, and Nepaul. 

It is true that many so-called Wild Cats are found in the snares set by the gamekeeper 
to protect the pheasants, hares, and partridges under his charge, but in ninety-nine cases out 
of every hundred, these captured robbers are nothing more than domesticated cats which have 
shaken off the trammels of their civilization, and have taken toa savage life in the bush. Even 
tame and petted Cats have been known to take to poaching, and to bring to their owner a daily 
pheasant or partridge. There are few more dangerous foes to game than the domestic Cat, 
and the Wild Cat gets the credit of its misdeeds. 

Whether the Wild Cat be the original progenitor of our domestic Cat is still a mooted 
point, and likely to remain so, for there is no small difficulty in bringing proofs to bear on 
such a subject. It is certain that if such be the case, the change from savage to domestic life 
must be of very long standing, for it is proved that certain distinctions between the Wild and 
domestic Cat are found in full force, even though the domestic Cat may have taken to a 
wild life for many a year. There are several points of distinction between the Wild and the 
domestic Cat; one of the most decided differences being found in the shape and comparative 
length of their tails, 


160 THE WILD CAT. 


The tails of the two animals are easily distinguished from each other. The tail of the 
domestic Cat is long, slender, and tapering, while the tail of the Wild Cat is much shorter 
and more bushy. Now it is proved that, even if several domestic Cats have escaped into the 
woods and there led a sylvan life, their long tapering tails have been transmitted to their 
posterity through many successive generations, in spite of their wild and marauding habits. 

The color of the Wild Cat is more uniform than that of the domestic animal, and is briefly 
as follows. 

The ground tint of the fur is a yellowish, or sandy gray, diversified with dark streaks 
drawn over the body and limbs in a very tigrine manner. These stripes run, as do those of 
the tiger, nearly at right angles with the line of the body and limbs. A very dark chain of 
streaks and spots runs along the spine, and the tail is thick, short, and bushy, with a black 
tip, and many rings of a very dark hue. The stripes along the ribs and on the legs are not so 


WILD CAT.—Feélis catus. 


dark nor so clearly defined as those of the spine. The tail is barely half the length of the 
head and body. The fur is tolerably long and thick, and when the animal is found in colder 
regions, such as some parts of Germany and Russia, the fur is peculiarly long and thick. 

In the wilder and less cultivated parts of Scotland, the Wild Cat is still found, and is as 
dangerous an enemy to the game of Scotland as is the Ocelet to that of tropical America. 

The amount of havoe which is occasioned by these creatures is surprising. Mr. Thompson 
mentions that a gamekeeper had frequently noticed certain grouse feathers and other débris 
lying about a ‘‘water-break’’ which lay in his beat, and had more than once come upon some 
of the birds lying without their heads, but otherwise in such excellent condition that they 
were taken home and served at table. Suspecting the Wild Cat to be the culprit, he set a 
trap, and captured two of these animals, an old and a young one. 

Here, again, is exhibited the strange predilection which the Cat tribe seem to feel for the 
heads of the creatures on which they feed. No less than five grouse were discovered at the 
same time lying headless on the ground, and it is probable that their destroyers would have 
contented themselves with the heads only ; and, like the blood-sucking Tiger, would have 
killed victim after victim for the sole purpose of feasting upon their heads. The keeper 
expected ‘to secure one or two more of these feline marauders, for the young Wild Cats remain’ 


THE WILD CAT. 161 


with their parents until they are full grown and able to take upon themselves the cares of 
wedded life. 

In Maxwell’s ‘‘ Wild Sports of the West” are several anecdotes of a fierce savage breed 
of Cats running wild, and depopulating the rabbit-warrens sadly. One of these animals, 
which was killed after a severe battle, was of a dirty-gray color, double the size of the common 
house Cat, and its teeth and claws more than proportionately larger. This specimen was a 
female, which had been traced to a burrow under a rock, and caught in a rabbit-net. With 
her powerful teeth and claws she tore her way through the net, but was gallantly seized by 
the lad who set the toils. Upon him she turned her energies, and bit and scratched in a most 
savage style until she was despatched by a blow from a spade. The wounds which she 
inflicted were of so severe a character that lock-jaw was threatened, and the sufferer was sent 
to an hospital. 

Besides these huge Wild Cats, which may, in all probability, be the true Felis catus, 
there are many house Cats which run away from their rightful home, and, taking up their 
residence in the rabbit-warren, are as formidable enemies to rabbits and poultry as those of the 
larger kind. No less than five males were caught at one time in an outhouse, penned up until 
the morning, and then shot; after which execution the neighboring warren largely increased 
its population. 

The Wild Cat takes up its residence in rocky and wooded country, making its home in 
the cleft of a rock or the hollow of some aged tree, and issuing from thence upon its marauding 
excursions. It has even been known to make its domicile in the nest of some large bird. It 
is rather a prolific animal, and, were it not kept within due bounds by such potent enemies as 
the gun and the snare, would rapidly increase in numbers. As it is, however, the Wild Cat 
yields to these foes, and slowly, but surely, vanishes from the land. The number of its family 
is from three to five, or even six. The female is smaller than the male. 

In total length, an adult male Wild Cat is about three feet, of which the tail occupies 
nearly a foot. This does not seem to be a very considerable length, as there are domestic Cats 
which equal or even exceed these dimensions ; but it must be remembered that the tail of the 
Wild Cat is much shorter than that of the domestic animal. 

Of the fiery energy which actuates this animal when attacked and roused to fury, the 
following extract from St. John’s ‘‘ Highland Sports’’ will give an excellent idea : 


“The true Wild Cat is gradually becoming extirpated, owing to the increasing preserva- 
tion of game ; and, though difficult to hold in a trap, in consequence of its great strength and 
agility, he is by no means difficult to deceive, taking any bait readily, and not seeming to be 
as cautious in avoiding danger as many other kinds of vermin. Inhabiting the most lonely 
and inaccessible ranges of rock and mountain, the Wild Cat is seldom seen during the day- 
time; at night, like its domestic relative, he prowls far and wide, walking with the same 
deliberate step, making the same regular and even track, and hunting its game in the same 
tiger-like manner ; and yet the difference between the two animals is perfectly clear and visible 
to the commonest observer. The Wild Cat has a shorter and more bushy tail, stands higher 
on her legs in proportion to her size, and has a rounder and coarser look about the head.” 


Although so scarce in these days of allotments and railways, the Wild Cat was once so 
common in England as to be an absolute pest, and was formerly numbered among the beasts 
of chase that contributed to the amusement of the dull unlearned leisure which fell to the lot 
of those olden aristocrats of our land whose only excitement was found in the act of destruc- 
tion, either of men or beasts. As were almost all destructive beasts, it was protected by the 
great few who suffered no scath by its depredations, to the loss of the many small, whose little 
stock of poultry paid heavy toll to the licensed marauders. Even its fur was made a subject 
of legal enactment, being permitted to some orders of the people and forbidden to others. 


WHEN ENGAGED in the study of an illustrated work on ethnology, with its portraits of 
the various forms which are assumed by the human race, a certain feeling of relief and repose 


16: THE DOMESTIC CAT. 


bo 


takes possession of the mind when the reader turns from the savage races of mankind, with 
their selfish, restless, eager, bestialized expression, to the mild and intellectual countenances 
of the civilized nations. A similar sensation of repose is felt when we turn from the savage, 
hungry-looking Wild Cat to the placid face and tranquil expression of our favorite, the 
Domestic CAT. 

Although England possesses an indigenous Cat, which would naturally be considered 
as the original progenitor of the Domestic Cat, which attaches herself so strongly to mankind, 
it is now generally admitted that for this useful and graceful animal we are indebted to 
another continent. In the description of the Wild Cat, it Tha been mentioned that the distin- 
guishing marks which characterize the two species are so permanent as to defy eradication, 

‘and to mark decisively the ‘‘Felis catus’’ from the ‘“‘ Felis domestica.’”’ The comparative 


DOMESTIC CAT.—Felis manicula domestica. 


length of their tails is of itself a distinction, and one which seems never to be lost by either 
the wild or the domestic animal. Whether those two creatures have ever produced a mixed 
breed is a matter of much uncertainty, for although a wood or a warren may be infested with 
Cats living in a wild state, yet, in almost every case, they are only Domestic Cats in which 
the savage part of their nature has predominated, and conquered the assumed habits of 
domestication. They have acted as men sometimes act under similar temptation, and have 
voluntarily taken to a savage life. As far as is at present known, the Egyptian Cat is the origin 
of our Domestic Cat. 

In the long past times, when the Egyptian nation was at the head of the civilized world, the 
“Felis maniculata”’ was universally domesticated in their homes, while at the comparatively 
later days of English history the Domestic Cat was so scarce in England that royal edicts were 
issued for its preservation. Yet in those days, A.D. 948, the wild Cat was rife throughout 
Kurope, and was reckoned as a noxious animal, which must be destroyed, and not a useful 
one which must be protected. It is conjectured that the Domestic Cat was imported from 
Egypt into Greece and Rome, and from thence to England. 

In the eyes of any one who has really examined, and can support the character of the 
Domestic Cat, she must appear to be 2 sadly calumniated creature. 


THE MANX AND ANGOLA CATS. 165 


She is generally contrasted with the dog, much to her disfavor. His docility, affectionate 
disposition, and forgiveness of injuries; his reliability of character, and his wonderful 
intellectual powers are spoken of, as truly they deserve, with great enthusiasm and respect. 
But these amiable traits of character are brought into violent contrast with sundry ill- 
conditioned qualities which are attributed to the Cat, and wrongly so. The Cat is held up to 
reprobation as a selfish animal, seeking her own comfort and disregardful of others ; attached 
only to localities, and bearing no real affection for her owners. She is said to be sly and 
treacherous, hiding her talons in her velvety paws as long as she is in a good temper, but ready 
to use them upon her best friends 
if she is crossed in her humors. 

Whatever may have been the 
experience of those who gave so 
slanderous a character to the Cat, 
my own rather wide acquaintance 
with this animal has led me to 
very different conclusions. The 
Cats with which I have been most 
familiar have been as docile, tract- 
able, and good-tempered as any 
dog could be, and displayed an 
amount of intellectual power which 
would be equalled by very few 
dogs, and surpassed by none. 

With regard to the compara- 
tively good and bad temper of the 
Cat and dog, there is as much to 
be said in favor of the former as 
of the latter animal, while, as to 
their mental capacities, the scale 
certainly does not preponderate so 
decidedly on the side of the dog 
as is generally imagined. Nor is 
my own experience a solitary one, 
for in almost every instance where 
my friends have possessed favorite 
Cats the result has been the same. 


THERE are many varieties of MANX CAT. ANGOLA CAT. 
the Domestic Cat, of which the 
most conspicuous are the Manx Cat and the Aneoua. In the accompanying engraving, 
the upper figure represents the former animal, and the lower the latter. These two Cats 
present the strongest contrast to each other that can be imagined, the Angola Cat being 
gorgeous in its superb clothing of long silky hair and bushy tail, and the Manx Cat being 
covered with close-set fur, and possessing hardly a vestige of a tail. 

A fine Angola Cat is as handsome an animal as can be imagined, and seems quite con- 
scious of its own magnificence. It is a very dignified animal, and moves about with a grave 
solemnity that bears a great resemblance to the stately march of a full-plumed peacock 
conscious of admiring spectators. It is one of the largest of domestic Cats, and in its own 
superb manner will consume a considerable amount of food. One of these animals, nearly the 
finest that I ever saw, made friends with me in a café at Paris, and used to sit on the table and 
eat my biscuits. In order to test the creature’s appetite, I once ordered two successive plates 
of almond biscuits, every crumb of which ‘‘ Minette’? consumed with a deliberate and refined 
air, and would probably have eaten as much more if it had been offered to her. It must 
be considered, that she had plenty of friends who visited the same café, and that she was 


164 PRESCIENCEH OF THE CAT. 


quietly levying contributions during the whole day and a considerable portion of the night, so 
that these two plates of biscuits were only taken in the usual course of events. 

The Manx Cat is a curious variety, on account of the entire absence of tail, the place 
of which member is only indicated by a rather wide protuberance. This want of the usual 
caudal appendage is most conspicuous when the animal, after the manner of domestic Cats, 
clambers on the tops of houses, and walks along the parapets. How this singular variation of 
form came to be perpetuated is extremely doubtful, and at present is an enigma to which 
a correct answer has yet to be given. It is by no means a pretty animal, for it has an 
unpleasant weird-like aspect about it, and by reason of its tailless condition is wanting in that 
undulating grace of movement which is so fascinating in the feline race. A black Manx Cat 
with its glaring eyes and its stump of a tail, is a most unearthly looking beast, which might 
fitly be the quadrupedal form in which the ancient sorcerers were wont to clothe themselves on 
their nocturnal excursions. : 

The prescience with which all animals seem to be in some measure gifted, has often excited the 
admiration of those who have witnessed its effects. The Cat appears to possess an extremely large 
share of this gift, as has been frequently shown. An instance of this previsional capacity occurred 
in England, in 1853. <A long account of this occurrence has been kindly sent to me, authenti- 
cated by the names of the various persons concerned in the matter, as well as by that of the writer. 

A family resided for some time on the southern side of the Cuddie Bridge, and had in 
their house a favorite Cat. The family changed their residence, and took a house on the 
opposite side of Eddlestone Water, leaving behind them the Cat, which refused to stir from her 
accustomed haunts. Pussy, however, took a dislike to the new inhabitants of the house, and 
finding her way across the bowling-green, entered into possession of the mill, where she doubtless 
found plenty of game. Here she remained for some eighteen months in spite of several attempts 
made by her former owner to recover his lost favorite. Several times she had been captured and 
brought to his house, and on one occasion a kitten was retained as a hostage. But every endeavor 
was vain, and leaving her offspring in the hand of her detainers, and resisting all temptations, 
she set off again for her quarters at the mill; in her eagerness to get back to the mill even 
fording the river, ‘‘taking Cuddie at the broadside,” as that action is popularly termed. 

On the 18th of October, 1853, at ten o’clock in the evening, as the former owner of the 
Cat was standing by the church porch, his attention was caught by the fugitive Cat, which 
was purring and rubbing herself against his legs as affectionately as in the olden times. He 
took the Cat in his arms, and when he attempted to put her down, she clung tightly to his 
breast, and gave him to understand in her own feline language that she was going home with 
him. Six hours after this return of the wanderer the mill was discovered to be on fire, and in 
a short time was reduced to a heap of blackened and smouldering ruins. 

Since that time the Cat has remained complacently with her former companions at 
Biggiesknowe, in spite of the ancient adage, which says that, ‘‘in Biggiesknowe, there is 
neither a bannock (7.¢. oatmeal cake) to borrow nor lend.’? Reference will be made to this 
mill in a future portion of this work. 

An objection may be made to the term ‘‘prescience’’ in this case, on the grounds that the 
fire might possibly have been smouldering when the Cat left the mill, and that the creature 
might have taken the alarm from seeing the fire in existence, and not from a prospective 
intimation of the future conflagration. But even supposing that this conjecture were true, it 
must be remembered that Cats are remarkable for their strong attachment to a fire, and that 
this animal would rather be attracted than alarmed by the grateful warmth of the burning 
wood. Moreover, from the time when the Cat found her former master to that when the fire 
was discovered, six hours had passed, and we may reasonably conclude that the animal had 
left the mill for some little time before renewing her broken acquaintance. It would be hardly 
probable that if the fire had been sufficiently powerful to make the Cat decamp from her 
residence, so many hours would have elapsed before the flames manifested themselves. 

Among other differences between the habits of wild and domesticated animals, the effect 
which fire has wpon them is very remarkable. We all know how the domestic Cat is always 
found near the fire, perched on the hearth-rug, or sometimes sitting inside the fender, to the 


THE CHAUS. 165 


imminent danger of her fur and whiskers. Yet there is nothing which so utterly terrifies the 
wild felidee as the blaze of a glowing fire. Surrounded by a fiery circle the traveller sleeps 
secure, the waving flames being a stronger barrier between himself and the fierce hungry beasts 
than would be afforded by stone or wood of ten times the height. 


RETURNING once more to the savage tribe of animals, we come to a small, but clearly- 
marked group of Cats, which are distinguishable from their feline relations by the sharply 
pointed erect ears, decorated with a tuft of hair of varying dimensions. These animals are 
popularly known by the title of Lynxes. In all the species the tail is rather short, and in 
some, such as the Peeshoo, or Canada Lynx, it is extremely abbreviated. 

The CHaus, our first example of the Lyncine group, is not unlike the lion in the general 
tawny hue of its fur, but is extremely variable both in the depth of tint and in certain indis- 
tinct markings which prevail upon the body, limbs, and tail. The fur, however, is always 
more grizzled than that of the lion, and there seem to be in almost every individual certain 
faint stripes upon the legs and tail, 
together with a few obscure stripes 
or dashes of a darker color upon the 
body. 

Along the back, the hue is deeper 
than on the sides, and on the under 
parts of the body the fur is of a very 
pale tint. The extremity of the tail 
is black. The markings which are 
found on this animal are caused 
by the black extremities of some of 
the hairs. When these black-tipped 
hairs are scattered, they produce the 
grizzly aspect which has been men- 
tioned as belonging to this animal, 
but when they occur in close prox- 
imity to each other, they produce mig ZNSE’ 
either spots, streaks, or dashes, ac- THE CHAUS.—Chaus lybicus. 
cording to their number and arrange- 
ment. On the tail, however, they always seem to gather into rings, and on the legs into stripes. 
The cheeks are white, and below each eye is generally a white spot. There is an under coating 
of soft woolly hair, which is set next to the skin, and through this woolly coating the larger hairs 
protrude. It is this double set of hair which gives to the fur of the Chaus its rough fullness. 

The Chaus, although it has been distinguished by the specific title Zybicus, is an Asiatic 
as well as an African animal, inhabiting the south of Africa, the shores of the Caspian Sea, 
Persia, and many parts of India. The localities where this creature is known to frequent are 
generally those spots where it finds marshy, boggy ground, and plenty of thick brushwood. 
Tt does not appear to care for wooded districts, where trees grow, for it is but a poor climber, 
and seeks its prey only on the ground. Its food consists chiefly of the smaller quadrupeds 
and birds, and it is also fond of fish, which it captures in the shallow waters by watching 
quietly for their approach, and then adroitly scooping them from their native element by a 
quick sweep of its paw. River banks, especially those where the vegetation grows dense and 
low, are favorite resorts of the Chaus, which can in those favored localities find its two chief 
requisites :—a place of concealment, from whence to pounce upon any devoted bird or quad- 
ruped that may chance to come within reach of the deadly spring, and a convenient fishing 
place wherein to indulge its piscatorial propensities. 


ANOTHER species of the genus Chaus, is the animal which is generally known by the name 
of the Caffre Cat, but which properly belongs to the Lyncine group. In color it is rather 
variable, some individuals being much paler than others, the general tint of the fur being a 


166 THE CARACAL. 


gray, here and there grizzled with black, and diversified with dark brindlings. On the legs 
the stripes become bolder and better defined. When young, the fur is paler than when the 
animal has attained its full growth. In size it rather surpasses a large domestic cat. As may 
be inferred from its name, it is an inhabitant of Southern Africa, being found at the Cape, and 
in those lands which are inhabited by the various native tribes which are popularly termed 
Caffres or Kaffirs. 


AmoneG the Lynxes, few species are better known, at all events by name, than the com- 
mon CARACAL. 

This animal is easily distinguishable from the other members of the Lyncine group by its 
very black ears. The name Caracal is given to the animal on account of this peculiarity, the 
word being a Turkish one, and literally signifying Black-eared. The Greek word melanotis 
bears a similar signification. The Persians have seized upon the same characteristic mark, and 
have termed the creature ‘‘Siagosh,’’ which word bears an exactly similar import to the term 
Caracal. The color of this creature is a pale brown, warmed with a tinge of red, varying 
slightly in different individuals. The under parts of the body are paler than the upper, and 
slightly besprinkled with spots. The color of these spots is very variable, for in some individuals, 
they are nearly black, while in others they are a reddish-chestnut. The lower lip, the tip of 
the upper lip, and the chin are quite white. The tail is very short. It is not a very large 
animal, being about equal to a rather large bull-terrier dog in size, and very much more active. 

It is a peculiarly ferocious and surly animal, wearing a perpetual expression of malevo- 
lence, and always appearing to be, as it truly is, ready for a snarl and a bite. 

In captivity it appears to be less pervious to the gentle power of kindness than almost 
any other feline animal, and very rarely can be induced to lay aside a suspicious and distrust- 
ful demeanor, which characterizes its every movement. Even to its keeper it displays a sullen 
distrust, and when a stranger approaches its cage it resents the undesired visit as if an inten- 
tional insult had been offered, laying back its ears and uttering a malignant hiss and snarl, its 
eyes glaring with impotent rage. Although this repulsive demeanor has generally charac- 
terized the captive Caracal, there may be individuals of a very different disposition, ready to 
meet the advances of their keepers, if the keepers be endowed with a nature which is capable 
of drawing out the better feelings of the animals under their charge. More rests with the 
attendants upon captive animals than is supposed, and there is many a wild beast, such as 
the hyena, the wolf, or the jaguar, which has been stigmatized as untamable, simply because 
its keeper did not know how to tame it. Therefore it may be that the Caracal, among other 
animals, is only waiting for the right man to appear, and that then it will become as docile as 
a dog under his firm, but gentle treatment. 

There is one most valuable rule, learned by long experience among wild beasts, which 
ought to be engraven on the heart of any one who has to deal with these animals. Never 
cross the creature’s disposition if there be any mode of avoiding it, but if it be necessary to do 
so, never yield on any pretext whatever. The animal ought to think that the will of its master 
is absolute, and that opposition is impossible. If the man should once yield to the beast he 
will have forfeited the entire prestige of his position, and will have lost an amount of influence 
which it will be almost impossible to recover. 

The Caracal is essentially predaceous, feeding upon the various animals which fall victims 
to its active and muscular limbs. It is said to be able to destroy the smaller deer, and to 
display very great craft in the chase of the swifter quadrupeds and of birds. It is not par- 
ticularly fleet of foot, nor, as far as is known, delicate of scent, so that it cannot fairly run 
down its prey by open chase like the long-winded wolf, nor follow it up by scent like the slow 
but sure stoat or weasel. But it is capable of making the most surprising springs, and of 
leaping on its prey with a marvellous accuracy of aim. It can also climb trees, and can chase 
its prey among the branches on which the doomed creatures had taken up their abode. 

Like the hyena, wolf, jackal, and many other flesh-eating animals, it does not content 
itself with the creatures which fall by the stroke of its own talons, or the grip of its own teeth, 
but will follow the lion or leopard in its nocturnal quest after prey, and thankfully partake 


THE CARACAL. 167 


of the feast which remains after the monarch of the woods has eaten as much as he can possibly 
contain. In truth, the lion seems oftentimes to carry out the ludicrously arrogant pretension 
of certain human rulers, and to proclaim, ‘‘I, the King of the Forest, have dined. Let the 
monarchs of earth take ¢ieir dinner!”’ As is usual among quadrupedal and bipedal royalties, 
the lion-king has but little chance of making a second repast of any prey which his lordly paw 
may have immolated, for a band of hungry courtiers assemble round the victim, and after the 
royal appetite has been satiated, leave nothing but a few dry bones to tell of the animal that 
ranged freely through the forest but an hour or two ago. 

No blame attaches to the black-eared Caracal for this dependent line of conduct, for, as 
has already been mentioned, the lion himself disdains not to avail himself of a ready killed 


THE CARACAL.— Caracal melanotis, 


prey, and to gorge himself thereon with as much satisfaction as if his own paw had dealt the 
lethal blow. 

It is said that the Caracal will sometimes call in the aid of its fellows, and with their 
assistance will secure even a large animal. Some authors assert that they will unite, like 
hounds, in the chase of their prey, and will hunt it as regularly as a pack of wolves or wild 
dogs. But the general opinion seems to be that the Caracal, even when assisted by its com- 
panions, gives no open chase, but achieves its end by a few powerful bounds, a stroke with 
the paw, and a fierce grip with the fangs on the throat of its victim. Some authors assert that 
the Caracal is often tamed, and rendered useful in hunting; being trained to creep upon its 
prey and to spring from its place of concealment upon its unsuspecting quarry. When the 
trained Caracal seizes its prey it crouches to the earth, and lies motionless until its owner 
comes up and removes the slaughtered victim. 

The strength of this animal is very great in comparison with its size. A captive Caracal 
has been known to leap upon a large dog and to tear it in pieces, although the dog defended 
itself to the best of its ability. 

The Caracal is spread over a very wide range of country, being known to inhabit large 


168 THE EUROPEAN LYNX. 


portions of the Asiatic and African continents. Arabia, the Cape and its vicinity, Egypt, 
Nubia, and Barbary, are the habitations of this animal, which is also found spread over the 
greater part of India and Persia. The Arabs call this animal Anak-el-ard. 


By name, if not by sight, the common Lynx of Europe is familiar to us, and is known as 
the type of a quick-sighted animal. The eyes of the Lynx, and the ears of the ‘‘ Blind Mole,”’ 
are generally placed on a par with each other, as examples of especial acuteness of either 
sense. 

The European Lynx is spread over a great portion of the Continent of Europe, being 
found in a range of country which extends from the Pyrenees to Scandinavia. It is also found 
in the more northern forests of Asia. 

The color of this animal is as variable as that of the caracal, or even more so, for the same 
individual will change the hue of its fur according to the season of the year. During the 


EUROPEAN LYNX.—Lynx virgatus. 


colder months the fur becomes larger, fuller and more grizzled, the latter effect being produced 
by a change in the tips of the hairs, which assume a grayish-white. The usual color of the 
Lynx is a rather dark gray, washed with red, on which are placed sundry dark patches, large 
and few upon the body, and many and small on the limbs. On the body the spots assume an 
oblong or oval shape, but upon the limbs they are nearly circular. The tail of the Lynx is 
short, being at the most only seven or eight inches in length, and sometimes extending only 
six inches. The length of the body and head is about three feet. 

This animal resembles the caracal in its habits and mode of obtaining prey. Sheep often 
fall victims to the Lynx, but it finds its chief nourishment among hares, rabbits, and other 
small animals. Like the caracal it is an excellent climber of trees, and chases its prey among 
the branches with ease and success. 

The fur of the Lynx is valuable for the purposes to which the feline skin is usually 
destined, and commands a fair price in the market. Those who hunt the Lynx for the pur- 
pose of obtaining its fur, choose the winter months for the time of their operations, as during 


THE CANADIAN LYNX. 169 


the cold season the Lynx possesses a richer and a warmer fur than is found upon it during the 
warm summer months. 


THE SOUTHERN, or PARDINE, Lynx is a peculiarly beautiful example of this group of 
Felide. It inhabits more southern districts than the last-mentioned animals, being found in 
Spain, Sardinia, Portugal, and other southern countries. From the leopard-like spots with 
which its ruddy chestnut fur is covered, it derives the name of Pardine Lynx. its Spanish 
title is Gato-clavo. 


Tue New World possesses its examples of the Lyncine group as well as the Old World,, 
and even in the cold regions of Northern America a representative of these animals may be 


SOUTHERN LYNX.—Lynx pardinus. 


found. This is the CANADA Lynx, commonly termed the ‘‘ Peeshoo”’ by the French colonists, 
or even dignified with the title of ‘‘ Le Chat.” 

The hair of this animal is longer than that of its southern relatives, and is generally of a 
dark gray, flecked or besprinkled with black. Large and indistinct patches of the fur are of a 
sensibly darker tint than the generality of its coat. Most of the hairs are white at their 
extremities, which will account for the apparent changes in color which will be seen even in 
the same species at different times. Along the back and upon the elbow joint these dark 
mottlings become more apparent. In some specimens the fur takes a slight tinge of ruddy 
chestnut, the limbs are darker than the rest of the body, and the ears are slightly edged with 
white. It is probable that the same individual undergoes considerable changes, both in the 
color and the length of its fur, according to the time of year. 

The limbs of this Lynx are very powerful, and the thick heavily made feet are furnished 
with strong white claws that are not seen unless the fur be put aside. It is not a dangerous 
animal, and, as far as is known, feeds on the smaller quadrupeds, the American hare being 
its favorite article of diet. 

While running at speed it presents a singular appearance, owing to its peculiar mode 


170 THE BOOTED LYNX. 


of leaping in successive bounds, with its back slightly arched, and all the feet coming to the 
ground nearly at the same time. It is a good swimmer, being able to cross the water for 
a distance of two miles or more. Powerful though it be, it is easily killed by a blow on the 
back, a slight stick being sufficient weapon wherewith to destroy the animal. The flesh of the 
Peeshoo is eaten by the natives, and is said, though devoid of flavor, to be agreeably tender. 
It is not so prolific as the generality of the feline tribe, as the number of its young seldom 
exceeds two, and it only breeds once in the year. The range of this animal is rather extensive, 
and in the wide district where it takes up its residence is found in sufficient plenty to render 
its fur an important article of commerce. 
The length of this animal slightly exceeds three feet. 


CANADA LYNX.—Lynx canadensis. 


Tur Bootep Lynx derives its somewhat peculiar name from the deep black coloring with 
which its legs are partially stained. The side and the hinder portions of the legs are partially 
covered with black hair, which gives the animal, when seen from behind, a quaint aspect, as if 
it had been endued with a pair of short tight-fitting black buskins. 

The fur of this animal is rather variable in its coloring, and it is found that the coat of the 
female is rather more yellow than that of the male. The tail is marked with several dark 
rings upon a whitish ground, the tip of the tail being black. 

The general tint of the furis a deep gray, sometimes varied by a reddish tawny hue, 
and sometimes plentifully besprinkled with black hairs. On the upper part of the legs there 
are some very faint stripes of a ruddy brown, and two similar bands may be observed on 
the sides of the face. When young, the fur is marked with dark stripes and blotches, 
which are found sparingly on almost every portion of the body, but are most conspicuous 
on the sides. It is spread over the two vast continents of Asia and Africa, being found 
in the southern parts of India and the greater part of Africa, from Egypt and Barbary to the 
Cape. 

Its food consists of the smaller quadrupeds, and such birds as it can capture. It is by no 


THE CHETAH. WG 


means a large animal, being barely two feet in length exclusive of the tail, which measures 
rather more than a foot. 

The Lynx genus is characterized by the absence of the small premolar tooth, and the brief 
and abruptly truncate tail. Some differences are also seen in the cranium as contrasted with 
that of the genus Yelis. There are four species or varieties of Lynx in the United States. 

The American Wild Cat (Lynx rufus) has a wide distribution, varying greatly in 
coloration in certain portions of the country. 

A Texas variety, called maculatus, is found in California and Texas. Some slight mark- 
ings or dark lines along the sides of the neck, and rather longer ears, clistinguish it. 

The Red Cat (Lynx fasciatus) is the one discovered by Lewis and Clark in their journey 
in the Western Territories in the early part of this century. It has a very full and soft fur, 
and pencilled ears. The back is of a rich chestnut brown, which is the principal distinguishing 
feature. 


BOOTED LYNX.—ZLynvx caligatus. 


The Canada Lynx is the largest of all the North American species. It is quite easily 
distinguished by its general aspect of bulkiness. Its feet are larger, and the longer hair gives 
a stouter look to the limbs and body. The neck has a pointed ruff on each side. The tail 
is very short, but densely covered with hair. The general color is variable, sometimes being 
quite whitish. There are pencils of black on the ear tips. The European species (Lynz vir- 
gatus) is so closely like this, it has at one time been regarded as the same. It is common in 
the northern portions of New York State. It preys on the hare and other small quadrupeds. 

No species of Lynx is found in South America. 

A beautiful and accurate example of the Canada species is shown in the engraving, p. 170. 


THE beautifully marked and elegantly formed creature which is represented in the 
following engraving, is worthy the attention of all who are interested in the wondrous 
influence which can be exerted by the human mind upon the very being of the lower animals. 
The Curran, Youze, or Hunting Cat, as it is indifferently named, is, like the Booted Lynx, 
an inhabitant of Asia and Africa. It is rather a large animal, exceeding an ordinary 
leopard in stature. The superiority in size appears to be greater than it is, on account of the 
very long limbs of the Chetah, which give it the aspect of a very large animal. The head, 
however, is very small in proportion to its height, and the limbs, although very long, are 
slender, and devoid of that marvellous strength that lies latent in the true leopard’s limb. 

The title ‘‘ jubata,’’ or crested, is given to the Chetah on account of a short, mane-like crest 
of stiff long hairs which passes from the back of the head to the shoulders. Although the 


172 THE CHETAH. 


Chetah is popularly termed the ‘‘Hunting Leopard,” it can lay but little claim to the 
pardine title, and has probably been placed among the true leopards more on account of its 
spotted hide than for its shape and structure. The claws of this animal are but partially 
retractile, nor are they so sharply curved, nor so beautifully pointed, as those of the leopard. 
The Chetah is unable to climb trees like the leopard, and in the general contour of its body 
evidently forms one of the connecting links between the feline and the canine races. 

The Chetah is one of those animals which gain their living by mingled craft and agility. 
Its chief food is obtained from the various deer and antelopes which inhabit the same country, 
and in seizing and slaying its prey no little art is required. The speed of this animal is 


CHETAH.— Gueparda jubata. 


not very great, and it has but little endurance; so that an antelope or a stag could set the 
spotted foe at defiance, and in a short half-hour place themselves beyond his reach. But 
it is the business of the Chetah to hinder the active and swift-footed deer from obtaining that 
invaluable half-hour, and to strike them down before they are aware of his presence. 

In order to obtain this end, the Chetah watches for a herd of deer or antelopes, or is con- 
tent to address himself to the pursuit of a solitary individual, or a little band of two or three, 
should they be placed in a position favorable for his purpose. Crouching upon the ground so 
as to conceal himself as much as possible from the watchful eyes of the intended prey, the Chetah 
steals rapidly and silently upon them, never venturing to show himself until he is within reach 
of a single spring. Having singled out one individual from the herd, the Chetah leaps-upon 
the devoted animal and dashes it to the ground. Fastening his strong grip in the throat of the 
dying animal, the Chetah laps the hot blood, and for the time seems forgetful of time or place. 

Of these curious habits, the restless and all-adapting mind of man has taken advantage, 
and has diverted to his own service the wild destructive properties of the Chetah. In fact, man 
has established a kind of quadrupedal falconry, the Chetah taking the place of the hawk, and the 


+ 


HYENAS. 173 


chase being one of earth and not of air, The Asiatics have brought this curious chase to great 
perfection, and are able to train Chetahs for this purpose in a wonderfully perfect manner. 

When a Chetah is taken out for the purpose of hunting game, he is hooded and placed in 
a light native car, in company with his keepers. When they perceive a herd of deer, or other 
desirable game, the keepers turn the Chetah’s head in the proper direction, and remove the 
hood from his eyes. The sharp-sighted animal generally perceives the prey at once, but if he 
fails so to do the keepers assist him by quiet gestures. 

No sooner does the Chetah fairly perceive the deer than his bands are loosened, and 
he gently slips from the car. Employing all his innate artifices, the quadrupedal hunter 
approaches the game, and with one powerful leap flings himself upon the animal which he has 
selected. The keepers now hurry up, and take his attention from the slaughtered animal by 
offering him a ladleful of its blood, or by placing before him some food of which he is 
especially fond, such as the head and neck of a fowl. The hood is then slipped over his head, 
and the blinded animal is conducted, patient and unresisting, to the car, where he is secured 
until another victim may be discovered. 

It is a very curious fact, that although the Chetah is found in Africa as well as in Asia, 
it has not been subjected to the dominion of man by the African races, but is suffered to roam 
at large, unfettered and unblinded. 

The natural disposition of this pretty creature seems to be gentle and placid, and it is 
peculiarly susceptible of domestication. It has been so completely trained as to be permitted 
to wander where it chooses like a domestic dog or cat, and is quite as familiar as that animal. 
Even in a state of semi-domestication it is sufficiently gentle. One sleek and well-conditioned 
specimen with which I made acquaintance behaved in a very friendly manner, permitting me 
to pat its soft sides, or stroke its face, and uttering short self-sufficient sounds, like the 
magnified purr of a gratified cat. Unfortunately, the acquaintance was rudely broken up by 
an ill-conditioned Frenchman, who came to the front of the cage, and with his stick dealt the 
poor animal a severe thrust in the side. The Chetah instantly lost its confident expression, 
and was so irritated by this rough treatment that it would not permit a repetition of the 
former caresses. 

Certainly these caged animals have a wondrous perception of the intentions of those who 
visit them. I heard one curious instance of forbearance on the part of a caged tiger. 

A little girl, about five or six years of age, was taken to see the lions and tigers in a 
travelling menagerie. They presented to her mind the idea that they were simply very large 
cats, only differing in size from her favorite cat at home. So she crept close to the cage, and 
getting on a stone, in order to lift her small person to a proper elevation, fearlessly thrust her 
arm through the bars, and began to stroke the nose of the tiger. The spectators, seeing the 
child thus engaged, very unwisely set up a general scream, which had the effect of startling 
the tiger, and of making it so suspicious, that a second attempt to stroke it now would have 
probably resulted in the loss of the arm. 

The fur of the Chetah is rather rough, and is by no means so smooth as that of the African 
or Asiatic leopard. Its color is very similar to that of the leopard, but the ground color of the 
fur is of a deeper fawn. The spots which so profusely stud the body and limbs are nearly 
round in their form, and black in their tint. Excepting upon the face there seem to be no 
stripes like those of the tiger, but upon each side of the face there is a bold black streak 
which runs from the eye to the corner of the mouth. The hair about the throat, chest, and 
flanks is rather long, and gives a very determinate look to the animal. 

The Chetah is known as an inhabitant of many parts of Asia, including India, Sumatra, 
and Persia, while in Africa it is found in Senegal, and at the Cape of Good Hope. 


HYENAS. 


THE group of animals which are so well known by the title of Hyrnas, are, although most 
repulsive to the view, and most disgusting in their habits, the very saviors of life and health 
in the countries where they live, and where there is necessity for their existence. In this land, 


174 HYENAS. 


and at the present day, there is no need of such large animals as the Hyenas to perform their 
necessary and useful task of clearing the earth from the decaying carcasses, which cumber its 
surface and poison its air, for in our utilitarian age even the very hairs from a cow’s hide are 
turned to account, and the driest bones are made to subserve many uses. We need not the 
Hyenas, with their strong teeth, their powerful jaws, their rapid digestion, and their insatiable 
appetite. For the animal substances which are cast out unburied on our land are generally 
either eaten or buried by certain of the insect tribes, who are of a verity visible providences 
to us, assimilating into their own being, or that of their progeny, the putrefying matter that, 
but for their providential interference, would pour out clouds of poisoned gases, rife with 
pestilence and disease. 

In those countries, as well as in our own, there are carnivorous and flesh-burying insects, 
which consume the smaller animal substances ; but the rough work is left to those industrious 
scavengers the Hyenas, which content themselves with the remains of large animals. 

In the semi-civilized countries of Africa and Asia, the Hyena is a public benefactor, swal- 
lowing with his accommodating appetite almost every species of animal substance that can be 
found, and even crushing to splinters between his iron jaws the bones which would resist the 
attacks of all other carnivorous animals. 

There are several species of Hyenas, which are found in Asia and Africa, such as the 
Striped Hyena, sometimes called the Crested Hyena, or Strand Wolf, the Brown Hyena, and 
the Tiger Wolf, or Spotted Hyena. The habits of all these animals are very similar. The 
animals comprising this group are remarkable for their slouching, shambling gait, which is 
caused by the disproportion that exists between their legs. The fore-legs, which are used for 
digging, are powerful and well developed, but the hinder pair are so short that the line of the 
back slopes suddenly downwards from the hips, and gives to the creature a most sneaking and 
cowardly look. There are only four toes on‘each foot. 

Jseful as is the Hyena when it remains within its proper boundaries, and restricts itself to 
its proper food, it becomes a terrible pest when too numerous to find sufficient nourishment 
in dead carrion. Incited by hunger, it hangs on the skirts of villages and encampments, and 
loses few opportunities of making a meal at the expense of the inhabitants. It does not openly 
oppose even a domestic ox, but endeavors to startle its intended prey, and cause it to take to 
flight before it will venture upon an attack. In order to alarm the cattle it has a curious 
habit of creeping as closely as possible to them, and then springing up suddenly just under 
their eyes. Should the startled animals turn to flee, the Hyena will attack and destroy them ; 
but if they should turn to bay, will stand still and venture no farther. It will not even attack 
a knee-haltered horse. So it often happens that the Hyena destroys the healthy cattle which 
can run away, and is afraid to touch the sickly and maimed beasts which cannot flee, and are 
forced to stand at bay. 

Among the warlike tribes that inhabit the greater part of Africa this cowardly disposition 
throws a sad discredit on the animal, and they lavish upon the Hyena their copious vocabu- 
lary of abusive terms. Even a weapon which has been used for the purpose of killing a Hyena 
is held by them as entirely defiled, and rendered unfit for the use of a warrior. Jules Gérard 
relates an incident of Hyena hunting, which, although it reflects a little upon himself, he 
narrates with much humor. 

He had left the encampment, and was proceeding hurriedly along the path, when he 
suddenly came upon a rough, hairy animal, which had been surprised by daybreak, and was 
shambling along towards its home with a limping, hobbling gait, and an air of blank astonish- 
ment. The animal, a Hyena, made off as fast as it could, and the hunter, having left his gun 
with an attendant who was lingering behind, was fain to draw his sabre, and charge the 
retreating beast as he best could. The Hyena was too quick for him, and plunging among the 
bushes disappeared into a cavity at the foot of a rock. 

The hunter was determined to secure the animal if he could, so he tied his horse to a bush, 
and crawled into the little cavern. When fairly inside he found that he was within a deserted 
stone quarry, where he could stand erect and freely use his arms. The cavern was so dark, 
however, that he could not see the Hyena, and the only indication of its presence was afforded 


Pise\ue 


STRIPED HYENA. 


THE STRIPED HYENA. 175 


by its teeth grinding upon the sword-blade, and endeavoring to drag the weapon from his 
hand. In afew moments his eyes became accustomed to the obscurity, and he could perceive 
the Hyena still holding on to the point of the sword. A sudden effort sufficed to free the 
weapon, and with a quick thrust, the blade was buried to the hilt in the creature’s breast, 
laying the Hyena dead on the floor of the cave. 

Just as M. Gérard had withdrawn the dripping sword, and was about to drag the slain 
animal from the cave, his attendant arrived, accompanied by some negroes whom he had 
pressed into the service. 

The hunter thought that he had deserved some credit for his hand-to-hand combat with so 
’ powerful an animal, and was unpleasantly disappointed when the Arab recommended him to 
return thanks that he had not used his gun, and advised him to discard the ensanguined sabre, 
as it would betray him. Indeed he found that he had committed a woeful blunder, and that 
it behoved him to achieve some specially daring deed in order to stop the slanderous tongues 
of the Arab tribes. 

He afterwards found that the Arabs scorned to use a weapon against the Hyena, which 
they killed in a most unique manner. 

Taking a handful of wet mud, or similar substance, and presenting themselves at the 
mouth of the Hyena’s den, they extend their hand to the animal, and say mockingly, ‘See, 
how pretty I will make you with this henna!’’ They then dash the wet compost into the 
creature’s eyes, drag him out by a paw, and gag him before he recovers from the sudden 
bewilderment. The poor beast is now handed over to the women and children, who stone 
it to death. 

These Hyenas are very fond of dog-flesh, and employ a very ingenious mode of catching 
their favorite prey. The female Hyena creeps quietly, and ensconces herself behind some bush 
or other concealment not far from a village or a temporary encampment. Her mate then plays 
his part by running boldly forwards, and making himself as conspicuous as possible, so as to 
draw the attention of some of the multitudinous dogs which prowl about human habitations. 
Out rush the dogs at the sight of the intruder, and the Hyena runs off as fast as he can, taking 
care to pass near the spot where his mate is lying concealed. The result may be imagined. 

It is not often the case that the Hyena will commit itself to so bold an action, for it is 
never known to be venturesome unless compelled by dire hunger. 


THE STRIPED HYENA is easily to be distinguished from its relations by the peculiar 
streaks from which it derives its name. The general color of the fur is a grayish-brown, 
diversified with blackish stripes, which run along the ribs, and upon the limbs. A large 
singular black patch extends over the front of the throat, and single black hairs are profusely 
scattered among the fur. When young, the stripes are more apparent than in adult age, and 
the little animal has something of a tigrine aspect about its face. The reason for this cireum- 
stance is twofold; firstly, because the groundwork of the fur is lighter than in the adult 
Hyena ; and secondly, because the stripes are proportionately much broader than in the full- 
grown animal, and therefore occupy more space. 

Although the Hyena is so cowardly an animal, yet, like all cowards, it becomes very bold 
when it finds that it can make its attack with impunity. Emboldened by numbers, and incited 
by fierce hunger, the Hyenas become the very pests of the native African towns ; roaming with 
impunity through the streets in search of the garbage that is plentifully flung from the houses, 
and conducting themselves with the greatest impudence. At nightfall the inhabitants are fain 
to close their doors firmly, for these dangerous brutes have been known to seize a sleeping 
man, and to kill him with the terrible grip of their powerful jaws. 

In proportion to its size, the Hyena possesses teeth and jaws of extraordinary strength, 
and between their tremendous fangs the thigh-bones of an ox fly in splinters with a savage 
crash that makes the spectator shudder. The skull of this animal is formed in a manner that 
at once points it out as belonging to a creature of enormous power. The ‘zygomatic’? arches 
of bone that extend from the eyes to the ears are of exceeding strength and thickness; and 
along the top of the head there runs a deep bony crest that projects beyond the brain cavity, 


176 THE SPOTTED HYENA. 


and serves for the attachment of the powerful muscles to which the animal owes its singular 
strength. So forcibly are these muscles exerted that the vertebree of the neck are sometimes 
found to have united together—‘‘anchylosed”’ according to the professional term, on account 
of the violent tension to which they were continually subjected. 

The muzzle is but short, and the rough thorn-studded tongue is used, like that of the 
feline groups, for rasping every vestige of flesh from the bones of the prey. 


Tur Brown Hyena is so named on account of the color of its fur, which is of a blackish- 
brown tint, diversified with a lighter hue upon the neck and throat, and a few indistinctly 


STRIPED OR CRESTED HYENA.—Ayena striata. 


marked bands of a blackish-brown across the legs. The hair of this species is extremely long, 
and has a decided ‘‘set’’ backwards. 

Sometimes the brown hue of the fur is washed with a warmer tint of chestnut, from which 
circumstance the animal has been termed ‘‘Crocuta rufa,” the latter word signifying a ruddy 
hue, and being applied especially to hair. 


Tue last of the three acknowledged species of Hyena is a larger and heavier built animal 
than either of the preceding species, from which it is easily distinguishable by the numerous 
and well-defined spots that are scattered over its body and limbs. The Sporrep HyENA, or 
Tiger Wolf, as it is generally called, is, for a Hyena, a fierce and dangerous animal, invading 
the sheep-folds and cattle-pens under the cover of darkness, and doing in one night more mis- 
chief than can be remedied in the course of years. 


THE SPOTTED HYENA. ILL 


The spots, or rather the blotches, with which its fur is marked, are rather scanty upon the 
back and sides, but upon the legs are much more clearly marked, and are set closer together. 
The paws are nearly black. In the collection of the British Museum is a very young speci- 
men, which, curiously enough, is devoid of the spots that mark its adult fur, thereby present- 
ing a remarkable contrast to the animals which we have already mentioned. For example, the 
lion, which in mature age is of a uniform tawny hue, is covered when young with spots and 
stripes, which seem to partake equally of the tigrine and pardine character. The young puma, 
again, exhibits strongly marked spots of a deeper hue upon its pale tawny fur, and retains 
them for a considerable time. Indeed, even in the fur of an adult puma may be discerned the 


L, Wenot =&% 


BROWN HYENA.—AHyena brunnea. 


remnants of these maculations when the animal is placed in certain lights. The Striped Hyena, 
again, exhibits more decisive markings while young than after it has attained its full growth, 
and there are many other similar instances. These examples would seem to justify the idea, 
that the young of these and similar animals were deeper in their coloring than their parents. 
Yet, in direct opposition to this seeming rule, we find the young of the Spotted Hyena to 
possess a simple, ruddy, brown fur, similar in color to that of the Brown Hyena. It is worthy 
of notice, that whatever dark spots, stripes, or blotches exist wpon an animal, whether in its 
young or its adult state, they may always be found either upon the back, following the line of 
the vertebree, or upon the legs. And even in those numerous cases where, as in the leopard, 
tiger, ocelot, and other striped and spotted animals, the dark markings are persistent through 
the entire life of the creature, these dark spots and stripes are always found to be more power- 
fully developed upon the spine and on the legs. I would here offer a suggestion : that we 
may find a key to this curious enigma in the fact, that the darker fur seems, in these animals, 


178 THE SPOTTED HYENA. 


to accompany the chief voluntary nerves, and therefore to become more conspicuous upon the 
line of the all-important nervous column that runs along the back, and of the great branch 
nerves which supply power and energy to the limbs. It will be borne in mind that the com- 
plicated ganglionic system of nerves that intertwines itself among the vital organs, and is 
woven into such manifold reticulations on the ‘‘epigastrium,”’ is of a different character from 
the round cord-like nerves of motion, and is found mostly in those parts of the body where the 
fur is palest. 

The Tiger Wolf is celebrated for the strange unearthly sounds which it utters when under 
the influence of strong excitement. The animal is often called the ‘‘ Laughing Hyena”’ on 
account of the maniacal, mirthless, hysterical laugh which it pours forth, accompanying these 


SPOTTED HYENA, OR TIGER WOLF .—Crocuta maculata. 


horrid sounds with the most absurd gestures of body and limbs. During the time that the 
creature is engaged in uttering these wild fearful peals of laughter it dances about in a state 
of ludicrously frantic excitement, running backwards and forwards, rising on its hind legs, 
and rapidly gyrating on those members, nodding its head repeatedly to the ground; and, in 
fine, performing the most singular antics with wonderful rapidity. 

The ancients, who had the vaguest possible ideas of the Hyena, and considered it to be as 
fearful a foe to humanity as the lion, thought that the animal was accustomed to decoy stray 
travellers to its den by imitating the laughter of human revellers, and then to kill and devour 
those who had been deceived by the simulated revelry. Besides the ordinary teeth and claws 
with which a Hyena was furnished, these ancient authors supplied the Hyena with two addi- 
tional rows of teeth in each jaw, and a supply of sharp darts at the extremity of the tail. The 
triple row of teeth was evidently borrowed from the shark, which is indeed a kind of marine 
Hyena, and the caudal darts were clearly adopted from the skin of the porcupine. 

The Hyena is too vexatious a neighbor not to be persecuted, and frequently falls a victim 
to the treacherous spring-gun, in spite of the benefits which he confers on mankind by his 
unfailing energy in devouring every scrap of eatable food. 


THE CAPE HYENA. 179 


To set a gun for the purpose of Hyena shooting is an easy matter, and is managed as 
follows. The loaded musket is -fixed horizontally to a couple of posts, about the height of a 
Hyena’s head. A string is then fastened to the trigger, one end of which is passed behind the 
trigger guard, or through a ring placed for the purpose, and the other is firmly tied to a piece 
of meat, which is hung on the muzzle of the gun. When a passing Hyena, prowling about in 
search of prey, is attracted by the meat, he seizes it between his teeth, and thus draws the 
trigger of the gun, lodging the bullet in his head. Tenacious of life as is the Hyena, he falls 
dead on the spot. 

In order to attract the notice of the Hyenas, a piece of putrid flesh is dragged along the 
ground so as to leave an odoriferous trail leading to the treacherous weapon. 

Taught by experience, the Hyenas have become so suspicious of an object which they do 
not understand, and to which they are not accustomed, that the very sight of a piece of string 
alarms them, and guards them from self-immolation in many a trap. So the farmers, who 
chiefly set these explosive traps, match the creature’s cunning by their own superior intellect, 
and substitute the stems of creeping plants for the hempen cord or leathern strings. These 
objects are regarded without suspicion, and by their assistance the outwitted Hyena is 
laid low. 

In chasing living animals the Hyena employs the same caution that characterizes his 
ordinary proceedings. When they seize their prey the Hyenas carefully avoid those spots 
where the affrighted animal might reach them with its hoofs, teeth, or horns. They never 
seem to spring on the animals’s neck, but hang on to its flanks, dragging it to the ground by 
the mingled weight of their body and the pain of the wound. Many veteran oxen and horses 
are deeply scarred in the flanks by the teeth of the Hyena, which has made its attack, but has 
been scared away or shaken off. 

The eyes of the Hyenas are singularly repulsive in their expression, being round, dull, 
and almost meaningless. 

There are man-eaters among the Hyenas, and these hominivorous animals are greatly 
dreaded, on account of the exceeding stealthiness and craft with which they achieve their 
object. 

They very seldom endeavor to destroy the adult men and women, but limit their attacks 
to the young and defenceless children. On dark nights the Hyena is greatly to be feared, for 
he can be guided to his prey by the light of the nocturnal fires which do not daunt an animal 
that is possessed by this fearful spirit of destructiveness, and at the same time can make his 
cautious approaches unseen. As the family are lying at night, buried in sleep, the Hyena 
prowls round the inclosure, and on finding a weak spot the animal pushes aside the wattle 
bands of which the fence is made, and quietly creeps through the breach. 

Between the human inhabitants and the fence, the cattle are picketed by night, and would 
fall an easy prey to the Hyena if he chose to attack them. But he slips cautiously amid the 
sleeping beasts, and makes his way to the spot where lies a young child, wrapped in deep 
slumber. Employing the same silent caution, the Hyena quietly withdraws the sleeping child 
from the protecting cloak of its mother, and makes its escape with its prey before it can be 
intercepted. 

With such marvellous caution does this animal act, that it has often been known to 
remove an infant from the house without even giving the alarm. 

Tt has already been mentioned that the Hyena is in no wise fastidious in its diet, and that 
it will habitually consume the most indigestible of substances. Yet there seems to be some- 
thing capricious about the function of assimilating food, which, even in the Hyena, is subject 
to remarkable fluctuations. To one of these animals, after a fast of thirty-six hours, a dead 
rat was given, which, as might be expected, it immediately swallowed. In fifteen minutes, 
the creature rejected the skin and bones of the rat, though the same animal would have eaten 
with impunity the heavy bones or tough hide of a veteran ox, or even would have made a 
satisfactory meal on a few yards of leathern strap. 

The following anecdotes of the Cape Hyena and its habits are taken from the MS. of 
Captain Drayson, R.A., to which reference has already been made. 


180 THE CAPE HYENA. 


‘‘THIs animal is very common in South Africa, and being cunning, and rarely venturing 
out by day, is likely to be longer a denizen of the inhabited districts than many other less 
formidable creatures. The height at the shoulder is about two feet six inches, and falls 
towards the rump; extreme length, about five feet ten inches. The head is short and very 
broad ; muzzle and nose black ; general color, brown, irregularly blotched with circular black 
spots. The tail sixteen inches; hairs on the back of the neck and withers long, forming a 
reversed mane. 

“The proper duty of this creature appears to be that of scavenger, and is, with regard to 
the beasts, what the vulture is to the birds; but owing to its great appetite, and naturally 
voracious disposition, it does not appear contented with merely the carrion which it might 
procure, but employs its strength and speed in destroying the flocks and herds of the colonists, 
or in killing such antelopes as it is enabled to capture. 

“Tf this animal possessed courage in proportion to its strength it would be a very formi- 
dable opponent to man, and, as it hunts frequently in packs, might test the skill and boldness 
of the hunter ; but, fortunately, its principal characteristic is cowardice. 

‘‘Owing to the custom prevalent amongst many of the South African tribes of exposing 
their dead to be devoured by beasts of prey, the Hyena has acquired the taste for human flesh, 
and therefore cases are on record of the huts of Kaffirs having been entered by it, and the 
children carried off and devoured. Most ably does the Hyena perform his functions in the 
economy of nature. Whilst the lion selects the choice parts of a slain animal, and the vulture 
those which he cannot eat, the Hyena comes and finishes hide, bones, and other remnants 
which have been too tough for the digestion of the others. 

“Tt appears to be a law of nature that those animals which take the shortest time to fill 
their stomachs can go the longest time without eating. For example, the horse and the ox 
will take from half an hour to one hour and a half to feed, and they will both suffer if they 
are kept more than a day without food. The wolf and the dog can make a very satisfactory 
meal in about two minutes, and either can remain two or three days without suffering much 
for want of a meal. We may even remark that this instinctive mode of eating food is 
prevalent among human beings. 

‘‘The rough ploughboy, whose meals are limited in number to one or two daily, and are 
composed of coarse bread and fat bacon, swallows in a few minutes these articles of food in 
great morsels which he can hardly force into his mouth, and which he scarcely takes the 
trouble to masticate. The food which is thus taken into the system will repel the feeling of 
faintness consequent on an empty stomach much more than if it were leisurely eaten and 
properly subjected to the action of the teeth. This result is only natural, for the better food 
is masticated, the sooner is it digested. 

““The Hyena in the Zoological Gardens appears well acquainted with this fact, for on one 
occasion, being anxious to see how easily he crushed a huge bone of beef, I took my station in 
front of his cage, just before feeding time. After the usual laugh had been extracted from crowd 
and Hyena, a leg of beef was forced under the bars, and was seized by the hysterical scavenger. 
A few strips of flesh were torn off and swallowed, and then there remained about nine inches 
of bone and sinew; instead of crushing these into little pieces, and then swallowing it, as I 
expected, the wise animal just turned the bone ‘head on,’ took it in his jaws, made a face, con- 
torted his body, and that solid mass was deposited in the yawning sarcophagus. The crowd 
laughed and dispersed, but did not remark what experience had probably taught this prisoner, 
viz., that when he swallowed the bone whole he was not so famished by the next day’s dinner- 
hour as when he ground it up into small pieces. This Hyena, having but little variety of 
occupation for its mind, had probably devoted much patient thought to the adjustment of 
this fact. 

The Hyena usually lives in holes, or amongst rocks, in retired localities, and when the sun 
has set he comes forth and searches for food. He then utters a long melancholy howl, which 
finishes with a sort of bark, and occasionally that fiend-like laugh which, when heard in the 
desert, amid scenes of the wildest description, calls up in the imagination of the solitary 
traveller the forms of some spectral ghouls searching for their unnatural feast. 


THE CAPE HYENA. 181 


‘““The smell of the Hyena is so rank and offensive that no animal, other than of its own 
species, will come near the carcass. Dogs, when they come across the scent of the Hyena, at 
once show signs of fear; they will scarcely leave their master, and, with bristling manes and 
wild looks, examine every inch of ground over which they pass. 

“The spoor of the Hyena is somewhat similar to, but larger than that of the dog; the nails 
not being retractile, usually leave an impression upon soft ground, which is not the case with 
the leopard. The inside toe of each foot is smaller than the outside, and the footmarks can be 
easily recognized and distinguished from those of dogs. 

“‘During one warm afternoon, whilst riding over the grassy slopes on the banks of the 
Umganie River, near Pietermaritzberg, and attended by a cunning old pointer, I saw the 
dog stand on the brink of an old water-course, and bark fiercely at some object which appeared 
to be stationed below. I knew that the bark and the expression which accompanied it was 
the dog-language for ‘there’s something here,’ so I dismounted, and walked towards the dyke. 
As I approached, the dog, with an aspect of alarm, sprang back, and then rushed forward 
again. From having had several unpleasant rencontres with poisonous snakes I had become 
very cautious, and advanced so slowly that I was only enabled to catch a glimpse of a Hyena, 
which, upon seeing me, immediately retreated into an opening. ; 

“*T descended the steep bank and found a large hole, which appeared to be the entrance to 
a subterraneous passage, by which the water obtained an exit. I collected a few sticks and 
some long grass, which I placed over the entrance, and then endeavored to trace the course of 
this passage, to see if there were another opening. 

‘‘About fifty yards from the first I found a second hole, which evidently led to the first ; 
neither of these was large enough to admit me, and the dog could not have done much good 
even had he entered ; but he appeared to have a great objection to approach too near to the den. 

‘“‘ After some consideration, I determined to cut a quantity of the dry grass, to fill one 
opening with it, set it on fire, and then to watch near the other hole. This plan failed to 
unearth the creature, so I reversed the arrangement, but with no better success. 

‘* At length I fired several bullets into the opening, trusting that a stray shot might strike 
near the Hyena, and that it would drive him into open ground. The sinuosities of the passage 
prevented the possibility of a fair shot. 

‘“Whilst thus engaged, the dog suddenly barked and dashed off. Upon reaching the top 
of the bank, I saw the Hyena scrambling over the hills, closely followed by my dog. I 
mounted my pony, but the pace was too good for him. I, however, held the Hyena in view for 
a considerable time as it passed over the successive ridges, but the pointer soon gave up his 
pursuit. 

“T think that when the ordinary game is driven away by sporting men, or killed by 
sportsmen, Hyena-hunting with a pack of hounds would be found very good sport, and 
perhaps we should have Hyena-hunters sneering at fox-hunters as much as some fox-hunters 
now do at ‘thistle-whippers.’ 

“‘The Hyena is frequently caught in a trap of simple construction. Stakes are driven 
into the ground so as to form an inclosure, and a hanging door of stone, sustained by a cord, 
closes the aperture when it falls. A bait is placed at the farther end of the trap, and the 
whole contrivance is like a large mouse-trap. When caught, the Hyena is despatched with 
spears and clubs, or is shot. 

. “The traveller is frequently disturbed during the night by the daring Hyenas, who will 
sneak about his wagons in search of leather straps, trektows, and other savory provender ; 
and if a pairof shoes or some leather breeches happened to be left in an exposed situation 
during the dark hours, they may.be considered lost without redemption, for such a supper 
would be an unlooked-for luxury by the gaunt brute.”’ 


One of these animals was discovered in a state of sad laceration. The two fore-paws were 
gone, and the legs themselves had been frightfully torn, evidently by some powerful beast 
of prey. The natives said that the Hyena had been thus punished by the lion for interfering 
with his arrangements, and stated, moreover, that the lion frequently corrected the forward 


182 AARD WOLF. 


conduct of the Hyena, by biting off every one of its paws. This statement, curious as it may 
seem, was corroborated by several experienced hunters. 

Although in former days the Hyena was supposed to be a wholly untamable animal, later 
experiments have shown that it is nearly as tractable and affectionate as a dog when it has 
the benefit of similar treatment. It has been known to accompany its master as familiarly as 
any dog, and to recognize him with airs of joy after a lengthened absence. The potency which 
some persons exert over animal natures is most remarkable. It may be that such persons pour 
much love upon all things, and therefore upon the animals with which they come in contact. 
So love, creating love, —which i is the ee gift of Cod’ and the sum of His divine attributes, 
, and through this higher quae 


ee their smeellectaall capaeiiien! 


CIVETS. 


Ir is generally the case with the greater divisions of animals that there exists certain 
intermediate forms of animal life, which seem to be rather higher than the one division, and 
lower than the other, being, in fact, transi- 
tional forms between the higher and the 
lower groups. Thus the Colugo, or Flying 
Lemur, is an intermediate form between 
the monkey and bats, and the AARD WoLF 
is intermediate between the hyenas and 
the Civets, belonging, however, more to 
the latter than the former group of ani- 
mals. It is much smaller than the hyenas, 
but larger than the Civets and genetts, 
and, indeed, has indifferently been called 
a hyena, a jackal, or a Civet. 

The form of the Aard Wolf much 
resembles that of the hyena, the fore- 
quarters being powerful and well devel- 
oped, and the hinder quarters low and 
sloping. The general aspect of the creature 
is very similar to that of the hyena, for, in 
addition to the hyenine sloping back and 
weak hind legs, the fur is rough, coarse, 
and colored in a manner not unlike that 
of the striped hyena. The tail is very large 
in proportion to the size of the animal, and 
is thickly covered with long bushy hair, 
; : black at the extremity, and blackish-gray 

AARD WOLF.—Proteles cristatus. on the other portions of that member. The 

back of the neck and the shoulders are 

furnished with a thick bristling mane, which it can erect when excited, and it then resembles a 
minature striped hyena. . 

The claws of the fore-feet are sturdy, and firmly attached to the paws, so as to serve their 
proper use of digging. The Aard Wolf is an admirable excavator, and digs for itself a deep 
burrow, where it lies concealed during the day, buried in sleep at the bottom of its mine. 
From this habit of burrowing in the earth, the creature has derived its title of ‘“‘ Aard or 
Earth Wolf.” 

A curious mode of domestic arrangement is carried out by these animals. Several indi- 
viduals seem to unite in forming a common habitation. Several deep burrows are dug, having 
their common termination in a small chamber, where three or four Aard Wolves take up their 
residence. Whether each animal digs and uses its own burrow, or whether the tunnels, as 


THE CIVET. 183 


well as the central chamber, are common to the inhabitants, is not known. It seems, however, 
to be probable that such a mode of procedure would be adopted, and that each member of the 
little community appropriated to itself the tunnel which its own paws had dug. 

The color of the Aard Wolf is gray, with a decided tinge of yellow. Several broad bands 
of darker fur are seen on the sides, and the paws are quite black. The hair of this animal 
is of two kinds,—a thick, short, woolly coating, which lies next to the skin, and a longer and 
coarser set of hairs, which protrude through the woolly coating, and hang downwards to some 
length. The adult Aard Wolf is about three feet six inches in total length, the tail being 
about a foot long. 

The food of this animal is similar to that of the hyena, and consists chiefly of carrion and 
small animals. It does not disdain to make an occasional meal on insects, for a number of 
ants were discovered in the stomach of an Aard Wolf that had been killed. 


CIVET.— Viverra civetta. 


THE CIVET, sometimes, but wrongly, called the Civet Cat, is a native of Northern Africa, 
and is found plentifully in Abyssinia, where it is eagerly sought on account of the peculiarly 
scented substance which is secreted in certain glandular pouches. This Civet perfume was 
formerly considered as a most valuable medicine, and could only be obtained at a very high 
price ; but in the present day it has nearly gone out of fashion as a drug, and holds its place in 
commerce more as a simple perfume than as a costly panacea. 

In this animal we may trace a decided resemblance to the Aard Wolf, both in the shape 
of the body and in the markings. 

But the Civet bears itself in a very different manner, having more of the weasel than of 
the hyenine nature, and the coloring of the fur is of a much richer character than that of 
the previously mentioned animal. } 

Tt is nearly as large as the Aard Wolf, its total length being about three feet six inches, 
of which the tail occupies nearly one-third. Along the back, and even on part of the tail, runs 
a boldly marked crest or mane, which can be erected by the animal at pleasure, or can lie 
nearly, but not quite, evenly with the fur. 

The substance which is so prized on account of its odoriferous qualities is secreted in 
a double pouch, which exists under the abdomen, close to the insertion of the tail. As this 


184 THE ZIBETH. 


curious production is of some value in commerce, the animal which furnishes the precious 
secretion is too valuable to be killed for the sake of its scent-pouch, and is kept in a state 
of captivity, so as to afford a continual supply of the odoriferous material. 

The mode by which the Civet perfume is removed from the animal is very ingenious. 
The animals which belong to this group are very quick and active in their movements, and, 
being furnished with sharp teeth and strong jaws, are dangerous beasts to handle. As may be 
imagined, the Civet resents the rough treatment that must be used in order to effect the desired 
purpose, and snaps and twists about with such lithe and elastic vigor that no one could 
venture to lay a hand on it without sufficient precaution. So, when the time arrives for the 
removal of the perfume, the Civet is put into a long and very narrow cage, so that it cannot 
turn itself round. A bone or horn spoon is then introduced through an opening, and the 
odoriferous secretion is scraped from its pouch with perfect impunity. This end achieved, 
the plundered animal is released from its strait durance, and is permitted a respite until the 
supply of perfume shall be re-formed. 

As the Civet might be inconvenienced by the continual secretion of this substance, Nature 
supplies a simple remedy, and the perfume falls from the pouch in pieces about the size of an 
ordinary nut. The interior of each half of the pouch is sufficiently capacious to hold a large 
almond. As the civet is formed, it is pressed through very small orifices into the pouch, so 
that if it is examined before it has merged itself into a uniform mass, it is something like fine 
vermicelli in appearance. The interior of the pouch is thickly coated with fine hairs, and 
entirely covered with the minute orifices or pores through which the perfume exudes. The 
creature is able to compress the pouch at will. 

The Civet seems to be a very sleepy animal, especially during the daytime, and to be with 
difficulty aroused from its somnolence. 

While it remains in the pouch, the “‘civet”’ is rather thick and unctuous, something like 
butter in texture. 

The use which this curious secretion subserves in the economy of the creature is very 
dubious. It is not sufficiently liquid to be ejected against its pursuers, and so to repel them 
by its odor, as we know to be the case with the celebrated skunk of America, and other 
animals. It may be, that this substance can be re-absorbed into the system, and thus serve an 
important purpose ; but whatever its use may be, it is clear that it serves some worthy object, 
and that therefore the production of this secretion is deserving the attention of those who have 
the opportunity of making practical experiments. ; 

The claws of the Civet are only partially retractile. The eyes are of a dull brown, very 
protuberant, and with a curiously changeable pupil, which by day exhibits a rather broad 
linear pupil, and glows at night with a brilliant emerald refulgence. The body is curiously 
shaped, being considerably flattened on the sides, as if the animal had been pressed between 
two boards. 

Altogether, the Civet is a very handsome animal, the bold dashing of black. and white 
upon its fur having a very rich effect. The face has a curious appearance, owing to the white 
fur which fringes the lips, and the long pure white whisker hairs of the lips, and eyes. When 
young, it is almost wholly black, with the exception of the white whisker hairs and the white 
fur of the lips. It seems to be an irritable animal, and, when angered, vents its indignation 
by fierce growls. 


Upon the Asiatic continent, and its islands, the place of the civet is taken by several of the 
Viverrine tribe, one of which, the ZiBrrn, bears a close resemblance to its African relative. 

The Zibeth is a native of many parts of Asia, being found in China, India, the Philippines, 
Nepal, and other localities. It may be distinguished from the civet by the greater amount of 
white which is found in the fur, especially about the neck and throat, by the shorter hair, 
and by the greater number of dark rings upon the tail. The tail of the Zibeth is not so largely 
marked with black at its extremity as that of the civet. The mane or crest which runs along 
the back is comparatively small. The spots which mark the body are rather indistinctly out- 
lined, and the general tint of the fur seems to be paler than that of the civet. 


THE RASSE. 185 


It is furnished with a musk-secreting pouch like that of the African civet. It isa lethargic 
animal in captivity, and even in a wild state passes the day in sleep, and only seeks its food 
after dark. Its usual diet is composed of birds and the smaller mammalia, but it will also 
eat various fruits, especially those of a sweet nature. In size it nearly equals the civet. In 
captivity it isa gentle creature, and is so completely tamed by the natives of the countries 
where it is found that it inhabits the house like a domestic cat and employs itself in similar 
useful pursuits. 


THE animal which is known by 
the native name of TANGALUNG, bears 
some resemblance to the preceding 
animals. The black markings, how- 
ever, are more distinct, and along the 
direction of the spine the fur is most 
deeply black. On the lower part of 
the throat and neck are three cu- 
riously shaped black bands, very 
wide in the middle and very narrow 
at each end, the central band being 
several times wider than the others. 

The length of this animal is two 
feet six inches, the head measuring 
nearly seven inches in length, and the 
tail about eleven inches. The head 
is rather wide and rounded, and is 
suddenly contracted towards the nose, 
so as to form a rather short muzzle. 
The tail is nearly cylindrical, and 
does not taper so much as that of 
the zibeth, and the body is furnished 
with a close downy covering of soft 
hairs next the skin. It is partly to 
this woolly hair that the cylindrical 
outline of the tail is owing. The 
Tangalung is a native of Sumatra. 


THE RASSE is spread over a large 
extent of country, being found in 
Java, various parts of India, Singa- 
pore, Nepal, and other localities. The color of its fur isa warm grayish-brown, upon which 
are placed eight parallel lines of elongated dark spots. The dark rings which mark the 
tail pass entirely round that member, while those which are found on the tail of the zibeth 
reach little more than half the circumference of the tail. The texture of the fur is rather 
coarse and stiff, and it is not very thickly set. The ears of this animal approach each other 
very closely at their base, being only separated by the space of an inch, whereas there is an 
interval of two inches between the ears of the zibeth. 

In the Javanese language, the word ‘‘ Rasa,’’ from which the name Rasse is taken, signi- 
fies a sensation of the palate or the nostrils, so that it may be applied to the senses of smelling 
or tasting. It generally refers to odoriferous substances. 

The perfume which is furnished by the Rasse is secreted in a double pouch, like that of 
the civet, and is removed from the animal in precisely the same manner. It is highly valued 
by the Javanese, who imbue their persons, their rooms, and their garments so strongly with 
this substance that a European nostril is grievously affected at the all-pervading odor. The 
substance itself is termed Dedes. 


ie Wes WZ 


ZIBETH.—Viverra zibetha. 


186 THE DELUNDUNG. 


As far as is known of the disposition of this animal, it appears to be savage and irritable, 
bearing captivity very impatiently, and never losing its wild ferocious nature. It is a very 


RASSE.— Viverra indica. 


destructive creature among the animals on which it feeds, and on account of its long sharp 
teeth can inflict a severe bite when it is angry. In captivity it generally feeds on eggs, various 
birds, and meat and fish, and a little rice. The 
natives say that salt is a poison to it. 


THE pretty animal which is represented 
in the accompanying engraving is remarkably 
rich in coloring, as well as graceful in form. 
The DELUNDUNG is a native of Java and 
Malacca, and is destitute of the scent-pouches 
which are so curious a characteristic of the 
preceding Viverrine animals. It is not at all 
a common animal, and its habits are not very 
clearly known. 

The general color of the fur is a moderately 
deep gray, and upon the back are drawn four 
very large, saddle-shaped stripes of an exceed- 
ingly dark and rich brown, extremely broad 
on the spine, and becoming very narrow on 
the ribs. Along the sides run two rows or 
chains of similarly colored markings, the up- 
per band being occasionally merged in the 
broad stripes that cross the back. The lower 
band extends from the cheeks to the flanks. 
The legs are finely spotted, and the tail is 
covered with alternate rings of gray and dark 
brown, the rings becoming more distinct 
; - towards the point of the tail. 

Ae ee Praeute The creature has been termed Pridnodon, 

or ‘‘Saw-tooth,”” on account of the curiously 

shaped teeth, which present a jagged, or saw-like appearance. Its limbs are very slender 

and delicately formed. Although a scarce animal in every part of Java, it is especially so 

in any part of the island except the eastern end, where it is found among the thick forests 
with which that locality is densely clothed. 


THE GENETTS. : 187 


GENETTS. 


A SMALL, but rather important, group of the Viverrine animals, is that the members of 
which are known by the name of the Gmnrrrs. These creatures are all nocturnal in their 
habits, as are the civets, and, like those animals, can live on a mixture of animal and vegetable 
food, or even on vegetable food alone. The Genetts possess the musk-secreting apparatus, 
which much resembles the pouch of the civet, although in size it is not so large, nor does it 
secrete so powerfully smelling a substance as that of the civets. The secreting organ, although 
it resembles a pouch, is not so in reality, being simply composed of two glands, united to each 
other by a strip of skin. 

The best known of these animals is the Common, or BLOTCHED GENETT, an inhabitant of 
Southern Africa and of various other parts of the world, being found even in the south of 


BLOTCHED GENETT.—Genetta vulgaris. 


France. It isa very beautiful and graceful animal, and never fails to attract attention from 
an observer. The general color of the fur is gray, with a slight admixture of yellow. Upon 
this groundwork dark patches are lavishly scattered, and the full furry tail is covered 
with alternate bands of black and white. The muzzle would be entirely black but for a 
bold patch of white fur on the upper lip, and a less decidedly white mark by the nose. The 
feet are supplied with retractile claws, so that the animal can deal. a severe blow with 
its outstretched talons, or climb trees with the same ease and rapidity which is found in the 
cat tribe. 


Another pretty species of this genus is the PALE, or SENEGAL GENETT. 

The fur of this animal is whiter than that of the Blotched Genett, and the markings 
are rather differently arranged. Along the spine a nearly unbroken dark stripe is drawn, 
and upon the neck and shoulders the spots have a tendency to merge into each other 
and to form stripes, extending from the head along the neck and over the shoulders. On 


188 THE CACOMIXLE. 


each side of the face is a bold black patch. The hinder legs are quite black at the ankle 
joint. 

These animals are very susceptible of domestication, and in various Eastern districts are 
as familiar inhabitants of the house as the domestic cat. Like the house cat, the Genett 
signalizes itself in the destructive wars which it wages against rats and mice, being especially 
fitted for such a pursuit by its active limbs and lithe form. The Genetts seem, when wild, 
to prefer the low grounds in the vicinity of rivers to the higher forest lands, and are there 
captured. 

They are not nearly so large as the civet, being only five inches in height at the shoulder, 
and about twenty inches in total length. The eye is of a light brown color, and rather pro- 

tuberant. The young of the Pale Genett has 
>< the spots of a light chestnut instead of the 
2 deep blackish-brown of the adult animal. 


Tor AMER GENETT, an inhabitant of Abys- 
sinia, is a boldly and handsomely marked crea- 
ture. The general color of its fur is a darkish 
yellow gray, on which are placed a number of 
well-defined dark spots. These markings run 
in fine regular lines, being larger nearing the 
spine, and becoming smaller as they recede 
therefrom. The tail is boldly and equally 
covered with rings of the same dark fur as 
that of the spots on the body. 


Very different from the Genetts in its 
appearance is the CAcoMIXLE,* although it is 
closely allied to them. 

It is remarkable as being a Mexican rep- 
resentative of the Genett group of animals, 
although it can hardly be considered as a true 
Genett or a true Mungous. The color of this 
animal is a light uniform dun, a dark bar being 
placed like a collar over the back of the neck. 
In some specimens this bar is double, and in 
all it is so narrow that when the animal throws 
its head backwards the dark line is lost in the 
lighter fur. Along the back runs a broad, sin- 
gular, darkish stripe. The tail is ringed something like that of the Ringed Lemur, and is 
very full. The term Cacomixle is a Mexican word, and the animal is sometimes called by a 
still stranger name, ‘“‘Tepemaxthalon.’’ The scientific title ‘‘Bassaris”’ is from the Greek, 
and signifies a fox. 


CACOMIXLE.—Bassaris astuta. 


* Note by the Editor —The Cacomixle during several years after its discovery was erroneously placed in the system 
of nature. Its resemblance to individuals of the group of Civets led to its being regarded as allied to them. As there 
are no other animals of this family in America, it was regarded as singularly unique. Late examination of its anatomy 
has led to its recognition as a member of the Raccoon family, an American race, Its general appearance is quite like 
that of the common Raccoon; indeed, the Mexican non-scientific people have been wiser than our naturalists, for they call 
it the Ring-tailed Raccoon. In California and Mexico it is tamed by the miners and ranchmen, and it in most respects 
becomes as domesticated as a house cat. It is by them called the Mountain Cat. It is an efficient mouser ; is very playful, 
and seems to have a choice for the abode of man. It is nocturnal in habit, and produces three young at a birth. The food of 
the Bassaris is much the same as that of the Raccoons: small animals, insects, nuts, etc. It finds a home in holes of trees, 
especially in the Pecan tree, where it finds abundance of food in its nuts, and has an especial fondness in remaining on or 
about one tree. Like some other bright creatures, it selects a rotten knot on the under side of a limb for its nest, thereby 
finding security from rain, 


THE ICHNEUMONS. 189 


ICHNEUMONS. 


THE two animals which are seen in this engraving are closely allied to each other, but are 
placed in different genera. The left-hand figure represents the creature which is known by the 
name of the BANDED MuneGous, and which is an inhabitant of Africa. It is a small animal, 
being about the size of a very large water-rat, and is peculiarly quick and energetic in its 
movements. 

The color of the Banded Mungous is a blackish grizzle, with a chestnut tinge pervading 
the hind quarters and the tail. Under the chin the fur is of a very light fawn color. Across 
the back are drawn a row of darker lines, boldly marked towards the spine, but fading imper- 
ceptibly into the lighter tinted fur of the sides. 

In habits it is singularly brisk and lively, ever restlessly in motion, and accompanying its 
movements with a curious and most unique sound, something like the croak of a raven. 


BANDED MUNGOUS.—Mungos fascidtus. GARANGAN.—Herpestes javanicus. 


When excited it pours out a succession of quick chattering sounds, and when its feelings are 
extremely touched it utters sharp screams of rage. If its companions should cross its path in 
its temper it snaps and spits at them like an angry cat, and makes such very good use of its 
teeth that it leaves the marks of its passion for the remainder of the victim’s life. Some of 
these animals, which have lived for a considerable time in the same cage, have lost a large 
portion of their tails by the teeth of their comrades. Still it is very playful, and sports with 
its companions in a curiously kitten-like manner. 

It is extremely active with its fore-paws, armed as they are with their long claws, and 
scratches in a very absurd and amusing manner at anything that may take its attention. It is 
a very agile climber, running over the bars of its cage and up the tree-branches with great ease 
and rapidity, and can spring upon an object from some distance, and with admirable accuracy 
of aim. The eye of this animal is of a light brown, and very brilliant. 


THE RIGHT-HAND figure upon the same engraving represents the GARANGAN, or Javanese 
Ichneumon. As is evident by the name, it is an inhabitant of Java. In size it equals the last 
mentioned animal. Its color is nearly uniform, and consists of a bright rich chestnut on the 
body, and a lighter fawn color on the head, throat, and under parts of the body. 

This little animal is found in great numbers inhabiting the teak forests, where it finds 
ample subsistence in the snakes, birds, and small quadrupeds. The natives assert—whether 


190 THE URVA, OR CRAL-HEATING ICHNEUMON. 


truly or not—that when it attacks a snake it employs a ruse similar to that which is often 
used by a horse when it objects to being saddled. It is said to puff up its body, and to induce 
the snake to twine itself round its inflated person. It then suddenly contracts itself, slips 
from the reptile’s coils, and darts upon its neck. There is some foundation for this assertion 
in the fact that the Garangan, in common with others of the same genus, does possess the 
power of inflating and contracting its body with great rapidity ; so much so, indeed, that 
during life it is not easy to measure the creature. 

Although it is tolerably susceptible of education, it is rarely kept tame by the natives, 
because it is liable to occasional fits of rage, and when thus excited can inflict very painful 
wounds with its sharp teeth. Moreover, it is too fond of poultry to be trusted near the hen- 
roosts. 


Tue Urva is easily distinguished from the preceding and the following animals by the 
narrow stripe of long white hairs that runs from the angle of the mouth to the shoulders, con- 
trasting very decidedly with the grayish-brown tint of the rest of the fur. Some very faintly 


URVA, OR CRAB-EATING ICHNEUMON.—Herpestes cancrivorus. 


marked darker bars are drawn on the body, and the tail is marked with three or four faint 
transverse bars. This member is more bushy at the base than towards the extremity. The 
feet and legs are of a uniform dark tint. 


THE IcHNEUMONS appear to be the very reptiles of the mammalian animals, in form, 
habits, and action, irresistibly reminding the spectator of the serpent. Their sharp and 
pointed snout, narrow body, short legs, and flexible form, permit them to insinuate themselves 
into marvellously small crevices, and to seek and destroy their prey in localities where it 
might well deem itself secure. There are many species of the genus Herpestes, or “creeper,” 
one of which, the Garangan, has already been mentioned. 

The common Ichneumon, or Pharaoh’s Rat, as it is popularly but most improperly termed, 
is plentifully found in Egypt, where it plays a most useful part in keeping down the numbers 
of the destructive quadrupeds and the dangerous reptiles. Small and insignificant as this 
animal appears, it is a most dangerous foe to the huge crocodile, feeding largely upon its eggs, 
and thus preventing the too rapid increase of these fierce and fertile reptiles. Snakes, rats, 
lizards, mice, and various birds, fall a prey to this Ichneumon, which will painfully track its 
prey to its hiding-place, and wait patiently for hours until it makes its appearance, or will 
quietly creep up to the unsuspecting animal, and flinging itself boldly upon it destroy it by 
rapid bites with its long sharp teeth. 


THE MOONGUS. 191 


Taking advantage of these admirable qualities, the ancient Egyptians were wont te tame 
the Ichneumon, and permit it the free range of their houses, and on account of its habits paid 
it divine honors as an outward emblem of the Deity considered with regard to His sin-destroy- 
ing mercy. There is much more in the symbolization of those old Egyptians than we deem, 
and they looked deeper into the character and the causes of outward forms than we generally 
suppose. Although the diminutive size of this creature renders it an impotent enemy to so 
large and well mailed a reptile as the crocodile, yet it causes the destruction of innumerable 
crocodiles annually by breaking and devouring their eggs. The egg of the crocodile is 
extremely small, when the size of the adult reptile is taken into consideration, so that the 
Ichneumon can devour several of them at a meal. 

The color of this animal is a brown, plentifully grizzled with gray, each hair being ringed 
alternately with gray and brown. The total length of the animal is about three feet three 


ICHNEUMON.—ZHerpestes ichneumon. 


inches, the tail measuring about eighteen inches. The scent-gland of the Ichneumon is very 
large in proportion to the size of its bearer, but the substance which it secretes has not as yet 
been held of any commercial value. The claws are partially retractile. 


THE Mooneus, sometimes called the Iyp1An IcHNEUMON, is, in its Asiatic home, as use- 
ful an animal as the Egyptian Ichneumon in Africa. In that country it is an indefatigable 
destroyer of rats, mice, and the various reptiles, and is on that account highly valued and 
protected. Being, as are Ichneumons in general, extremely cleanly in manners, and very 
susceptible of domestication, it is kept tame in many families, and does good service in keeping 
the houses clear of the various animated pests that render an Indian town a disagreeable and 
sometimes a dangerous residence. 

In its customs it very much resembles the cat, and is gifted with all the inquisitive nature 
of that animal. When first introduced into a new locality it runs about the place, insinuating 
itself into every hole and corner, and sniffing curiously at every object with which it comes in 
contact. Even in its wild state it exhibits the same qualities, and by a careful observer may 
be seen questing about in search of its food, exploring every little tuft of vegetation that comes 
in its way, running over every rocky projection, and thrusting its sharp snout into every 
hollow. Sometimes it buries itself entirely in some little hole, and when it returns to light 
drags with it a mole, a rat, or some such creature, which had vainly sought security in its 
narrow domicile. 

_ While eating, the Ichneumon is very tetchy in its temper, and will very seldom endure 
an interruption of any kind. In order to secure perfect quiet while taking its meals, it 


192 THE MEERKAT. 


a 


generally carries the food into the most secluded hiding-place that it can find, and then com- 
mences its meal in solitude and darkness. The color of the Moongus is a gray liberally frecked 
with darker hairs, so as to produce a very pleasing mixture of tints. It is not so large an 


animal as its Egyptian relative. 


THE MOONGUS.—Herpestes griseus. 


THE grizzled markings upon the fur of the Nyuxa are of a singularly beautiful character, 
and form a closely set zigzag pattern over the entire surface of the head, body, and limbs. 

The pattern is very like that which is seen in some woven fabrics, or fine basket-work. 
Upon the back and body this pattern is tolerably large, but upon the head it becomes grad- 
ually smaller, and upon the upper portion of the nose is almost microscopically small, though 
as perfect and uniform as that upon the body, so that it is among the most elegantly colored 
examples of the Ichneumons. The paws are dark, and devoid of that pretty variegation which 
extends over the upper surface of the animal. 

The word Ichneumon is Greek, and literally signifies a ‘‘ tracker.”’ 


MEERKAT.— Cynictis levaillaniii. 


VERY CLOSELY allied to the Ichneumon, but differing from it in several points, the 
MEERKAT has been placed in the same genus with that animal by Cuvier and others, but has 
been separated by later naturalists, because there are only four toes on the hinder feet, and the 


THE ZENIOK. 193 


number of the teeth is not the same. On account of the color of its fur, it has been termed the 
Ruddy Ichneumon; and, from the brindlings in the tail, the Pencilled Ichneumon. It is 
rather a pretty animal, the tint of its coat being a light tawny brown, and the paws dark. 
The tail is rather bushy, and brindled with black hairs. It is a native of Southern Africa, 
and has received its specific title in compliment to the well-known African traveller, Le 
Vaillant. 


THE CURIOUS animal which is known by the name of KustIMANSsE, or MANGUE, is a native 
of Sierra Leone and Western Africa. 

It is plantigrade in its walk, and has five toes on each feet. The teeth are of the same 
description as those of the succeeding animal. Its nose has something of the proboscis in 
its character, and its ears are small. The food 
of the Kusimanse consists of the smaller mam- 
malia, of various insects, and some kinds of 
fruits. The general color of the animal is a 
deep ruddy brown, but in certain lights, and 
when its coat is at all ruffled, the chocolate 
brown of its fur becomes plentifully grizzled 
with yellowish white. The reason for this 
change of tint is, that each hair is marked 
alternately with white and brown. 


THE ZENICK, sometimes termed the Surt- 
CATE, is a native of Southern Africa, but not 
very commonly found. It is not so exclusively 
carnivorous as the preceding animals, being 
fond of sweet fruits as well as of an animal 
“diet. It is rather a small animal, measuring 
about eighteen inches in total length, its tail 
being six inches long. The feet are armed with 
long and stout claws, by means of which the 
creature can burrow with some rapidity. The 
color is grayish brown, with a tinge of yellow, 
and the upper surface of the body is covered 
by several obscurely marked bars of a deeper 
brown hue. A silvery tint is washed over the 
limbs. The tail is brown, tinged with red, and 
black at the extremity. A few indistinct spots 
are sparsely scattered over the breast. The height of the animal is rather more than six 
inches. 

The brain is large in proportion to the size of the animal, and, as may be expected, the 
creature is remarkably docile and intelligent. It is very sensitive to kindness, and equally so 
to harsh treatment, showing great affection towards those who behave well towards it, and 
biting savagely at any one who treats it unkindly. When domesticated it ranges the house at 
will, and cannot be induced to leave its home for a life of freedom. Like the Ichneumon, 
it is an useful inmate of a house, extirpating rats, mice, and other living nuisances. It is 
offended by a brilliant light, and is best pleased when it can abide in comparative darkness. 
This nocturnal habit of eye renders it especially useful as a vermin exterminator, as it remains 
quiet during the hour while the rats, mice, and snakes lie still in their holes, and only issues 
from its hiding-place when the shades of night give the signal for the mammalian and reptilian 
vermin to sally forth on their own food-seeking quest. As its eyes are fitted for nocturnal 
sight, it becomes a terrible enemy to these creatures, creeping quietly upon them, and seizing 
them before they are aware of its proximity. 

As far as is known, the sense of hearing is rather dull, and seems to assist the animal but 


ZENICK.—Rhyzaena tetradactyla. 


194 THE BINTURONG. 


little. The Zenick appears to bear some resemblance to our common polecat and ferret; but it 
is altogether a curious animal, and stands nearly alone in the animal kingdom. Its walk is less 
gliding than that of the Ichneumons, and it is able to sit upon its hinder legs, and remain in 
the erect position for some time. 


In Borneo, an allied animal is found, which is known in its native country by the title of 
MAMPALON. 

The so-called ‘‘ whisker hairs’’ which grow from the lips and behind the eyes are extremely 
long, and the feet are short, and furnished with five toes. When walking, the animal sets the 
entire sole of its foot on the ground, after the manner called ‘‘plantigrade.”” It is generally 
found in the neighborhood of rivers. In total length it is about eighteen inches, the tail 


MAMPALON.—Cynogale benneitii. 


measuring nearly seven inches. The snout of this animal is rather long, but at its extremity is 
blunt and slightly depressed. 


Passtne@ by several curious animals, we arrive at the pretty little creature which is known 
by the name of NANDINE. 

On account of the double row of spots which run along the body, the Nandine has been 
dignified with the title of ‘‘binotata,’’ or ‘‘ double-spottec ,” by almost every naturalist who 
has woven it into his system, even though the animal itself has been placed by some authors 
among the Civets, by some among the Ichneumons, and by others among the Paradoxures. 

The general color of the fur is a darkish and very rich brown, darker along the back, and 
lighter on the sides. The tail is covered with blackish rings which are but obscurely defined. 


Onr of the largest examples of this group is the dark, sullen, and sluggish BINTURONG. 

This animal is a native of Malacca, from whence several living specimens and many skins 
have been brought to this country. The color of the Binturong is a dead black, the hairs 
being long, coarse, and devoid of that gloss which is so often found upon black animals. The 
head is gray, and each ear is furnished with a long tuft of black hair. Round the edge of the 
ears runs a band of whitish gray. 

The tail of the Binturong is thickly and heavily formed, longer than the body, and 
covered with exceedingly bushy hair. In some individuals, the black fur is mixed with white 
or gray hairs. 


THE MASKED PAGUMA. 195 


It seems to be a very indolent animal, passing the day in sleep, and being with difficulty 
aroused from its slumbers. When irritated, it utters a sharp fierce growl, shows its teeth, and 
curls itself up again to sleep. While sleeping, it lies partly on its side, curled round with its 
head snugly sheltered under its bushy tail. » The muzzle of the Binturong is short and sharp, 
rather turned up at its extremity, and covered with long brown hairs which radiate around 
the face, and impart a very curious expression to the animal. The eyes are of a dull chestnut, 
unless the creature is excited, when they flash out with a momentary fire which dies away as 
soon as the cause is removed. 

It is a good climber of trees, being assisted in this task by its tail, which is prehensile at 
the tip, and capable of grasping an object with some force. When in captivity it seems to 
prefer a vegetable to an animal diet, and feeds on rice, fruit, and other vegetable productions. 
But it is fond of eggs, birds, the heads of fowls, and other animal substances, and perhaps is 


MASKED PAGUMA.—Paguma larvata. 


best kept in health by a mixed diet. It enjoys a very excellent appetite, and whether its food 
be animal or vegetable, consumes an exceedingly large amount in comparison with the size of 
the consumer. 

The length of the Binturong is about two feet six inches, exclusive of the tail, which 
always equals, and generally exceeds, the body in length. Its height varies from a foot to 
fifteen inches. 


THE CURIOUS animal which is represented in the engraving, has, until lately, been placed 
among the weasels, under the title of Masked Glutton, and has only of late years been referred 
to its proper place in the scale of creation. The title of Larvatus, or Masked, is given to it on 
account of the white streak down the forehead and nose, and the white circle round the eyes, 
which gives the creature an aspect as if it was endued with an artificial mask. There is a pale 
olive-gray band extending from the back of each ear and meeting under the throat, and the 
general color of the fur is an olive-brown, besprinkled and washed with gray. It has been 
found in China, from which country several specimens have been imported. There are many 
other species belonging to the same genus, such as the Nepal Paguma, the White Whiskered 
Paguma of Sumatra and Singapore, the Woolly Paguma from Nepal, and the Three-streaked 
Paguma of Malacca. 


THE ANIMALS which compose the little group of Paradoxures are very closely allied to the 
Pagumas and the Ichneumons, and appear to be confined to the Asiatic continent and its 


196 THE LUWAOK. 


islands. The little group of animals to which the Luwack belongs was arranged by Cuvier 
under the generic title of Paradoxurus, literally, Puzzle-tail, because they have a curious habit 
of twisting their tails into a tight coil, and in their cat-like claws, and their civet-like teeth, 
present a strange mixture of characteristics. 

The Luwack, or common Paradoxure, is found plentifully in India, from whence many 
specimens have been brought to this country. As it has something of the viverrine look about 
it, Buffon and other naturalists placed it with the Genetts. It is a curious little creature, 
rather quick in its movements, and very inquisitive in its aspect, holding its head aside with 
an air of curiosity that is quite amusing. The eyes of this creature are very small and nearly 
black. 

As the Luwack is tolerably widely spread, it is known by various names, according to the 
locality in which it lives. Its Malabar appellation is Pounougar-Pouné, a term which signifies 
‘“*Civet Cat.’? The general tint of the fur is a yellowish black, but it assumes various hues, 


LUWACK.—Paradoxurus typus 


according to the light in which it is viewed. On each side of the spine run three rows of elon- 
gated spots, and upon the thighs and shoulders other spots are scattered. But if the animal 
is viewed in certain lights, the spots on the body seem to be merged into lines, while those on 
the breast disappear altogether. This change of appearance is caused by the mode in which 
the hairs are colored, each hair being tipped with a darker hue, and some hairs being totally 
black. These latter hairs are very silken in texture, and much longer than the yellowish hairs 
of which the fur is mostly composed. 

The Luwack, as are all the Paradoxures, is entirely plantigrade. Its feet are furnished 
with sharp claws, which are sufficiently retractile to be kept from the ground when the animal 
walks, and are preserved so sharp, that they can be used for tree-climbing with the greatest 
sase. Its tail is very remarkable on account of the tight spiral into which it is frequently 
rolled, and seems to be unlike the tail of any other animals. Although it can be so firmly 
curled, it is not prehensile, as might be supposed from its aspect when half unrolled. 

One of these animals, which was kept in the Paris Museum, was accustomed to sleep 
during the day, coiled round upon its bed, and even by night appeared to feel a distaste 
for exertion. When evening came on, it would rouse itself from its slumbers, take food and 
drink, and again resign itself to sleep. 


THE HEMIGALE. DOG 


THE Musane of Java is, although a destroyer of rats and mice, rather a pest to the coffee- 
plantations, which it ravages in such a manner as to have earned the title of the Coffee Rat. It 
feeds largely upon the berries of the coffee shrub, choosing only the ripest fruit, stripping 
them of their membranous covering, and so eating them. It is a remarkable fact that the 
berries thus eaten appear to undergo no change by the process of digestion, so that the natives, 
who are free from over-scrupulous prejudices, collect the rejected berries, and are thus saved 
the trouble of picking and clearing them from the husk. 

However, the injury which this creature does to the coffee-berries is more than compensated 
by its very great usefulness as a coffee planter. For, as these berries are uninjured in their 
passage through the body of the animal, and are in their ripest state, they take root where 
they lie, and in due course of time spring up and form new coffee plantations, sometimes in 
localities where they are not expected. It may be that, although the coffee seeds undergo no 
visible change in the interior of the Musang, they imbibe the animal principle, and thus 


MUSANG.—Paradoxurus fasciatus. 


become more fitted for the soil than if they had been planted without the intermediate agency 
of the creature. 

The Musang is not content with coffee-berries and other vegetable food, although it seems 
to prefer a vegetable to an animal diet. When pressed by hunger, it seeks eagerly after 
various small quadrupeds and birds, and is often a pertinacious robber of the hen-roosts. 


THE ANIMAL which is known as the HemMIGALE, is remarkable for the singularity of its 
coloring, and the mode in which the fur is diversified with lighter and darker tints. 

The color of this animal’s fur is a grayish-brown, on which are placed six or seven large 
and bold stripes, arranged saddle-wise upon the back, being very broad above, and narrowing 
to a point towards the ribs. These bands are unconnected with each other. On the top of the 
head there is a narrow black line, and on each side of the face, a black line runs from the ear 
to the nose, surrounding the eye in its progress. The nose itself is black. Down the sides of 
the neck there are some obscure streaks, which are more conspicuous in a side light. The tail 
is marked with dark patches upon its upper surface, and latter half is black. 

The name Hemigale is Greek, and signifies, ‘‘ Semi-weasel’’—and the specific title is given 
in honor of General Hardwick, who has done such good service to zoology. 


Tue last of the great Viverrine group of animals is the CryProPpRocTA, a creature whose 
rabbit-like mildness of aspect entirely belies its nature. 

It is a native of Madagascar, and has been brought from the southern portions of that 
wonderful island. It is much to be wished that the zoology of so prolific a country should be 


198 DOGS. 


thoroughly explored, and that competent naturalists should devote much time and severe 
labor to the collection of specimens, and the careful investigation of animals while in their 
wild state. 

Gentle and quiet as the animal appears, it is one of the fiercest little creatures known. Its 
limbs, though small, are very powerful, their muscles being extremely fyll and well knit 
together. Its appetite for blood seems to be insatiable as that of the tiger, and its activity 
is very great, so that it may well be imagined to be a terrible foe to any animals on whom it 
may choose to make an attack. For this savage nature it has received the name of ‘‘ Ferox,” 
or fierce. Its generic name of Cryptoprocta is given to it on account of the manner in which 
the hinder quarters suddenly taper down and merge themselves in the tail. The word itself is 
from the Greek, the former half of it signifying ‘‘ hidden,” and the latter half, ‘‘ hind- 
quarters.”’ 

The color of the Cryptoprocta is a light brown, tinged with red. The ears are very large 
and rounded, and the feet are furnished with strong claws. The toes are five in number on 
each foot. 

In the foregoing description of the Viverrine animals, examples and figures are given of 
every remarkable genus which forms a portion of this curious group. Whether or not the 
Hyena should be considered as belonging to the Viverrines is a question which is still mooted 
by many naturalists, who think that the Hyenines ought to be ranked as a divergent group of 
the Civet Cats. 

With the exception of one or two species, these creatures are so little known that their 
habits in a wild state have yet to be fully described. This is the more to be regretted, because 
the native customs of an animal are more illustrative of its character, and give deeper insight 
into the part which it plays in the economy of nature, than can be gained by inspecting the 
same creature when shut up in the contracted space which its cage affords, or when a change 
in its nature has been wrought by the companionship of human beings. The habits of these 
agile and graceful animals are so interesting, when watched even in the limited degree which 
is afforded by our present means of observation, that they give promise of much curious 
information when noted in the wild freedom of their normal condition. 

We lose much valuable knowledge of the habits of a new or scarce animal by the over- 
readiness of the discoverer to secure his prize. If oneis fortunate enough to hit upon an animal 
which is new to science, or to meet with one which is rarely seen, he would do better service to 
Zoology by waiting awhile, and quietly watching the manner in which the animal conducted 
itself, than by hastily levelling his gun, and so giving to science nothing but a lifeless mass of 
dead matter, instead of a spirited history of a breathing and living being. For my own part, 
I would rather read in a library a good description of some strange animal, than see in a 
museum a stuffed skin about which nothing is known. 


THE DOG-FAMILY. 


DOGS. 


Tue large and important group of animals which is known by the general name of the 
Dog-Tribe, embraces the wild and domesticated Dogs, the Wolves, Foxes, Jackals, and that 
curious South-African animal, the Hunting-Dog. Of these creatures, several have been 
brought under the authority of man, and by continual intermixtures have assumed that 
exceeding variety of form which is found in the different ‘‘ breeds’’ of the domestic Dog. 

The original parent of the Dog is very doubtful, some authors considering that it owes its 
parentage to the Dhole, or the Buansuah ; others thinking it to be an offspring of the Wolf ; 
and others attributing to the Fox the honor of being the projenitor of our canine friend and 
ally. With the exception of a very few spots, the Dog is to be found spread over almost 
every portion of the habitable globe, and in all countries is the friend of man, aiding him 


THE BUANSUAH. 199 


either by the guardianship of his home and property, by its skill and endurance in the 
chase, or by affording him a means of transit over localities which no other animal could 
successfully encounter. 

Before proceeding to the domesticated Dogs, we will examine the two species of Wild 
Dog which nearest approach them. 


THE DHOLE, or KHOLSUN, as it is sometimes called, inhabits the western frontiers of 
British India, its range extending from Midnapore to Chamar, but does not appear to take up 
its residence in other parts of the same great country. Even in the localities which are favored 
by its presence, the Dhole seldom makes its appearance, and by many residents in India has 
been counted but as a myth of the natives. It is a very shy animal, keeping aloof from man 
and his habitations, and abiding in the dense dark jungles, which extend for hundreds of 
miles, and afford little temptation for human beings to enter. 

Among the peculiarities of the Dhole’s character, its fondness for the chase is perhaps the 
most remarkable. There is nothing peculiar in the fact that the Dhole unites in large packs 
and hunts down game, both large and small, because many of the canine race, such as the 
wolves and others, are known by many and tragical experiences to run down and destroy their 
prey in like manner. But the Dhole is apparently the only animal that, although individually 
so far the inferior of its fierce prey, in size, strength, and activity, has sufficient confidence in 
its united powers, to chase and kill the terrible tiger, maugre his fangs and claws. 

From the observations which have been made, it seems that hardly any native Indian 
animal, with the exception of the elephant and the rhinoceros, can cope with the Dhole ; that 
the fierce boar falls a victim, in spite of his sharp tusks, and that the swift-footed deer fails to 
escape these persevering animals. The leopard is tolerably safe, because the dogs cannot 
follow their spotted quarry among the tree branches, in which he fortifies himself from their 
attacks ; but if he were deprived of his arboreal refuge, he would run but a poor chance of 
escaping with life from the foe. It is true that, in their attack upon so powerfully armed 
animals as the tiger and the boar, the pack is rapidly thinned by the swift blows of the tiger’s 
paw, or the repeated stabs of the boar’s tusks; but the courage of the survivors is so great, 
and they leap on their prey with such audacity, that it surely yields at last from sheer weari- 
ness and loss of blood. 

It is probable that the sanguinary contests which often take place between the Dholes and 
their prey have a great effect in checking the increase of the former animals, and that, if such 
salutary influence were not at work, these bold and persevering hunters might increase to 
such an extent as to become a serious pest to the country. 

In the chase, the Dhole is nearly silent, thus affording a strong contrast to the cheerful 
tongue of the foxhound in ‘‘full ery,”’ or the appalling howl of the wolf when in pursuit of a 
flying prey. Only at intervals is the voice of the Dhole heard, and even then the animal only 
utters a low, anxious whimper, like that of a Dog which has lost its master, or feels uneasy 
about its task. It isa swift animal in the chase, and Captain Williamson, who has seen it 
engaged in pursuit of its prey, thinks that no animal could lead the Dhole a long chase. The 
average number of individuals in the pack is about fifty or sixty. 

The color of the Dhole is a rich bay, darkening upon the feet, ears, muzzle, and tip of the 
tail. Jn height it equals a rather small greyhound. It does not assault human beings unless 
it be attacked, neither does it seem to fly from them, but in case of a sudden meeting, pursues 
its avocations as if unconscious of the presence of an intruder. The countenance of this animal 
is very bright and intelligent, chiefly owing to the keen and brilliant eye with which it is 
favored. The Greek word ‘‘Cuon”’ signifies a hound. 


In the Wild Dog, which ranges Nepal and the whole of Northern India, the primitive 
type of the Dog was thought to be found. This animal, the BuaNnsuAn, presents many 
points of similarity to the Dhole, and is said to rival the latter creature in its tiger-killing 
propensities. 

Like the Dhole, it is a shy animal, and never willingly permits itself to be seen, preferring 


200 THE BUANSUAH. 


to take up its residence in the thickest coverts which are afforded by the luxuriant vegetation 
of its native land. It hunts in packs, but, unlike the preceding animal, gives tongue con- 
tinually as it runs, uttering a curious kind of bark, which is quite distinct from the voice of 
the domestic Dog, and yet has nothing in common with the prolonged howl of the wolf, the 
jackal, or the foxes. 

The number of individuals in each pack is not very great, from eight to twelve being the 
usual average. They are possessed of exquisite powers of scent, and follow their game more 
by the nose than by the eye. Z 

When captured young, the Buansuah readily attaches itself to its keeper, and, under his 
tuition, becomes a valuable assistant in the chase. Unfortunately, the Dog will too often 


BUANSUAH.— Canis primevus. 


refuse its confidence to any one except its keeper, and therefore is not so useful as it might 
otherwise be rendered. It is probable that the keeper himself has some hand in this conduct, 
and willfully teaches his charge to repel the advances of any person save himself. 

In the chase of the wild boar, the peculiar character of the Buansuah exhibits itself to 
great advantage, as its wolf-like attack of sudden snap is more destructive to its prey than 
the bite of an ordinary hound. For other game this creature is but an uncertain assistant, as 
it will often give up a chase just at the critical moment, and is too apt to turn aside from its 
legitimate quarry for the purpose of immolating a tame sheep or goat. 


Aut the various Dogs which have been brought under the subjection of man are evidently 
members of one single species, Canis familiaris, being capable of mixture to an almost 
unlimited extent. By means of crossing one variety with another, and taking advantage of 
collateral circumstances, such as locality, climate, or diet, those who have interested them- 
selves in the culture of this useful animal have obtained the varied forms which’are so familiar 
to us. In general character, the groups into which domesticated Dogs naturally fall are 
tolerably similar, but the individual characters of Dogs are so varied, and so full of interest, 


THE GREAT DANISH DOG. 201 


that they would meet with scanty justice in ten times the space that can be afforded to them 
in these pages. It has been thought better, therefore, to occupy the space by figures and 
descriptions of the chief varieties of the domesticated Dog, rather than to fill the pages with 
anecdotes of individuals. Upwards of forty varieties of the Dog will be described in the 
following pages, and illustrated with figures which, in almost every instance, are portraits of 
well-known animals. 

One of the most magnificent examples of the domesticated Dog is the THrBrr Doe, an 
animal which, to his native owners, is as useful as he is handsome, but seems to entertain an 
invincible antipathy to strangers of all kinds, and especially towards the face of a white man. 
These enormous Dogs are employed by the inhabitants of Thibet for the purpose of guarding 


THIBET DOG.— Canis familiaris molossus tibetanus. 


their houses and their flocks, for which avocation their great size and strength render them 
peculiarly fit. It often happens that the male inhabitants of a Thibetian village leave their 
homes for a time, and journey as far as Calcutta, for the purpose of selling their merchandise 
of borax, musk, and other articles of commerce. While thus engaged, they leave their Dogs 
at home, as guardians to the women and children, trusting to the watchfulness of their four- 
footed allies for the safety of their wives and families. 

The courage of these huge Dogs is not so great as their size and strength would seem to 
indicate, for, excepting on their own special territories, they are little to be feared, and even 
then can be held at bay by a quiet, determined demeanor. Their color is generally a deep black, 
with a slight clouding on the sides, and a patch of tawny over each eye. The hanging lips of 
the Thibet Dog give it a very curious aspect, which is heightened by the generally loose mode 
in which the skin seems to hang on the body. ‘ 


THE. GREAT DANISH Dog is best known as the follower of horses and carriages upon 
roads ; and, probably on account of being restricted to this monotonous mode of existence, is 
supposed to be rather a stupid animal. As, however, in its own country the Danish Dog 


202 : THE GREYHOUND. 


is employed as a pointer, and does its work very creditably, we may suppose that the 
animal is possessed of abilities which might be developed by any one who would take pains 
to do so. 

On account of its carriage-following habits, it is popularly called the Coach Dog, and, on 
account of its spotted hide, receives the rather ignoble title of Plum-Pudding Dog. The 
height of the animal is rather more than two feet. 


GREAT DANISH DOG.— Canis familiaris danicus. 


Ir 1s hardly possible to conceive an animal which is more entirely formed for speed and 
endurance than a well-bred Grrynounp. Its long slender legs, with their whipcord-like 
muscles, denote extreme length of stride and rapidity of movement; its deep, broad chest, 
affording plenty of space for the play of large lungs, shows that it is capable of long-continued 
exertion ; while its sharply pointed nose, snake-like neck, and slender, tapering tail, are so 
formed as to afford the least possible resistance to the air, through which the creature passes 
with such exceeding speed. 

The chief use—if use it can be termed—of the Greyhound, is in coursing the hare, and 
exhibiting in this chase its marvellous swiftness, and its endurance of fatigue. 

In actual speed, the Greyhound far suspasses the hare, so that if the frightened chase 
were to run in a straight line, she would be soon snapped up by the swifter hounds. But the 
hare is a much smaller and lighter animal than her pursuer, and, being furnished with very 
short forelegs, is enabled to turn at an angle to her course without a check, while the heavier 
and longer limbed Greyhounds are carried far beyond their prey by their own impetus, before 
they can alter their course, and again make after the hare. 

On this principle, the whole of coursing depends; the hare making short quick turns, and 


THE GREYHOUND. 203 


. 


\ Ss 


GREYHOUND.— Canis familiaris. 


the Greyhounds making a large cireuit every time that the hare changes her line. Two Grey- 
hounds are sent after each hare, and matched against each other, for the purpose of trying 


IRISH GREYHOUND.— Canis familiaris. 


their comparative strength and speed. Some hares are so crafty and so agile, that they baffle 
the best hounds, and get away fairly into cover, from whence the Greyhound, working only 
by sight, is unable to drive them. 


204 THE GREYHOUND. 


Naturally, the Greyhound of pure blood is not possessed of a very determined character, 
and it is therefore found necessary to give these creatures the proper amount of endurance by 
crossing them with the bull-dog, one of the most determined and courageous animals in 
existence. As may be supposed, the immediate offspring of a bull-dog and a Greyhound is a 
most ungainly animal, but by continually crossing with the pure Greyhound, the outward 
shape of the thick and sturdy bull-dog is entirely merged in the more graceful animal, while 
his stubborn pertinacity remains implanted in its nature. 

The skeleton of the Greyhound is a curious one, and when viewed from behind, bears a 
marvellous resemblance to that of the ostrich. 

The narrow head and sharp nose of the Greyhound, useful as they are for aiding the prog- 
ress of the animal by removing every impediment to its passage through the atmosphere, yet 
deprive it of a most valuable faculty, that of chasing by scent. The muzzle is so narrow in 
proportion to its length, that the nasal nerves have no room for proper development, and hence 
the animal is very deficient in its powers of scent. The same circumstance may be noted in 
many other animals. 


Tur Irish GREYHOUND is a remarkably fine animal, being four feet in length, and very 
firmly built. Its hair is of a pale fawn color, and much rougher than that of the smooth 
English Greyhound. 

Unless excited by the sight of its game, or by anger, it is a very peaceable animal; but 
when roused, exhibits a most determined spirit. In former days, when wolves and wild boars 
infested the Ivish forests, this Dog was used for the purpose of extirpating those animals ; but 
in these days their numbers are comparatively few. When fighting, it takes its antagonist by 
the back, and shakes the life out of its foe by main strength. One of these dogs measured 
sixty-one inches in total length ; twenty-eight and a half inches from the toe to the top of the 
shoulder, and thirty-five inches in girth. 


Tur ScorcH GREYHOUND is still rougher in its coat than its Irish relative, but hardly so 
large in its make: a very fine example of these Dogs, of the pure Glengarry breed, measures 
twenty-eight inches in height, and thirty-four inches in girth, being a little smaller than the 
Irish Dog which was mentioned above. 

There seems to be but one breed of the Scotch Greyhound, although some families are 
termed Deerhounds, and others are only called Greyhounds. Each, however, from being con- 
stantly employed in the chase of either deer or hare, becomes gradually fitted for the pursuit of 
its special quarry, and contracts certain habits which render it comparatively useless when set 
to chase the wrong animal. The Scotch Deerhound is possessed of better powers of scent than 
the Greyhound, and in chasing its game depends as much on its nose as on its eyes. And it is 
curious too, that although it makes use of its olfactory powers when running, it holds its head 
higher from the ground than the Greyhound, which only uses its eyes. 


Tur RusstAN GREYHOUND is also gifted with the power of running by scent, and is 
employed at the present day for the same purposes which Irish Greyhounds subserved in 
former times. 

Many Russian forests are infested with wild boars, wolves, and bears, and this powerful 
and swift Dog is found of great use in the destruction of these quadrupedal pests. In size it is 
about equal to the Scotch Greyhound. It is not exclusively used for the chase of the large 
and savage beasts, but is also employed in catching deer, hares, and other animals which come 
under the ordinary category of ‘‘ game.” 

The fur of this Dog is thick, but does not run to any length. 


Tur NOBLE and graceful animal which is the representative of the Greyhound family in 
Persia, derives its origin from a source which is hidden in the mists of antiquity, and has been 
employed in the chase of swift-footed animals from time immemorial. Powerful of jaw, quick 
and supple of limb, the Persian Greyuounp is chosen to cope with that swift and daring 


THE ITALIAN GREYHOUND. 205 


animal, the wild ass, as well as with the no less rapid antelope, and the slower, but more 
dangerous, wild boar. 

Of all these creatures, the wild ass gives the most trouble, for it instinctively keeps to 
rocky and mountainous neighborhoods, which afford a refuge unassailable by the sure-footed 
Persian horse, and from which it can only be driven by such agile creatures as the native 
Greyhounds. So untiring is the wild ass, and so boldly does it traverse the rocky mountain 
spurs among which it loves to dwell, that a single ass will frequently escape, even though 
several relays of Greyhounds have been provided to take up the running at different parts of 
the course, as soon as their predecessors are fatigued. 

For the antelope the Greyhound would be no match, and is therefore assisted by the 
falcon, which is trained to settle on the head of the flying animal, and by flapping its wings in 


5% t~ VS 


ITALIAN GREYHOUND.— Canis familiaris grajus italicus. 


the poor creature’s eyes, to prevent it from following a direct course, and thus to make it an 
easier prey to the Greyhound which is following in the track. Of this curious mixture of 
faleonry and hunting the Persian nobles are passionately fond, and peril their lives in ravines, 
and among rocks that would quail the spirit of our boldest fox-hunters. 

It is said that the Persian Greyhound is not the safest of allies, for if it should fail in its 
chase, it is reputed to turn its wasting energies upon its master, and to force him, Actzeon-like, 
to seek his safety in flight; or, more fortunate than his cornuted prototype, to rid himself of 
his dependents by a blow from his ready scimitar. The Persian Greyhound is said to be 
especially addicted to this vice when it is imported into India. 

This animal is rather slender in make, and its ears are ‘‘ feathered’’ after the fashion of 
the Blenheim spaniel’s ears. Nevertheless, it is a powerful and bold creature, and can hold its 
own among any assemblage of Dogs of its own weight. 


A MORE UTTER contrast to the above-mentioned animal can hardly be imagined than that 
which is afforded by the ITALIAN GREYHOUND, a little creature whose merit consists in its 
diminutive proportions and its slender limbs. Hotspur, leaning all breathless on his sword, 
and stiff with his wounds, was not more entirely the opposite of the carpet knight, with pouncet 
box to nose, and full of ‘‘ parmaceti’’ babblings, than is the rough, fierce Greyhound of Persia, 
of the delicate, shivering, faint-hearted Italian Greyhound; sad type of the people from 
which it takes its name. 


206 THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 


In truth, the Italian Greyhound is but a dwarfed example of the true smooth Greyhound, 
dwarfed after the same manner that delights our Celestial friends, when tried on vegetable 
instead of animal life. The weight of a really good Italian Greyhound ought not to exceed 
eight or ten pounds; and there are animals of good shape which only weigh six or seven 
pounds. One of the most perfect Dogs of the present day weighs eight and- three-quarter 
pounds, and is fourteen and a quarter inches in height. His color is uniformly black. 

Attempts have been made to employ the Italian Greyhound in the chase of rabbits, but its 
power of jaw and endurance of character are so disproportioned to its speed, that all such 
endeavors have failed. A mixed breed, between the Italian Greyhound and the terrier, is 
useful enough, combining endurance with speed, and perfectly capable of chasing and holding 
a rabbit. 

In this country, it is only used as a petted companion, and takes rank among the “ toy- 
dogs,’ being subject to certain arbitrary rules of color and form, which may render a Dog 
worthless for one year through the very same qualities which would make it a paragon of 
perfection in another. The Dutch tulip-mania afforded no more capricious versatility of 
criterion than is found in the ‘‘ points’’ of toy Dogs of the present day. If the creature be of 
a uniform color, it must be free from the least spot of white ; and even a white stain on the 
breast is held to deteriorate from its perfection. The color which is most in vogue is a golden 
fawn ; and the white and red Dog takes the last place in the valuation of color. 

It is a pretty little creature, active and graceful to a degree, and affectionate to those who 
know how to win its affections. Even in the breed of the British smooth Greyhounds, this 
little animal has been successfully employed, and by a careful admixture with the larger Dog, 
takes away the heavy, clumsy aspect of the head which is caused by the bull-dog allliance, 
and restores to the offspring the elastic grace of the original Greyhound. It is generally bred 
in Spain and Italy, and from thence imported into this country, where the change of climate 
is so apt to affect its lungs, that its owners are forced to keep it closely swathed in warm 
clothing during the changeable months of the year. 


THE large and handsome animal which is called from its native country the NeEwrounp- 
LAND Doe, belongs to the group of spaniels, all of which appear to be possessed of considera- 
ble mental powers, and to be capable of instruction to a degree that is rarely seen in animals. 

In its native land the Newfoundland Dog is shamefully treated, being converted into a 
beast of burden, and forced to suffer even greater hardships than those which generally fall to 
the lot of animals which are used for the carriage of goods or the traction of vehicles. The 
life of a hewer of wood is proverbially one of privation, but the existence of the native New- 
foundland Dog is still less to be envied, being that of a servant of the wood-hewer. In the 
winter, the chief employment of the inhabitants is to cut fuel, and the occupation of the Dogs 
is to draw it in carts. The poor animals are not only urged beyond their strength, but are 
meagrely fed with putrid salt fish, the produce of some preceding summer. Many of these 
noble Dogs sink under the joint effects of fatigue and starvation, and many of the survivors 
commit sad depredations on the neighboring flocks as soon as the summer commences, and 
they are freed from their daily toils. 

In this country, however, the Newfoundland Dog is raised to its proper position, and 
made the friend and companion of man. Many a time has it more than repaid its master for 
his friendship, by rescuing him from mortal peril. 

Astrologically speaking, the Newfoundland Dog must have been originated under the 
influence of Aquarius, for it is never so happy as when dabbling in water, whether salt or 
fresh, and is marvellously endurant of long immersion. There are innumerable instances on 
record of human beings rescued from drowning by the timely succor brought by a Newfound- 
land Dog, which seems fully to comprehend the dire necessity of the sufferer, and the best 
mode of affording help. A Dog has been known to support a drowning man in a manner so 
admirably perfect, that if it had thoroughly studied the subject, it could not have applied its 
aiding powers in a more correct manner. The Dog seemed to be perfectly aware that the head 
of the drowning man ought to be kept above the water, and possibly for that purpose shifted 


THE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG. 207 


its grasp from the shoulder to the back of the neck. It must be remembered, however, that 
all Dogs and cats carry their young by the nape of the neck, and that the Dog might have 
followed the usual instinct of these animals. 

Not only have solitary lives been saved by this Dog, but a whole ship’s crew have been 
delivered from certain destruction by the mingled sagacity and courage of a Newfoundland 
Dog, that took in its mouth a rope, and carried it from the ship to the shore. 

Even for their own amusement, these Dogs may be seen disporting themselves in the sea, 
swimming boldly from the land in pursuit of some real or imaginary object, in spite of 
‘rollers’? and ‘‘breakers”’ that would baffle the attempts of any but an accomplished swim- 
mer. Should a Newfoundland Dog be blessed with a master as amphibious as itself, its 
happiness is very great, and it may be seen splashing and snapping in luxuriant sport, ever 


NEWFOUNDLAND DOG.—Canis familiaris terre nove. 


keeping close to its beloved master, and challenging him to fresh efforts. It is very seldom 
that a good Newfoundland Dog permits its master to outdo it in aquatic gambols. The Dog 
owes much of its watery prowess to its broad feet and strong legs, which enable the creature to 
propel itself with great rapidity through the water. 

As is the case with most of the large Dogs, the Newfoundland permits the lesser Dogs to 
take all kinds of liberties without showing the least resentment; and if it is worried or pes- 
tered by some forward puppy, looks down with calm contempt, and passes on its way. Some- 
times the little conceited animal presumes upon the dignified composure of the Newfoundland 
Dog, and, in that case, is sure to receive some quaint punishment for its insolence. The story 
of the big Dog, that dropped the little Dog into the water and then rescued it from drowning, 
is so well known that it needs but a passing reference. But I know of a Dog, belonging to 
one of my friends, which behaved in a very similar manner. Being provoked beyond all 
endurance by the continued annoyance, it took the little tormentor in its mouth, swam well 
out to sea, dropped it in the water and swam back again. 

Another of these animals, belonging to a workman, was attacked by a small and pugna- 
cious bull-dog, which sprang upon the unoffending canine giant, and, after the manner of bull- 
dogs, ‘‘pinned”’ him by the nose, and there hung, in spite of all endeavors to shake it off, 


208 THE ESQUIMAUX DOG. 


However, the big Dog happened to be a clever one, and spying a pailful of boiling tar, he 
bolted towards it, and deliberately lowered his foe into the hot and viscous material. The 
bull-dog had never calculated on such a reception, and made its escape as fast as it could run, 
bearing with it a scalding memento of the occasion. 

The attachment which these magnificent Dogs feel towards mankind is almost unaccount- 
able, for they have been often known to undergo the greatest hardships in order to bring 
succor to a person whom they had never seen before. A Newfoundland Dog has been known 
to discover a poor man perishing in the snow from cold and inanition, to dash off, procure 
assistance, telling by certain doggish language of its own of the need for help, and then to 
gallop back again to the sufferer, lying upon him as if to afford vital heat from his own body, 
and there to wait until the desired assistance arrived. 

I might multiply anecdote upon anecdote of the wondrous powers of this spirited animal, 
but must pass on to make room for others. 

There are two kinds of Newfoundland Dog; one, a very large animal, standing some 
thirty-two inches in height ; and the other, a smaller Dog, measuring twenty-four or twenty- 
five inches high. The latter animal is sometimes called the Labrador Dog, and sometimes is 
termed the St. John’s Dog. When crossed with the setter, the Labrador Dog gives birth to 
the Retriever. The large Newfoundland is generally crossed with the mastiff. 

There are few Dogs which are more adapted for fetching and carrying than the Newfound- 
land. This Dog always likes to have something in its mouth, and seems to derive a kind of 
dignity from the conveyance of its master’s property. It can be trained to seek for any object 
that has been left at a distance, and being gifted with a most persevering nature, will seldom 
yield the point until it has succeeded in its search. 

A rather amusing example of this faculty in the Newfoundland Dog has lately ¢ come 
before my notice. 

A gentleman was on a visit to one of his friends, taking with him a fine Newfoundland 
Dog. Being fond of reading, he was accustomed to take his book upon the downs, and to 
enjoy at the same time the pleasures of literature and the invigorating breezes that blew freshly 
over the hills. On one occasion, he was so deeply buried in his book, that he overstayed his 
time, and being recalled to a sense of his delinquency by a glance at his watch, hastily 
pocketed his book, and made for home with his best speed. 

Just as he arrived at the house, he found that he had inadvertently left his gold-headed 
cane on the spot where he had been sitting, and as it was a piece of property which he valued 
extremely, he was much annoyed at his mischance. 

He would have sent his Dog to look for it, had not the animal chosen to accompany a 
friend in a short walk. However, as soon as the Dog arrived, his master explained his loss to 
the animal, and begged him to find the lost cane. Just as he completed his explanations, 
dinner was announced, and he was obliged to take his seat at table. Soon after the second 
course was upon the table, a great uproar was heard in the hall; sounds of pushing and 
scuffling were very audible, and angry voices forced themselves on the ear. Presently, the 
phalanx of servants gave way, and in rushed the Newfoundland Dog, bearing in his mouth 
the missing cane. He would not permit any hand but his master’s to take the cane from his 
mouth, and it was his resistance to the attempts of the servants to dispossess him of his 
master’s property that had led to the skirmish. 


Ir HAS BEEN mentioned that the Newfoundland Dog is employed during the winter 
months in dragging carts of hewn wood to their destination, and that it is unkindly treated 
by the very men who derive the most benefit from its exertions. 

The Esquimaux Doc, however, spends almost its entire life in drawing sledges, or in 
carrying heavy loads, being, in fact, the only beast of burden or traction in the northern parts 
of America and the neighboring islands. Some, indeed, are turned loose at the beginning of 
the summer, and many get their living as they can, until winter summons them back again to 
scanty meals and perpetual toil. But many of the Esquimaux Dogs are retained in servitude 
for the entire year, and during the summer months are called upon to give their aid in draught 


THE ESQUIMAUX DOG. 209 


and in carriage. Indeed, those Dogs which are thus kept to their work during the entire year 
are comparatively happy, for their work is not nearly so heavy as in the winter, and their food 
is much better. 

The Esquimaux Dog is rather smaller than the Labrador, being only twenty-two or 
twenty-three inches in height. There is something very wolfish about the Dog, owing to its 
oblique eyes, bushy tail, and elongated muzzle. In its full face the Esquimaux Dog presents 


ESQUIMAUX DOGS. 


a ludicrously exact likeness of its master’s countenance. The color is almost invariably a 
deep dun, marked obscurely with dark bars and patches ; the muzzle is black. 

When harnessed to the sledge, the Dogs obey the movements of their leader, who is 
always a faithful and experienced old Dog. There are no means of guiding the animals in 
their way, for each Dog is simply tied to the sledge by a leathern strap, and directed by the 
voice and whip of the driver. The whip is of very great importance to the charioteer, for by 
the sounds which he elicits from the lash, and by the ably-directed strokes which he aims at 
refractory Dogs, he guides the canine team without the aid of bit or bridle. 


210 THE POMERANIAN FOX DOG. 


The old and experienced animal which leads the team knows the master’s voice, and will 
dash forward, slacken speed, halt, or turn to right and left at command. 

The actual stroke of the whip is used as little as possible, for when a Dog feels the sting 
of the biting lash, he turns round and attacks the Dog nearest to him. The others immediately 
join in the fight, and the whole team is thrown into admirable confusion, the traces being 
entangled with each other, and the sledge in all likelihood upset. When such a rupture 
occurs, the driver is generally forced to dismount, and to harness the Dogs afresh. Usually, 
the leading Dog is permitted to run his own course, for he is able to follow the right path with 
marvellous accuracy, and to scent it out, even when the thickly-falling snowflakes have 
covered the surface of the ground with an uniform white carpet, on whose glittering surface 
no impress is left of the subjacent earth. 

These Dogs are able to travel for very great distances over the snow-clad regions of the 
north, and have been known to make daily journeys of sixty miles for several days in suc- 
cession. 

Captain Parry, in his well-known ‘‘Journal,’’ remarks very happily, that ‘‘neither the 
Dog nor his master is half civilized or subdued,” the former indeed being the necessary con- 
sequence of the latter. The Esquimaux bears no love towards his Dogs, and only looks upon 
them as animated machines, formed for the purpose of conveying him and his property from 
one place to another. He is a most exacting and cruel master, feeding scantily his Dogs on 
the merest offal, and then inflicting severest torture upon them if they break down in their 
work from want of nourishment, or if, incited by the pangs of hunger, they obey their natural 
instincts, and make a meal on the provisions which had been laid aside for his own use. The 
savage is ever ingenious in the art of torture, and the Esquimaux forms no exception to the 
rule. 

The poor beasts have been known, when suffering from long-continued hunger, to devour 
their tough leather harness, and, as if excited by the imperfect meal, to fly upon the weaker 
members of the team, and to tear them to pieces. During this paroxysm of unrestrained fury, 
they would have made their masters their first victims, had they not been driven back by the 
sword and the bludgeon. 

In consequence of the evil treatment to which they are subjected, the poor animals can 
have no affection for their cruel tormentors, and are afforded no opportunity for developing 
the mental qualities which they possess in very large degree. When placed under the care of 
a kind master, the Esquimaux Dog is a most affectionate animal, and displays considerable 
reasoning powers. 

The Esquimaux Dog is rather larger than an English pointer Dog, although its true size 
appears to be less than it really is, on account of the comparative shortness of limb. Its fur is 
composed of a long outer covering of coarse hair, three or four inches in length, and an inner 
coating of short, woolly hair, that seems to defend the animal from the colds of winter. When 
the weather begins to wax warm, the wool falls off, and grows again as the winter draws near. 


OF LATE years, a Dog which much resembles the last-mentioned animal has come into 
fashion as a house-dog, or as a companion. This is the PomMERANIAN Fox Doc, commonly 
known as the ‘‘ Loup-loup.”’ 

It is a great favorite with those who like a Dog for a companion, and not for mere use, 
as it is very intelligent in its character, and very handsome in aspect. Its long white fur, and 
bushy tail, give it quite a distinguished appearance, of which the animal seems to be thoroughly 
aware. Sometimes the coat of this animal isa cream color, and very rarely is deep black. The 
pure white, however, seems to be the favorite. It is a lively little creature, and makes an 
excellent companion in a country walk. 


Or THE Spaniel Dogs, there are several varieties, which may be classed under two general 
heads, namely, Sporting and Toy Spaniels ; the former being used by the sportsman in finding 
game for him; and the latter being simply employed as companions. 

The FreL.p SpANtEL is remarkable for the intense love which it bears for hunting game, 


THE COCKER. 211 


and the energetic manner in which it carries out the wishes of its master. There are two breeds 
of Field Spaniels, the one termed the ‘‘ Springer,’’ being used for heavy work among thick and 
thorny coverts, and the other being principally employed in woodcock shooting, and called in 
consequence the ‘‘ Cocker.’’ The Blenheim and King Charles Spaniels derive their origin from 
the Cocker. Some of these Dogs continually give tongue while engaged in the pursuit of game, 
and utter different sounds according to the description of game which they have reached ; 
while others are perfectly mute in their quest. Each of these qualities is useful in its way, and 
the Dog is valued accordingly ; only it is needful that if the Dog be one that gives tongue, 
it should not be too noisy in its quest, and should be musical in its note. 


POMERANIAN DOG.— Canis familiaris domesticus pomeranus. 


While hunting, the Spaniel sweeps its feathery tail rapidly from side to side, and is a very 
pretty object to any one who has an eye for beauty of movement. It is a rule that, however 
spirited a Spaniel may be, it must not raise its tail above the level of its back. For the pur- 
pose of sport, a Spaniel must be possessed of a thick coat, as it is subject to continual wetting 
from the dripping coverts through which it has to force its way. It should be also a tolerably 
large Dog, not weighing less than fourteen pounds, if possible, and may with advantage weigh 
some thirty or forty pounds, as do the breed known by the name of the ‘“‘Clumber’”’ Spaniels. 
These last-mentioned animals work silently. 


Tue Cocker is altogether a smaller animal, seldom weighing above twenty pounds, and 
very often being only ten or twelve pounds in weight. It is an active and lively animal, 
dashing about its work with an air of gay enjoyment that assists materially in enlivening the 
spirits of its master. There are many breeds of this Dog, among which the English, Welsh, and 
Devonshire Cockers may be mentioned as well-known examples. 

It is a courageous little creature, retaining its dashing boldness even when imported into 
the enervating Indian climate, which destroys the spirit of most Dogs, and even reduces the 
stubborn bull-dog to a mere poltroon. Captain Williamson, in his book of ‘‘ Oriental Field 
Sports,’’ records an instance of rash courage on the part of one of these little Dogs. 

“‘T was shooting near some underwood, rather thinly scattered among reedy grass, growing 


212 THE WATER SPANIEL. 


on the edges of a large water-course, which took its rise near the foot of the large hill at 
Muckun Gunge, when suddenly one of a brace of fine cocking Spaniels I had with me ran 
round a large bush greatly agitated, and apparently on some game which I expected to put up. 

“‘T followed as fast as I could ; but Paris, which was the-Dog’s name, was too quick for me, 
and before I could well get round the bush, which was about ten yards from the brink of the 
ravine, had come to a stand, his ears pricked, his tail wagging like lightning, and his whole 
frame in a seeming state of ecstasy. I expected that he had got a hare under the bank, and, 
as the situation was in favor of a shot, I ran towards him with more speed than I should have 
done had I known that instead of a hare I should find, as I did, a tiger sitting on its rump, 
and staring Paris in the face. They were not above two yards asunder. 

**As soon as the Dog found me at his side, he barked, and giving a spring down, dashed 
at the tiger. What happened for some moments I really cannot say ; the surprise and danger 
which suddenly affected me banished at once that presence of mind which many boast to 
possess on all emergencies. I frankly confess that my senses were clouded, and that the tiger 
might have devoured me without my knowing a word of the matter. However, as soon as my 
fright had subsided, I began, like a person waking from a dream, to look about, and saw the 
tiger cantering away at about a hundred and fifty yards’ distance, with his tail erect, and fol- 
lowed by Paris, who kept barking; but when the tiger arrived ata thick cover, he disappeared. 

‘*T had begun in my mind to compose a requiem for my poor Dog, as I saw him chasing 
the tiger, which I expected every moment would turn about and let Paris know that he had 
caught a Tartar. Though Paris had certainly brought me to the gate of destruction, yet he as 
certainly saved me. I felt myself indebted to him for preservation, and consequently was not 
a little pleased to see him return safe.’ 

This is not a solitary example of the achievement of so daring a feat. Another officer, 
belonging to the Bengal Artillery, was shooting near a jungle, and was attended by five or 
six Spaniels, for the purpose of putting up the bustards, floricans, peafowl, and other birds, 
when a tiger suddenly showed itself from a spot where it had lain concealed. Instead of 
retreating from the terrible animal, the Spaniels dashed boldly at the brindled foe, and 
although several of them were laid prostrate by the tiger’s paw, the survivors remained 
staunch, and attracted the creature’s attention so completely that their master was enabled to 
kill it without difficulty. 

The report that the Dhole will attack the tiger is thus corroborated. 


From its singular affection for the water, this Dog is termed the WATER SPANIEL, as a 
distinction from the Field Spaniel. In all weathers, and in all seasons, the Water Spaniel is 
ever ready to plunge into the loved element, and to luxuriate therein in sheer wantonness of 
enjoyment. It is an admirable diver, and a swift swimmer, in which arts it is assisted by the 
great comparative breadth of its paws. It is therefore largely used by sportsmen for the pur- 
pose of fetching out of the water the game which they have shot, or of swimming to the oppo- 
site bank of the river, or to an occasional island, and starting therefrom the various birds that 
love such moist localities. 

Much of its endurance in the water is owing to the abundance of natural oil with which its 
coat is supplied, and which prevents it from becoming really wet. A real Water Spaniel gives 
himself a good shake as soon as he leaves the river, and is dry in a very short time. This oil, 
although useful to the Dog, gives forth an odor very unpleasant to human nostrils, and there- 
fore debars the Water Spaniel from enjoying the fireside society of its human friends. 

Some people fancy that the Water Spaniel possesses webbed feet, and that its aquatic 
prowess is due to this formation. Such, however, is not the case. All dogs have their toes 
connected with each other by a strong membrane, and when the foot is wide and the mem- 
brane rather loosely hung, as is the case with the Water Spaniel, a large surface is presented 
to the water. 

The Water Spaniel is of moderate size, measuring about twenty-two inches in height at 
the shoulders, and proportionately stout in make. The ears are long, measuring from point 
to point rather more than the animal’s height. 


THE KING CHARLES SPANIEL. 213 


THe Kine CHARLES SPANIEL derives its name from the ‘‘airy monarch,”’ Charles II., 
who took great delight in these little creatures, and petted them in a manner that verged on 
absurdity. / 

It is a very small animal, as a really fine specimen ought not to exceed six or seven pounds 
in weight. Some of the most valuable King Charles Spaniels weigh as little as five pounds, 
or even less. These little creatures have been trained to search for and put up game after the 
manner of their larger relatives, the springers and cockers, but they cannot endure severe 
exercise, or long-continued exertion, and ought only to be employed on very limited territory. 

When rightly managed, it is a most amusing companion, and picks up accomplishments 
with great readiness. It can be trained to perform many pretty tricks, and sometimes is so 
appreciative of its human playfellows that it will join their games. 


WATER SPANIEL.— Canis familiaris hirsutus aquatilis. 


I knew one of these animals which would play at that popular boys’ game, called ‘‘touch,”’ 
as correctly as any of the boys who used to join in the game, and on account of its small size 
and great agility was a more formidable opponent than any of the human players. The same 
Dog carried on a perpetual playful feud with the cat, each seeking for an opportunity of deal- 
ing a blow and of getting away as fast as possible. It was most absurd to see the way in which 
the Dog would hide itself behind a door-step, a scraper, a large stone, or under a thick shrub, 
and panting with eager expectation, watch the cat walking unsuspiciously towards its ambush. 
As the cat passed, out shot the Dog, tumbled pussy over, and made off at the top of its speed, 
pursued by the cat in hot haste, all anxious to avenge herself of the defeat. In these chases 
the cat always used to run on three legs, holding one paw from the ground as if to preserve its 
strength in readiness for a severe application to the Dog’s ears. 

“Prince,’’ for that was the name of this clever little animal, was an accomplished bird’s- 
nester, seldom permitting a too-confiding blackbird or thrush to build its hymeneal home in 
the neighborhood without robbing it of its variegated contents. When the Dog first discov- 
ered how palatable an article of diet was a blackbird’s egg, he used to push his nose into the 
nest and crush the eggs with his teeth, or would try to scrape them out with his paw. In 
both these methods, he wasted a considerable portion of the liquid contents of the eggs, and 


214 THE MALTESE DOG. 

after a while invented a much better mode of action. Whenever he discovered the newly- 
built nest of a thrush or blackbird, he would wait until there were some four or five eggs in 
the nest, and then would bite out the bottom of the nest, so as to let the eggs roll unbroken 
into his mouth. ; 

One of these little animals, which belonged to a gentleman’s family, was very clever and 
docile. 

Every morning, he would voluntarily fetch his towel and brush, and stand patiently to be 
washed, combed, and brushed by the hands of his mistress. Generally, he was accustomed to 
take his meals with the family, but if his mistress were going to dine from home she used to 
say to him, ‘‘ Prince, you must go and dine at the rectory to-day.’”? The Dog would therefore 
set off for the rectory, rather a long and complicated walk, and after passing several bridges, 
and taking several turnings, would reach the rectory in time for dinner. There he would wait 
until he had taken his supper, and if no one came to fetch him, would return as he came. 


THE BLENHEIM SPANTEL is even smaller than the King Charles, and resembles it closely 
in its general characteristics. Both these animals ought to have very short muzzles, long silky 
hair without any curl, extremely long and silky ears, falling close to the head, and sweeping 
the ground. The legs should be covered with long silky hair to the very toes, and the tail 
should be well ‘‘feathered.’’ The eyes of these little Dogs are extremely moist, having always 
a slight lachrymal rivulet trickling from the corner of each eye. 

Although, from their diminutive size, these little Dogs are anything but formidable, they 
are terrible foes to the midnight thief, who cares little for the brute strength of a big yard-dog. 
Safely fortified behind a door, or under a sofa, the King Charles sets up such a clamorous 
yelling at the advent of a strange step, that it will disconcert the carefully arranged plans of 
professional burglars with much more effect than the deep bay and the fierce struggles of 
the mastiff or the bloodhound. It is easy enough to quiet a large Dog in the yard, but to 
silence a watchful and petulant King Charles Dog within doors, is quite a different matter. 
Many ‘‘toy’’ Dogs are equally useful in this respect, and the miniature terrier, which has 
lately become so fashionable, or the Skye terrier, are most admirable assistants in giving 
timely warning of a foe’s approach, although they may not be able to repel him if he has once 
made good his entrance. 


A vERY celebrated, but extremely rare ‘‘toy’’ Dog, is the MaurrsE Doe, the prettiest 
and most lovable of all the little pet Dogs. 

The hair of this tiny creature is very long, extremely silky, and almost unique in its 
glossy sheen, so beautifully fine as to resemble spun glass. In proportion to the size of the- 
animal, the fur is so long that when it is in rapid movement, the real shape is altogether lost 
in the streaming mass of flossy hair. One of these animals, which barely exceeds three pounds 
in weight, measures no less than fifteen inches in length of hair across the shoulders. The tail 
of the Maltese Dog curls strongly over the back, and adds its wealth of silken fur to the 
already superfluous torrent of glistening tresses. 

It is a lively and very good-tempered little creature, endearing itself by sundry curious 
little ways to those with whom it is brought in contact. The ‘‘toy”’ spaniels are subject to 
several unpleasant habits, such as snoring and offensive breath, but the Maltese Dog is free 
from these defects, and is therefore a more agreeable companion than the King Charles or the 
Blenheim Spaniels. 

As the name implies, it was originally brought from Malta. It is a very scarce animal, and 
at one time was thought to be extinct; but there are still specimens to be obtained by those 
who have no objection to pay the price which is demanded for these pretty little creatures. 


Tue Lion Dog, so called on account of its fancied resemblance to the king of beasts, when 
it is shaven after the fashion of poodles, is a cross between the poodle and the Maltese Dog, 
possessing the tightly curled hair of the poodle without its elongated ears and determinate 
aspect. 


THE POODLE. 215 


A very decided contrast to the last-mentioned Dog is afforded by the ALPINE SPANIEL, 
more generally known by the title of the St. Bernard’s Dog, on account of the celebrated 
monastery where these magnificent animals are taught to exercise their wondrous powers, 
which have gained for them and their teachers a world-wide fame. 

These splendid Dogs are among the largest of the canine race, being equal in size to a large 
mastiff. The good work which is done by these Dogs is so well known that it is only necessary 
to give a passing reference. Bred among the coldest regions of the Alps, and accustomed from 
its birth to the deep snows which everlastingly cover the mountain-top, the St. Bernard’s Dog 
is a most useful animal in discovering any unfortunate traveller who has been overtaken by a 


ST. BERNARD’S DOG.—Canis familiaris eatrarius st. bernardi. 


sudden storm and lost the path, or who has fallen upon the cold ground, worn out by fatigue 
and hardship, and fallen into the death-sleep which is the result of severe cold. 

Whenever a snow-storm occurs, the monks belonging to the monastery of St. Bernard send 
forth their Dogs on their errand of mercy. Taught by the wonderful instinct with which they 
are endowed, they traverse the dangerous paths, and seldom fail to discover the frozen sufferer, 
even though he be buried under a deep snow-drift. When the Dog has made such a discovery, 
it gives notice by its deep and powerful bay of the perilous state of the sufferer, and endeavors 
to clear away the snow that covers the lifeless form. 

The monks, hearing the voice of the Dog, immediately set off to the aid of the perishing 
traveller, and in many cases have thus preserved lives that must have perished without their 
timely assistance. In order to afford every possible help to the sufferer, a small flask of spirits 
is generally tied to the Dog’s neck. 

The illustration which accompanies this notice of the Alpine Spaniel, is a representative 
of the popular variety of the species. 


OF all the domesticated Dogs, the PoopLE seems to be, take him all in all, the most 
obedient and the most intellectual. Accomplishments the most difficult are mastered by this 
clever animal, which displays an ease and intelligence in its performances that appear to be 
far beyond the ordinary canine capabilities. 


216 THE POODLE. 


A barbarous custom is prevalent of removing the greater portion of the Poodle’s coat, 
leaving him but a ruff round the neck and legs, and a puff on the tip of the tail as the sole 
relic of his abundant fur. 

Such a deprivation is directly in opposition to the natural state of the Dog, which is fur- 
nished with a peculiarly luxuriant fur, hanging in long ringlets from every portion of the 
head, body, and limbs. The Poodle is not the only Dog that suffers a like tonsorial abridg- 
ment of coat; for under the dry arches of the many bridges that cross the Seine, in Paris, may 
be daily seen a mournful spectacle. Numerous Dogs of every imaginable and unimaginable 
breed, lie helpless in the shade of the arch, their legs tied together, and their eyes contem- 


POODLE.— Canis familiaris genuinus. 


plating with woeful looks the struggles of their fellows, who are being shorn of their natural 
covering, and protesting with mournful cries against the operation. 


THERE is a diminutive variety of the Poodle, which is termed the BarsBer. This little 
Dog is possessed of all the intellectual powers of its larger relative, and on account of its com- 
paratively small size, was formerly in great request as a lady’s Dog. For this enviable post it 
is well fitted, as it is a cleanly little creature, very affectionate, and full of the oddest tricks 
and vagaries. : 

Some years since, I made acquaintance with a comical little Dog, named ‘‘Quiz,”? which 
I believe to have been a Barbet, though no one had ventured definitely to refer the strange 
little creature to any known variety. 

He was very small, not larger than an ordinary rabbit, and was. overwhelmed with such a 
torrent of corkscrew curls that his entire shape was concealed under their luxuriance ; and, 
when he was lying asleep on the sofa, he reminded the spectator of a loose armful of mop 
thrums. While reposing, his head was quite undistinguishable from his tail; and when 
walking, his trailing curls collected such an ever-increasing mass of leaves, dry sticks, straws, 
and other impediments, that he was frequently obliged to halt, in order to be released from 
his encumbrances. 


THE BLOODHOUND. PALES 


Casual passengers were constantly arrested in their walk by the singular animated mop 
that rolled along without any visible means of progression, and I have more than once been 
witness to a warm dispute respecting the position in nature which the strange animal might 
occupy. Some thought it might be a Dog, while others suggested that it was a young lion ; 
but the prevailing idea referred little Quiz to a position among the bears. 

He was a most amusing and clever little animal, readily picking up acquirements, and 
inventing new accomplishments of his own. He would sit at the piano, and sing a song to his 
own accompaniment, the manual, or rather the pedal, part of the performance being achieved 
by a dexterous patting of the keys, and the vocal efforts by a prolonged and modulated howl. 
He could also ‘‘ talk,’’ by uttering little yelps in rapid succession. 

Like all pet Dogs, he was jealous of disposition, and could not bear that any one, not 
excepting his mistress, should be more noticed than himself. 

When his mistress was ill, he was much aggrieved at the exclusive attention which was 
given to the invalid, and cast about in his doggish brain for some method of attracting the 
notice which he coveted. It is supposed that he must have watched the interview between 
the medical man and patient, and have settled in his mind the attraction which exercised so 
powerful an influence upon the physician ; for just as the well-known carriage drew up to 
the door, Quiz got on a chair, sat up on his hind legs, and began to put out his tongue, and 
hold forth his paw, as he had seen his mistress do, and evidently expected to be treated in a 
similar manner. His purpose was certainly gained, for he attracted universal attention by 
his rwse. He had not patience to keep his tongue out of his mouth, but rapidly thrust it out, 
and as rapidly withdrew it again. 

Poor Quiz died very shortly after I made acquaintance with him, a victim to the ie 
which at that time was rife in Oxford. 


THE VERY tiniest of the Dog family is the Mexican Lappoe, a creature so very minute 
in its dimensions as to appear almost fabulous to those who have not seen the animal itself. 

One of these little canine pets is to be seen in the British Museum, and always attracts 
much attention from the visitors. Indeed, if it were not in so dignified a locality, it would 
be generally classed with the mermaid, the flying serpent, and the Tartar lamb, as an admir- 
able example of clever workmanship. It is precisely like those white woolen toy Dogs which 
sit upon a pair of bellows, and when pressed give forth a nondescript sound, intended to do 
duty for the legitimate canine bark. To say that it is no larger than these toys would be 
hardly true, for I have seen in the shop windows many a toy Dog which exceeded in size the 
veritable Mexican Lapdog. 


THE MAGNIFICENT animal which is termed the BLoopHouND, on account of its peculiar 
facility for tracking a wounded animal through all the mazes of its devious course, is very 
scarce in England, as there is but little need for these Dogs for its chief employment. 

In the ‘‘ good old times”’ this animal was largely used by thief-takers, for the purpose of 
tracking and securing the robbers who in those days made the country unsafe, and laid the 
roads under a black mail. Sheep-stealers, who were much more common when the offence 
was visited with capital punishment, were frequently detected by the delicate nose of the 
BioopHounD, which would, when once laid on the scent, follow it up with unerring precision, 
unravelling the single trail from among a hundred crossing footsteps, and only to be baffled by 
water or blood. Water holds no scent, and if the hunted man is able to take a long leap into 
the water, and to get out again in some similar fashion, he may set at defiance the Blood- 
hound’s nose. If blood be spilt upon the track, the delicate olfactories of the animal are 
blunted, and it is no longer able to follow the comparatively weak scent which is left by the 
retreating footsteps. 

Both these methods have been successfully employed, but in either case great caution is 
needed. When the hound suspects that the quarry has taken to the water, it swims backward 
and forward, testing every inch of the bank on both sides, and applying its nose to every leaf, 
stick, or frothy scum that comes floating by. 


218 THE STAGHOUND. 


In this country the Bloodhound is chiefly employed in deer-shooting, aiding the sportsman 
by-singling out some animal, and keeping it ever before him, and by driving it in certain 
directions, giving to its master an opportunity for a shot from his rifle. Should the deer not 
fall to the shot, but be only wounded, it dashes off at a greatly increased pace, followed by the 
Bloodhound, which here displays his qualities. Being guided by the blood-drops that stud 
the path of the wounded animal, the hound has an easy task in keeping the trail, and by dint 
of persevering exertions is sure to come up with his prey at last. 

The Bloodhound is generally irascible in temper, and therefore a rather dangerous animal 
to be meddled with by any one excepting its owner. So fierce is its desire for blood, and so utterly 
is it excited when it reaches its prey, that it will often keep its master at bay when he 
approaches, and receive his overtures with such unmistakable indications of anger that he will 


BLOODHOUND.— Canis familiaris. 


not venture to approach until his Dog has satisfied its appetite on the carcass of the animal 
which it has brought to the ground When fairly on the track of the deer, the Bloodhound 
utters a peculiar, long, loud, and deep bay, which,:if once heard, will never be forgotten. 

The modern Bloodhound is not the same animal as that which was known by the same 
title in the days of early English history, the breed of which is supposed to be extinct. The 
ancient Bloodhound was, from all accounts, an animal of extremely irritable temper, and 
therefore more dangerous as a companion than the modern hound. 

The color of a good Bloodhound ought to be nearly uniform, no white being permitted, 
except on the tip of the stern. The prevailing tints are a blackish-tan, or a deep fawn. The 
tail of this Dog is long and sweeping, and by certain expressive wavings and flourishings 
of that member, the animal indicates its success or failure. 


CLosELy allied to the bloodhound is the now rare SrAGHOUND, a Dog which is supposed to 
derive its origin from the bloodhound and the greyhound, the latter animal being employed in 
order to add lightness and speed to the exquisite scent and powerful limbs of the former. 
Sometimes the foxhound is used to cross with this animal. 

It is a large and powerful Dog, possessed of very great capabilities of scent, and able, like 
the bloodhound, to hold to the trail on which it is laid, and to distinguish it among the foot- 


THE STAGHOUND. 219 


prints of a crowd. Despite of the infusion of greyhound blood, the Staghound is hardly so 
swift an animal as might be conjectured from its proportions, and probably on account of 
its slow pace has fallen into comparative disrepute at the present day. Until the death of 
George III. the stag-chase was greatly in vogue ; but since that time it has failed to attract the 
attention of the sporting world, and has gradually yielded to the greater charms of the fox- 
hunt. 

The real old English Staghound is now extremely rare, and is in danger of becoming 
entirely extinct. The Dog which is now used for the purpose of chasing the stag is simply 
a very large breed of the foxhound, which, on account of its superior length of limb, is more 


STAGHOUND.—Canis familiaris sagax acceptorius. 


capable of matching itself against the swift-footed deer than the ordinary hound. These Dogs 
are very powerful when in a good state of health, and have been known to achieve very wonder- 
ful feats of speed and endurance. They have been known to run for a distance of fifty miles in 
pursuit of a stag ; and one memorable run is recorded, where the stag and the only two hounds 
which kept to its trail, were found dead close to each other. The stag had made one powerful 
effort, had leaped over a park wall, which the Dogs in their wearied state were unable to 
surmount, and had fallen dead just as it had gained a place of safety. 

It is needful that the Staghound should be a courageous as well as a powerful animal ; for 
when the stag is brought to bay it becomes a formidable antagonist, dashing boldly at the 
nearest foe, whether man or Dog, and often inflicting by the stroke of its sharp antlers a 
mortal wound upon any Dog that may be within its reach. Some degree of cunning is also 
requisite, so that the Dog may not rush blindly upon its fate, but may craftily watch its 
opportunity, and seize its quarry without suffering for its boldness. 

When the country was more open, and less broken up into fields and enclosures than is the 
case at the present, stag-hunting was a comparatively easy task, but in the present day, when a 


220 THE FOXHOUND. 


free Englishman can hardly walk half-a-mile without being checked by a wall or fence, or 
a warning notice, the stag has so much the advantage of the hounds and horses that the chase 
has gradually sunk into comparative disuse. With one or two exceptions, the royal Stag- 
hounds are now almost the only representatives of this once popular and exciting sport. 


Or ALL the Dogs which are known by the common title of ‘“‘hound,”’ the FoxHounp is the 
best known. There are few animals which have received more attention than the Foxhound, 
and none perhaps which have so entirely fulfilled the wishes of its teachers. A well-known 
sporting author, who writes under the nom de plume of ‘‘ Stonehenge,” remarks, with pardon- 
able enthusiasm, that ‘‘ the modern Foxhound is one of the most wonderful animals in creation.” 
The efforts which have been made, and the sums which have been spent, in the endeavor to 
make this animal as perfect as possible, are scarcely credible. 


FOXHOUND.— Canis familiaris. 


Without in the least disparaging any efforts to improve the nature and the character of 
any animal, we cannot but draw a sad comparison between the unwearying pains that are 
bestowed upon the condition of the Foxhound, and the neglected state of many a human being 
in the vicinity of the palatial dog-kennel and the magnificent stables. At one establishment, 
eight or ten thousand pounds per annum have been expended upon the Dogs and horses, and 
this for a series of many years. As might be expected, the command of such enormous sums 
of money, backed by great judgment on the parts of the owners and trainers of hounds, has 
produced a race of Dogs that for speed, endurance, delicate scent, and high courage, approach 
as near to absolute perfection as can well be imagined. P 

By thus improving the condition of the domesticated Dog, the country has been bene- 
fited, for it is impossible to improve any inhabitant of a country without conferring a benefit 
on the land in which it is reared. Still, supposing that half the sums which are annually 
expended on training Dogs for the amusement of the upper classes had been employed in 
improving the condition of the uneducated and neglected poor, and had been backed by equal 
judgment, I cannot but fancy that the country would have received a greater benefit than is 
conferred wpon it by the most admirable pack of hounds that can be conceived. 

It is supposed that the modern Foxhound derives its origin from the old English hound, 
and its various points of perfection from judicious crosses with other breeds. For example, 
in order to increase its speed, the greyhound is made to take part in his pedigree, and the 
greyhound having already some admixture of the bull-dog blood, there is an infusion of stub- 
bornness as well as of mere speed. 


THE FOXHOUND. 221 


There are various breeds of Dogs which are remarkable for the very great development of 
some peculiar faculty, such as speed in the greyhound, courage in the bull-dog, delicacy of 
scent in the bloodhound, sagacity in the poodle, and so on. So that, when a breed of Dogs 
begins to fail in any of these characteristics, the fault is amended by the introduction of a 
Dog belonging to the breed which exhibits the needful quality in greatest perfection. It is 
remarkable that the mental character is transmitted through a longer series of descendants 
than the outward form. Even in the case of such widely different Dogs as the bull-dog and 
the greyhound, all vestige of the bull-dog form is lost in the fourth cross, while the deter- 
minate courage of the animal is persistent, and serves to invigorate the character of unnum- 
bered successive progeny. 

By using these means with the greatest care and judgment, the modern sportsmen have 
succeeded in obtaining an animal which is so accurate of scent, that it might almost challenge 
the bloodhound himself in its power of discovering it, and of adhering to it when found ; so 
determined in character, that it has many a time been known to persevere in its chase 
until it has fallen dead on the track ; and so swift of foot that few horses can keep pace with 
it in the hunting-field, if the scent be good and ground easy. It is averred by competent 
authority, that no man can undertake to remain in the same field with the hounds while they 
are running. 

The speed which can be attained by Foxhounds may be estimated from the well-known 
match which took place upon the Beacon course at Newmarket. The length of the course is 
4 miles 1 furlong and 132 yards, and this distance was run by the winning Dog, ‘‘ Blue-cap,”’ 
in eight minutes and a few seconds. The famous racehorse, ‘‘ Flying Childers,” in running 
over the same ground, was little more than half a minute ahead of the hounds. Now, if we 
compare the dimensions of the horse and the hound, we shall form a tolerably accurate con- 
ception of the extraordinary swiftness to which the latter animal can attain. In that match, 
no less than sixty horses started together with the competitors, but of the sixty only twelve 
were with the Dogs at the end of this short run. 

It must be remembered that, in addition to the severe and unceasing labor of the chase, 
in which the Dogs are always busily at work, either in searching for a lost scent, or following 
it up when found, the hounds are forced to undergo no small exertion in walking from their 
kennel to the ‘‘meet,’’ which is frequently at some distance from their home; and then in 
walking back again when the chase is over. 

That the animal should be enabled to perform these severe tasks, which often occur 
several times weekly, it is necessary that it should not be too large, lest it should fatigue 
itself with its own bulk, and go through considerable needless exertion in forcing its way 
through thickets where a lesser Dog would pass without difficulty ; and it is equally necessary 
that it should not be too small, lest it should be unequal to the various impediments which 
cross its path, and by reason of its shorter limbs be unable to keep up properly with the rest 
of the pack. 

According to the latest authorities, the best average height for Foxhounds is from twenty- 
one to twenty-five inches, the female being generally smaller than the male. However, the 
size of the Dog does not matter so much ; but it is execdied to match the rest of the pack in 
height as well as in general appearance. 

It has been well remarked, by a writer to whom allusion has already been made, that a 
hound ought not to be looked upon as an individual, but as a component part of a pack, and, 
therefore, that a Dog which will be almost invaluable in one pack will be quite inadmissible 
into another. It is a great fault in a Dog to be slower than its companions, but it is a fault of 
hardly less magnitude to be too fast for them, and to run away at such a pace that it seems to 
be getting all the hunting to itself. To use an expressive, but conventional term, ‘‘suitiness”’ 
is one of the principal points in a pack of hounds, which ought to appear as if they all 
belonged to one family. 

In its natural state, the head of the Foxhound has a different aspect from that which is 
presented by the trained dog. This change of appearance is caused by the custom of crop- 
ping, or rather of trimming, the ears, so as to dock them of their full proportions, and to 


bo 


222 THE HARRIER. 


leave no more of the external organ than is necessary to protect the orifice. It is said that 
this process is necessary in order to guard the animal’s ears from being torn by the brambles 
and other thorny impediments which constantly come in its path, and through which the Dog 
is continually forced to thrust itself. But the custom does not seem to confer a corresponding 
benefit on the poor creature whose ears are subjected to the operator’s steel, and it may be that 
the custom of cropping Dogs’ ears will go out of fashion, as is happily the case with the 
equally cruel practice of cropping the ears of horses, and docking their tails. 

This Dog is a sufficiently sagacious animal, and if it were subjected to the influence of 
man as frequently as the Terrier and other companions of the human race, would not lose by 
comparison with them. Even in the state of semi-civilization into which these Dogs are 
brought, their obedience to the voice and gestures of the huntsman is quite marvellous; and 
even when in their kennel they will come individually to be fed, no Dog venturing to leave its 
place until its name has been called. 

As to the various sporting details connected with this animal, such as breeding, training, 
feeding, etc., they may be found in many sporting works, where they are elaborately discussed, 
but are not suitable for a work of the present character. 


Tur Harrier, so called because it is chiefly employed in hunting the hare, is in the 
present day nothing more or less than a small foxhound, the description of the latter animal 
serving equally for that of the former, with the one exception of size. As has been mentioned 
in the account of the foxhound, the average height is about twenty-three inches, but the height 
of the Harrier ought not to exceed eighteen or nineteen inches. 

Partly on account of its smaller size, and partly on account of the character of its work, 
the Harrier is not so swift an animal as the foxhound, and does not test so fully the speed and 
strength of the horses that follow in its track. It is a swifter animal in these days than was 
the case some few years back, because in the modern system of hare-hunting, poor ‘‘ puss”’ is 
so rapidly followed by the hounds that she has no time to waste in those subtle contrivances 
for throwing the hounds off her track for which she is so justly famous, and which have often 
baffled the efforts of the best and strongest Harriers. 

The points of a good Harrier are similar to those of the foxhound, and may be described 
as follows: 

‘‘There are necessary points in the shape of a hound which ought always to be attended 
to by a sportsman, for if he be not of a perfect symmetry he will neither run fast nor bear 
much work. He has much to undergo, and should have strength proportioned to it. Let his 
legs be straight as arrows, his feet round and not too large; his shoulders back ; his breast 
rather wide than narrow ; his chest deep ; his back broad ; his head small; his neck thin; his 
tail thick and bushy ; if he carry it well, so much the better. Such hounds as are out at the 
elbows, and such as are weak from the knees to the foot, should never be taken into the pack. 

‘<T find that I have mentioned a small head as one of the necessary requisites of a hound ; 
but you will observe that it is relative to beauty only, for as to goodness, I believe that large- 
headed hounds are in no wise inferior. The color I think of little moment, and am of opinion 
with our friend Foote, sages his negro friend, that a good Dog, like a good candidate, 
cannot be of bad color.’ 

These remarks were written by Beckford, in the year 1779, and are of such sterling value 
that they are accepted even in the present day as the criteria of a good hound. He proceeds 
to observe in the same letter, from which the above description has been transcribed, that the 
shape of the Dog’s head is as variable as the color of his hide, and that some sportsmen prefer 
a sharp-nosed hound, while others care nothing fora Dog unless he have a large and roomy 
head. Each, however, in his opinion, is equally useful in its own way ; for ‘‘speed and beauty 
are the chief excellences of the one, while stoutness and tenderness of nose in hunting are char- 
acteristic of the other.” To these qualifications the modern huntsmen have added another, 
consisting of depth of the back ribs, in order to secure a stout build, and the capability of 
enduring daily work for a lengthened period. 

Uniformity of size and color is even more requisite in a pack of Harriers than of foxhounds. 


THE BEAGLE. 223 


Such packs indeed are often composed of the latter variety of Dog, which are too small to be 
admitted into the regular foxhound pack. However, if a pack is composed of these dwarf 
foxhounds, the two best characters of the true Harrier are lost, namely, the musical tongue 
and the sensitive nose, and the only compensating quality that these animals possess is extreme 
speed. A pack of true Harriers is distinguished for the melodious tongues of its members, 
which can be heard at a distance of several miles, while the delicacy of their scent is so great 
that they can work out all the complicated doubles of the hare. 


THERE are several breeds of the BEAGLE, which are distinguishable from each other by 
their size and general aspect. 

The Medium-sized Beagle is not unlike the harrier, but is heavier about the throat than 
that animal, and has stouter limbs, and a comparatively larger body. The height of this Dog 
is from a foot to fourteen or fifteen inches. 


BEAGLE.— Canis familiaris sagax irritans. 


The Rough Beagle is thought to be produced by crossing the original stock with the rough 
terrier, and possesses the squeaking bark of -the terrier rather than the prolonged musical 
intonation of the Beagle. Some authorities, however, take the animal to be a distinct variety. 
The nose of this creature is furnished with the stiff whisker-hairs which are found on the 
muzzle of the rough terrier, and the fur is nearly as stiff and wiry as the terrier’s. 

The Dwarf Beagle, or Rabbit Beagle, as it is sometimes called, is the smallest of the three 
animals, delicate in form and aspect, but good of nose and swift of foot. So very small are 
some of these little creatures that a whole pack has been conveyed to and from the field in 
hampers slung over the back of a horse, or simply in the shooting pockets of the men. Their 
strength was thus preserved for the labors of the field, and they were saved from the fatiguing 
walk to the field and back again. Ten inches is the average height of a Rabbit Beagle. 

These little Dogs are chiefly employed by those who hunt on foot, as they are not suffi- 
ciently swift to drive the hare from her doubles, and by patiently tracking her through all her 
wiles, ‘‘ win like Fabius, by delay.’’ Beagles used to be much in favor with the junior mem- 
bers of the universities, for the purpose of affording a pleasant afternoon’s amusement. It is 
true that the legitimate object of chase, namely, the hare, is seldom forthcoming, but her place 
is readily supplied by a long-winded lad, who traverses the country at speed, trailing after 
him a rabbit-skin well rubbed with turpentine or aniseed. If the scent be good, and the course 
lie tolerably straight, the endurance of the hunter is severely tested, but if the miniature 
hounds come often to a check, any one of average powers can be in at the finish. 


224 THE POINTER. 


THERE are two breeds of the PornrER, the modern English Pointer, and the Spanish 
Pointer. The latter of these Dogs is now seldom used in the field, as it is too slow and 
heavily built an animal for the present fast style of sporting, which makes the Dogs do all the 
ranging, and leaves to their master but a comparatively small amount of distance to pass over. 
The nose of this Dog is peculiarly delicate, as may be inferred from its exceedingly wide 
muzzle, and for those sportsmen who cannot walk fast or far, it is an useful assistant. 

As may be seen from the engraving, the modern English Pointer is a very different animal, 
built on a much lighter model, and altogether with a more bold and dashing air about it. 
While it possesses a sufficiently wide muzzle to permit the development of the olfactory 


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POINTER.— Canis familiars avicularius. 


nerves, its limbs are so light and wiry that it can match almost any Dog in speed. Indeed, 
some of these animals are known to equal a slow greyhound in point of swiftness. 

This quality is specially useful, because it permits the sportsman to walk forward, at a 
moderate pace, while his Dogs are beating over the field to his right and left. The sagacious 
animals are so obedient to the voice and gesture of their master, and are so well trained to act 
with each other, that at a wave of the hand they will separate, one going to the right and the 
other to the left, and so traverse the entire field in a series of ‘‘tacks,’’ to speak nautically, 
crossing each other regularly in front of the sportsman as he walks forward. 

When either of them scents a bird, he stops suddenly, arresting even his foot as it is 
raised in the air, his head thrust forward, his body and limbs fixed, and his tail stretched 
straight out behind him. This attitude is termed a “‘point,’’ and on account of this peculiar 
mode of indicating game, the animal is termed the ‘“‘ Pointer.” The Dogs are so trained that 
when one of them comes to a point he is backed by his companion, so as to avoid the disturb- 
ance of more game than is necessary for the purpose of the sportsman. 

It is a matter of some difficulty to teach their lesson rightly, for the Dogs are quite as 
liable to error through their over-anxiety to please their master as through sluggishness or 
carelessness. Such Dogs are very provoking in the field, for they will come to a point at 
almost every strange odor that crosses their nostrils, and so will stand at pigs, sparrows, cats, 


THE POINTER. 225 


or any other creature that may come in their way, and will hold so firmly to their ‘“point”’ 
that they cannot be induced to move, except by compulsory means. This extreme excitability 
seems to be caused by too close adherence to the same stock in breeding, and is set right by a 
judicious admixture with another family. 

According to ‘‘Stonehenge,”’ the marks of a good Pointer are as follows. ‘‘A moderately 
large head, wide rather than long, with a high forehead and an intelligent eye, of medium size. 
Muzzle broad, with its outline square in front, not receding as in the hound. Flews (¢.e. the 
overhanging lips) manifestly present, but not pendent. The head should be well set on the 
neck, with a peculiar form at the junction only seen in the Pointer. The neck itself should 
be long, convex in its upper outline, without any tendency to a dewlap or a ruff, as the loose 
skin covered with long hair round the neck is called. The body is of good length, with a 
strong loin, wide hips, and rather arched ribs, the chest being well let down, but not in a 
hatchet shape as in the greyhound, and the depth in the back ribs being proportionably 
greater than in that Dog. The tail, or ‘stern,’ as it is technically called, is strong at the root, 
but, suddenly diminishing, it becomes very fine, and then continues nearly of the same size to 
within two inches of the tip, where it goes off to a point, looking as sharp as the sting of a 
wasp, and giving the whole very much the appearance of that part of the insect, but magnified 
as a matter of course. This peculiar shape of the stern characterizes the breed, and its absence 
shows a cross with the hound or some other Dog.”’ , 

The author then proceeds to recommend long, slanting, but muscular shoulder-blades, a 
long upper arm, a very low elbow, and a short fore-arm. The feet must be round and strong, 
and padded with a thick sole, the knee strong, and the ankle of full size. The color is of com- 
paratively small importance, but ought, if possible, to be white, so that the animal may be 
visible while beating among heather, clover, or turnips. Black or liver-colored dogs are very 
handsome to the eye, but often cause much trouble to the sportsman, on account of the diffi- 
culty of distinguishing them among the herbage. White Dogs, with lemon-colored heads, are 
the favorites of this author. 

As the Pointer is seldom in contact with its master, except when in the field, its domestic 
qualities are rarely prized as they deserve to be. No Dog can be properly appreciated until 
it is a constant companion of man, and it is probable that many Dogs which are set down as 
stupid and untractable, are only so called because they have been deprived of the society of 
human beings, through whom alone their higher qualities can be developed, and have been con- 
fined to the kennel, the yard, or the field. The Pointer is but little known as a companion 
Dog, but when it is in the habit of living constantly with its owner speedily puts forth its 
intellectual powers, and becomes an amusing and interesting companion. One of my friends 
has kindly sent me the following account of a Pointer that belonged to him, and had been 
constantly with his master for a lengthened period of time. The animal was not an example 
of the thorough-bred Pointer, but was, nevertheless, a very respectable creature. 


‘*T ONCE possessed a Dog whose nose, sight, and instinct were well developed ; and as he 
was my companion for many a day, and my only friend for many months, some of his pecu- 
liarities may not be uninteresting. 

“The Dog could point a partridge, but he would eat it, too, if he had a chance ; and often 
when I could not take a day’s shooting I have observed my Dog doing a little amateur work 
on his own account. Very successful, also, was he in this occupation; and he frequently 
dined on a partridge or quail which he had gained by means of his own skill. There was no 
concealing the fact that he was, however, an arrant coward; and he himself was perfectly 
conscious of this defect. As is usual amongst men, he endeavored to conceal his weakness by 
the aid of a formidable exterior; and few who knew him not would ever venture even to 
insinuate that he was not as brave as a lion. If he happened to encounter any other Dog with 
which he was unacquainted he would immediately stand perfectly still, raise his tail, and keep 
it very firmly in one position ; he would then elevate the hair on his back, and dragging up 
his jowls, would exhibit a formidable array of grinders. Thus exhibiting by no means a pre- 
possessing appearance, he would merely growl whilst the other Dog walked round him, and 


226 THE DALMATIAN OR COACH DOG. 


he thus frequently prevented any liberties from being taken with him. No sooner had his 
visitor left him than his attitude would change ; and with a glance, as much as to say, ‘I did 
that very well,’ he would jog along before me. In spite of his warlike positions, he was once 
terribly punished by a little terrier which resided in a butcher’s shambles. Passing this 
locality, my Dog was set upon before even he had time to study attitudes or to assume a pose, 
so he made good use of his legs, and escaped with a few scratches. Now it happened that 
amongst his friends he had one which was a well-bred bull terrier, and after the mauling that 
he had received from the butcher’s Dog I noticed that he was very much oftener with this 
friend than he had been before. The next time that I attempted to take him past the shambles 
he refused to come, and retreated home. I followed him, and, by dint of whistling, at length 
brought him out from his retreat, from which he was followed by his friend the bull terrier. 

‘*The two jogged along very pleasantly and cheerfully, my Dog evidently paying marked 
attention to his friend. When we approached the locality of the shambles my Dog ran 
along in front, whilst the bull terrier followed behind, and both looked as though ‘up’ to 
something. Opposite the shambles the terrier rushed out upon my Dog, which retreated with 
wonderful precipitancy behind his friend, who at once collared the assailant, and tumbled 
him over and over to the tune of the joyful barks of my old cur, which had evidently made 
the preliminary arrangements with his friend for this scene.” 


The same Dog was once taught a useful lesson in a singular manner. His master is an 
officer, and during the time when he possessed the Dog was annoyed by its constant intrusion 
into the mess-room when breakfast was on the table. Nothing could keep the Dog away from 
the tempting tables with their savory viands, and as each member of the mess was liable to a 
fine every time that his Dog entered the room it was clear that these pertinacious intrusions 
must be stopped. 

One morning the Dog crept into the room, after its custom, and fortunately there was no 
one at breakfast except its master. Attracted by the ham and fowls that lay so temptingly on 
the table, the Dog stealthily approached them, and stood pointing at the longed-for food, with 
watering mouth and eager eye. Seeing the Dog’s attention thus occupied, his master slyly 
tilted the teapot, so as to let a slender stream of the hot liquid trickle on the Dog’s back. At 
first, its faculties were so absorbed in contemplation of the forbidden dainties, that it only 
acknowledged the hot liquid by a nervous twitching of the skin. As soon, however, as the 
fur was saturated, and the full effects of the boiling tea made themselves felt, the Dog sprang 
up with a yell of astonishment, and dashed howling through the door. Ever after its adven- 
ture with the teapot, no inducement could tempt the animal to enter that room, or come fairly 
within the threshold ; and even if a chicken bone were held out as a bait the poor Dog would 
only lick its lips, and put on a plaintive and beseeching look as an appeal to the humanity of 
its tempter. 


THr DALMATIAN Doge is even better known as a carriage or coach Dog than the Danish 
Dog, which has already been described and figured. Its shape is very like that of the pointer, 
but the artificially shortened ears give it a different aspect. 

The ground color of this animal’s fur is nearly white, and is richly crossed with black 
spots, earning for it, in common with the Danish Dog, the title of ‘‘Plum-pudding.”’ The 
height of this animal is about twenty-four or twenty-five inches. Some years ago, the Dalma- 
tian Dog was very frequently seen in attendance upon the carriage of its owner, scampering 
along in high glee by the side of the vehicle, or running just in front of the horses, apparently 
in imminent danger of being knocked over every moment. Now, however, the creature has 
lost its hold on the fashionable world, and is but seldom seen. 

This animal is seldom if ever permitted to be the constant companion of its master, and 
has therefore but little of that humanly intelligent look which marks the countenance of the 
companionable poodle or spaniel, and gives to the animal a certain semblance of its master. 

We may see in every country a singular similitude between the human inhabitants of the 
land and the various animals which tread the same earth and breathe the same air. So we 


THE DALMATIAN OR COACH DOG. 227 


find that the countries which are the most productive of ferocious animals are most productive 
of ferocious men :—the Lion of Africa, the Tiger of India, the Grizzly Bear of America, the 
Polar Bear of the northern regions, being but lower types of the destructive humanity that 
prevails in those portions of the globe. 

As this subtle bond of similar affections is found to pervade the wild animals and the 
human inhabitants of the same country, it is but natural that when the man and the brute are 
drawn closer together by domestication, and the higher Being enabled to pour its influence 
upon the lower, the similarity in their character should be still more apparent. 

So we find that, whether in cats, Dogs, or horses, the animals which are most frequently 
made the companions of man, the disposition of the owner is reflected in the character of the 
beast. The large-hearted, kind-souled man will be surrounded with loving and gentle animals. 
His cat will sit and purr upon his shoulder fearless of repulse, his Dog will love and reverence 
his master with faithful worship, and his horse will follow him about the field in which it is 
freely grazing, and solicit the kind notice to which it is accustomed. On the other hand, the 


DALMATIAN OR COACH DOG.— Canis Samiliaris. 


cross and snappish cat, the snarling Dog, and the crabbed-tempered horse are sure signs of 
corresponding qualities in the man that owns them, and will deter an observer of animal 
natures from placing his confidence in the man who could infuse such evil qualities into the 
creatures that surround him, and from whom they take their tone. 

As the Dog is possessed of a disposition which is more easily assimilated with that of man 
than is the case with most animals, the affinity between itself and its master is constantly 
brought before our notice. 

One man loves nothing so well as the largest Newfoundland or deerhound, while another 
is not satisfied unless his Dog be of the minutest proportions compatible with canine nature. 
One man places his faith in the terrier, another in the poodle; one prefers the retriever, and 
another the spaniel. The man who pursues his sport at morning, in the face of the sun, is 
accompanied by the loud-tongued foxhound or beagle; while the skulking nocturnal poacher 
is aided in his midnight thefts by the silent and crafty lurcher. 

But of all the Dogs that are associated with man, and of all the men that make compan- 
ionship with Dogs, the most repulsive, and most to be avoided by honest Dogs and men, are 
the bull-deg and his owner. 

I may be accused of delivering too severe a judgment on Dog and man. Those who have 
been led by duty, curiosity, or chance through the unsavory localities which are haunted by 
the members of the ‘‘Fancy,’’ and have instinctively stepped aside from the fur-capped, 
beetle-browed, sleek-haired, suspicious ruffian, leading his sullen and scowling bull-dog at his 


228 SETTER DOGS. 


heels, will hardly find terms too severe for the depraved human character that could encourage 
or cherish such an epitome of the most brutal features of the canine nature. Dog and man 
suit each other admirably ; and, had there been no human ruffian, there would have been no 
canine representation of his own ruffianism. 

That such a similarity should exist is an absolute necessity, inasmuch as the more power- 
ful nature will inevitably expel the weaker, unless there is something in common between their 
characters, which will enable the higher being to convey its meaning to the lower, and the 
lower to receive obediently the mandates of the higher. As the two natures become more 
assimilated, they produce a corresponding effect in the outer form, and the resemblance 
extends to form and feature as well as to character. We notice the same effect to be produced 


ENGLISH SETTER.— Canis familiaris. 


among human beings when they are much thrown together, and a similar though not so 
evident a phenomenon takes place between the man and the brute. 

The very form of the Dog tells its character as clearly as the human countenance betrays 
the disposition of the spirit which moulds its lines. It is most truly said by Bailey,.in that 
mine of golden poetry, ‘‘ Festus’’ :— 


‘“All animals are living hieroglyphs— 
The dashing Dog and stealthy-stepping cat, 
Hawk, bull, and all that breathe, mean something more 
To the true eye than their shapes show ; for all 
Were made in love, and made to be beloved.” 


As the pointers derive their name from their habits of standing still and pointing at any 
game which they may discover, so the Srrrers have earned their title from their custom of 
‘setting’? or crouching when they perceive their game. In the olden days of sporting, the 
Setter used always to drop as soon as it found the game, but at the present day the animal is 
in so far the imitator of the pointer, that it remains erect while marking down its game. 

There are several breeds of these animals: the ordinary English Setter, the Russian Setter, 
and the Irish Setter. 


SETTER DOGS. 229 


Each of these breeds possesses its particular excellences, which are combined in experienced 
and skillful hands by careful admixtures of one breed with another. 

The Russian Setter is a curious animal in appearance, the fur being so long and woolly in 
texture, and so thoroughly matted together, that the form of the Dog is rendered quite indis- 
tinct. It is by no means a common animal, and is but seldom seen. It is an admirable 
worker, quartering its ground very closely, seldom starting game without first marking them ; 
and possessed of a singularly delicate nose. In spite of its heavy coat, it bears heat as well as 

‘the lighter-clad pointer, and better than the ordinary English Setters, with their curly locks. 
When crossed with the English Setter it produces a mixed breed, which seems to be as near 
perfection as can be expected in a Dog, and which unites the good properties of both parents. 
A well-known sportsman, when trying these Dogs against his own animal, which he fondly 
thought to be unrivalled, found that the Russian animals obtained three points where his own 
Dog only made one, and that from their quiet way of getting over the ground they did not 
put up the birds out of gun-range, as was too often the case with his own swifter-footed Dogs. 

The muzzle of this animal is bearded almost as much as that of the deerhound and the 
Scotch terrier, and the overhanging hair about the eyes gives it a look of self-relying intelli- 
gence that is very suggestive of the expression of a Skye terrier’s countenance. The soles of 
the feet are well covered with hair, so that the Dog is able to bear plenty of hard work among 
heather or other rough substances. 

The Irish Setter is very similar to the English animal, but has larger legs in proportion to 
the size of the body, and is distinguished from its English relative by a certain Hibernian air 
that characterizes it, and which, although conspicuous enough to a practised eye, is not easy 
of description. . 

Taking as our authority the author above quoted, in the history of the pointer, the points 
of the Setter are shortly as follows :—‘‘ A moderately heavy head, but not so much so as in the 
pointer ; the muzzle not so broad nor so square in profile, the lower angle being rounded off, 
but the upper being still nearly a right angle. The eye is similar to that of the pointer, but 

“not so soft, being more sparkling and full of spirit. The ear long, but thin, and covered with 
soft, silky hair, slightly waved. The neck is. long, but straighter than that of the pointer, 
being also lighter and very flexible. The back and loins are hardly so strong as those of the 
pointer, the latter also being rather longer ; the hips also are more ragged, and the ribs not so 
round and barrel-like. The tail or ‘flag’ is usually set on a little lower, is furnished with a 
fan-like brush of long hair, and is slightly curled upwards towards the tip, but it should never 
be carried over the back or raised.above the level of its root, excepting while standing, and 
then a slight elevation is admired, every hair standing down with a stiff and regular appear- 
ance. The elbow, when in perfection, is placed so low as to be fully an inch below the brisket, 
making the fore-arm appear very short. The hind-feet and legs are clothed with hair or 
‘feathered,’ as it is called, in the same way as the fore-legs, and the amount of this beautiful 
provision is taken into consideration in selecting the Dog for his points.”’ 

This description applies equally to the English and the Irish Setters. 

While at work, the Setter has a strange predilection for water, and this fancy is carried 
so far in some Dogs that they will not go on with their work unless they can wet the whole of 
their coats once at least in every half-hour. If deprived of this luxury they pant and puff with 
heat and exertion, and are quite useless for the time. 

It seems that the Setter is a less tractable pupil than the pointer, and even when taught is 
apt to forget its instructions, and requires a second course of lessons before it will behave 
properly in the field. Owing to the rough coat and hair-defended feet of the Setter, it is able 
to go through more rough work than the pointer, and is therefore used in preference to that 
animal, where the rough stem of the heather would work much woe to a tender-footed Dog, 
and where the vicissitudes of the ¢limate are so rapid and so fierce that they would injure the 
constitution of any but a most powerfully built animal. 

This Dog, as well as the foxhound and harrier, is guided to its game by the odor that 
proceeds from the bird or beast which it is following ; but the scent reaches its notrils in a 
different manner, 


230 THE RETRIEVER. 


The foxhound, together with the harrier and beagle, follows up the odorous track which is 
left on the earth by the imprint of the hunted animal’s feet, or the accidental contact of the 
under-side of its body with the ground. But the pointer, Setter, spaniel, and other Dogs that 
are employed in finding victims for the gun, are attracted at some distance by the scent that 
exhales from the body of its game, and are therefore said to hunt by ‘‘ body-scent,”’ in contra- 
distinction to the hounds who hunt by ‘‘foot-seent.’’ The direction in which the wind blows 
is, therefore, a matter of some consequence, and is duly taken advantage of by every good 


sportsman. 


RETRIEVER Dogs, which are so called on account of their value in recovering or ‘‘retriev- 
ing” game that has fallen out of the reach of the sportsman, or on which he does not choose 


be 


to expend the labor of fetching for himself, are of various kinds, and in every case are obtained 


AN 
Nic 


MY); 


AANA 


RETRIEVER.— Canis familiaris. 


by a crossing of two breeds. There are two principal breeds of Retrievers, the one being 
obtained by the mixture of a Newfoundland Dog and a setter, and the other by a cross between 
the water spaniel and the terrier. 

The former of these breeds is the most generally known, and is the animal which is 
represented in the engraving. On inspection of this Dog, the characteristics of both parents 
are plainly perceptible in its form. For the larger kinds of game, such as hares or pheasants, 
this Dog is preferable to the Terrier Retriever, as it is a more powerful animal, and therefore 
better able to carry its burden ; but, for the lesser description of game, the smaller Dog is 
preferable for many reasons. 

The height of the large Retriever is from twenty-two to twenty-four inches ; its frame is 
powerfully built, and its limbs strong. A good nose is necessary, for the purpose of enabling 
the Dog to trace the devious and manifold windings of the wounded birds, which would baffle 
any animal not endowed with so exquisite a sense of smell. The fur of this Dog is curly and 
of moderate length, and is almost invariably black in color. Indeed, many Dog-owners will 
repudiate a Retriever of any other color but black. 


THE RETRIEVER. 231 


To train a Retriever properly is rather a difficult task, demanding the greatest patience 
and perseverance on the part of the instructor. It is comparatively easy to teach a Dog to 
fetch and carry a load, but to teach him to retrieve in water is quite a different matter. On 
land the Dog can see the object from some little distance, but in the water his nose is so nearly 
on a level with the object for which he is searching, that he can only see a very little distance 
ahead, and must learn to guide his way by the voice and gesture of his master. 

It is said that the greatest difficulty in the course of instruction is to keep the Dog from 
the water-rats, which are found so abundantly on the banks of rivers and ponds, and which 
afford such powerful temptations to a young and inexperienced animal. 

Another obstacle in the tuition is the natural propensity of the Dog to bark when he is 
excited ; and as a young Dog is excited by almost everything that crosses his path, he gener- 
ally tries his teacher’s patience sorely before he learns to be silent and not to disturb the 
game by even a low whine. Again: the natural instinct of the Dog tells him to eat the animal 
which he has found, and it is not until he has been duly instructed that he learns to bring the 
game to his master without injuring it. July and August are the best months for teaching 
the Retriever, because the water is then comparatively warm, and there is no risk of disgusting 
the animals by forcing them into an icy bath, or of bringing on disease by overmuch exposure 
to a cold wind while their coats are wet and themselves wearied. 

In order to keep the Dog from closing his teeth too firmly upon the game, he should 
always be made to lay down his spoil at his master’s feet, or to loosen his hold as soon as his 
master touches the object which he is carrying. If the prey be snatched from his mouth, he 
instinctively bites sharply in order to retain it; and when he gets into so bad a habit often 
damages the dead game so much that it is quite useless. Whenever a Dog is sent to fetch any 
object he must on no account be permitted to return without it, as, if he should once do so, he 
will ever afterwards be liable to give up the search as soon as he feels tired. 

There are many other little difficulties in the training of the Retriever, some of them inci- 
dental to the Dog, simply because it is a Dog, and others belonging to the character of the 
individual animal. One great point to gain is, to make the Dog understand that the birds 
which he delights in fetching are killed by the gun and not by himself. Until he fully under- 
stands this lesson he is apt to dart off in chase of a bird as soon as he sees it, or perceives its 
scent, and to chase it until it is out of sight, just as we may see puppies chasing sparrows 
half over a field, barking at them as if they were to be caught as easily as if they were so many 
mice. 

The smaller Retriever is produced by a cross of the terrier with the beagle, and in many 
points is superior to the large black Retriever. Should a largeranimal be required, the pointer 
is employed in the cross instead of the beagle. 

They are very quiet Dogs, and when on their quest do not make so much noise as the 
larger Retrievers, so that they are especially useful when the game is wild. The kind of 
terrier which is employed in the crossing depends on the caprice of the breeder, some persons 
preferring the smooth English Dog, and others the rough Scotch terrier. Being small Dogs, 
they can be kept in the house, and become very companionable, so that when they go to their 
regular work they feel more love and respect for their master than would have been the case 
if they had been kept in a kennel, or sent to a cottage on board-wages. 

Spaniels can be taught to retrieve, and will perform their task nearly as well as a Retriever 
itself. A thoroughly well-taught Dog is almost invaluable to the sportsman, and will com- 
mand a large price. If possible, the animal should in every case be taught by the person who 
intends to use him in the field, as neither the Dog nor its master can learn each other's ways 
without some experience, and without this knowledge neither can work well, or feel sure of 
the co-operation of the other. 

These animals are also valuable for retrieving, because, like the smaller Retrievers, they 
are capable of sharing the house with their master, and are therefore more amenable to his 
authority, and more likely to follow out his wishes, than if their intercourse were restricted 
to the hunting-field. The peculiar and very unpleasant odor of the skin, which is found to 
exist in almost every kind of Dog, can be removed by careful and periodical washing—a prac- 


- 


232 THE SHEPHERDS DOG. 


tice which the animal soon learns to appreciate. There is, however, a drawback to the com- 
panionship of the Dog, in the parasitic insects with which it is generally infested, and which 
are too tenacious of life to be destroyed by immersion in water, or too strong to be dislodged 
by ordinary mechanical means. 

The only method by which these disagreeable pests can be destroyed is by a rapidly acting 
poison, which kills them before they can retreat from its action. Such poisonous substances 
are too often dangerous to the Dog as well as to its parasites, and may seriously injure the 
animal instead of conferring any benefit upon it. Preparations of mercury are frequently 
used for this purpose, but are dangerous remedies for the reason above given, and are, more- 
over, rather tedious of application, requiring a careful rubbing in of the poison, and as careful 
arubbing out again, together with the drawback of a muzzle on the poor Dog’s mouth for 
three or four days, to prevent him from licking his irritated skin. 

One very safe and very quick remedy is the ‘‘ Persian Insect-destroying Powder,” which 
has almost a magical effect, and is perfectly harmless to the Dog. 

The best mode of applying this remedy is, first to dust the Dog well with the substance 
until every portion of him has received a few particles of the powder, and then to put him 
into a strong canvas bag, in which a small handful of the powder has been placed and shaken 
about well, so as to distribute it equally over the interior of the bag. Leave his head protrud- 
ing from the bag, and put on his head and neck a linen cap, in which are holes for his nose 
and eyes, and let the interior of the cap be well treated with the powder. Lay him on the 
ground, and let him tumble about as much as he chooses, the more the better. In an hour or 
two let him out of the bag, and scrub his coat well the wrong way with a stiff brush. 

If, during this operation, the Dog be placed on a sheet, or any white substance, it will be 
covered with dead and dying insects, and if the contents of the bag be emptied upon the white 
cloth, the number of moribund parasites will be rather astonishing. In a week or so the 
operation should be repeated, in order to destroy the creatures that have been produced from 
the unhatched eggs that always resist the powers of the destructive powder. I have person- 
ally tried the experiment, and have found the results to be invariably successful. The 
same substance is equally useful in freeing birds from their chief pest, the red mite, and is 
of deadly efficacy in the immolation of certain insects that are too often found in human 
houses. 


THE most useful variety of the canine species is that sagacious creature on whose talent 
and energy depends the chief safety of the flock. 

This animal seems to be, as far can be judged from appearances, the original ancestor of 
the true British Dogs, and preserves its pecular aspect in almost every country in Europe. It 
is a rather large Dog, as is necessary, in order to enable the animal to undergo the incessant 
labor which it is called on to perform, and is possessed of limbs sufficiently large and power- 
ful to enable it to outrun the truant members of the flock, who, if bred on the mountain-side, 
are so swift and agile that they would readily baffle the efforts of any Dog less admirably fitted 
by nature for the task of keeping them together. 

As the Sheep-dog is constantly exposed to the weather, it needs the protection of very 
thick and closely-set fur, which, in this Dog, is rather woolly in its character, and is especially 
heavy about the neck and breast. The tail of the Sheep-dog is naturally long and bushy, but 
is generally removed in early youth, on account of the now obsolete laws, which refused to 
acknowledge any Dog as a Sheep-dog, or to exempt it from the payment of a tax, unless it 
were deprived of its tail. This law, however, often defeated its own object, for many persons 
who liked the sport of coursing, and cared little for appearances, used to cut off the tails of 
their greyhounds, and evade the tax by describing them as Sheep-dogs. 

The muzzle of this Dog is sharp, its head is of moderate size, its eyes are very bright and 
intelligent, as might be expected in an animal of so much sagacity and ready resource in time 
of need. Its feet are strongly made, and sufficiently well protected to endure severe work 
among the harsh stems of the heather on the hills, or the sharply-cutting stones of the high- 
road. Probably on account of its constant exercise in the open air, and the hardy manner in 


THE SHEPHERDS DOG. 233 


which it is brought up, the Sheep-dog is perhaps the most untiring of our domesticated 
animals. 

There are many breeds of this animal, differing from each other in color and aspect, and 
deriving their varied forms from the Dog with which the family has been crossed. Nearly 
all the sporting Dogs are used for this purpose, so that some. Sheep-dogs have something of 
the pointer nature in them, others of the foxhound, and others of the setter. This last cross 
is the most common. Together with the outward form, the creature inherits much of the sport- 
ing predilections of its ancestry, and is capable of being trained into a capital sporting Dog. 

Many of these animals are sad double-dealers in their characters, being by day most 
respectable Sheep-dogs, and by night most disreputable poachers. The mixed offspring of 
a Sheep-dog and a setter is as silently successful in discovering and marking game by night as 
he is openly useful in managing the flocks by day. As he spends the whole of his time in the 


SHEPHERD'S DOG.—Canis familiaris pecuarius. 


society of his master, and learns from long companionship to comprehend the least gesture of 
hand or tone of voice, he is far better adapted for nocturnal poaching than the more legitimate 
setter or retriever, and causes far more deadly havoc among the furred and feathered game. 
Moreover, he often escapes the suspicion of the gamekeeper by his quiet and honorable 
demeanor during the daytime, and his devotion to his arduous task of guarding the fold, and 
reclaiming its wandering members. It seems hardly possible that an animal which works so 
hard during the day should be able to pass the night in beating for game. 

Sometimes there is an infusion of the bull-dog blood into the Sheep-dog, but this mixture 
is thought to be unadvisable, as such Dogs are too apt to bite their charge, and so to alienate 
from themselves the confidence of the helpless creatures whom they are intended to protect, 
and not to injure. Unless the sheep can feel that the Dog is, next to the shepherd, their best 
friend, the chief value of the animal is lost. 

It is well observed by Mr. Youatt, in his valuable work on these Dogs, that if the sheep 
do not crowd round the Dog when they are alarmed, and place themselves under his protection, 
there is something radically wrong in the management of the flock. He remarks, that the 
Dog will seldom, if ever, bite a sheep, unless incited to do so by its master, and suggests that 


234 THE SCOTCH SHEEP-DOG. 


the shepherd should be liable to a certain fine for every tooth-mark upon his flock. Very 
ereat injury is done to the weakly sheep and tender lambs by the crowding and racing that 
takes place when a cruel Dog begins torun among the flock. However, the fault always lies 
more with the shepherd than with his Dog, for as the man is, so will his Dog be. The reader 
must bear in mind that the barbarous treatment to which travelling flocks are so often sub- 
jected is caused by drovers and not shepherds, who, in almost every instance, know each 
sheep by its name, and are as careful of its well-being as if it were a member of their own _ 
family. The Dogs which so persecute the poor sheep in their bewilderments among. cross- 
roads and the perplexity of crowded streets, are in their turn treated by their masters quite 
as cruelly as they treat the sheep. In this, as in other instances, it is “like man and like 
Dog.”’ 

Asa general rule, the Sheep-dog cares little for any one but his master, and so far from 
courting the notice or caresses of a stranger will coldly withdraw from them, and keep his 
distance. Even with other Dogs he rarely makes companionship, contenting himself with the 
society of his master alone. 


THE ScorcnH SHEEP-DOG, more familiarly called the CoLLry, is not unlike the English 
Sheep-dog in character, though it rather differs from that animal in form. It is sharp of nose, 
bright and mild of eye, and most sagacious of aspect. Its body is heavily covered with long 
and woolly hair, which stands boldly out from its body, and forms a most effectual screen 
against the heat of the blazing sun, or the cold, sleety blasts of the winter winds. The tail is 
exceedingly bushy, and curves upwards towards the end, so as to carry the long hairs free 
from the ground. The color of the fur is always dark, and is sometimes variegated with a 
very little white. The most approved tint is black and tan; but it sometimes happens that 
the entire coat is of one of these colors, and in that case the Dog is not so highly valued. 

The ‘‘dew-claws”’ of the English and Scotch Sheep-dogs are generally double, and are not 
attached to the bone, as is the case with the other claws. At the present day it is the custom 
to remove these appendages, on the grounds that they are of no use to the Dog, and that they 
are apt to be rudely torn off by the various obstacles through which the animal is obliged to 
force its way, or by the many accidents to which it is liable in its laborious vocation. In the 
entire aspect of this creature there is a curious resemblance to the Dingo, as may be seen on 
reference to the account of that animal in a subsequent page. 

It is hardly possible to overrate the marvellous intelligence of a well-taught Sheep-dog ; 
for if the shepherd were deprived of the help of his Dog his office would be almost impracti- 
cable. It has been forcibly said by a competent authority that, if the work of the Dog were 
to be performed by men, their maintenance would more than swallow up the entire profits 
of the flock. They, indeed, could never direct the sheep so successfully as the Dog directs 
them ; for the sheep understand the Dog better than they comprehend the shepherd, The 
Dog serves as a medium through which the instructions of the man are communicated to the 
flock ; and being in intelligence the superior of his charge, and the inferior of his master, he is 
equally capable of communicating with either extreme. 

One of these Dogs performed a feat which would have been, excusably, thought impossible, 
had it not been proved to be true. A large flock of lambs took a sudden alarm one night, as 
sheep are wont, unaccountably and most skittishly, to do, and dashed off among the hills in 
three different directions. The shepherd tried in vain to recall the fugitives ; but finding all 
his endeavors useless, told his Dog that the lambs had all run away, and then set off himself in 
search of the lost flock. The remainder of the night was passed in fruitless search, and the 
shepherd was returning to his master to report his loss. However, as he was on the way, 
he saw a number of lambs standing at the bottom of a deep ravine, and his faithful Dog keeping 
watch over them. He immediately concluded that his Dog had discovered one of the three 
bands which had started off so inopportunely in the darkness ; but on visiting the recovered 
truants he discovered, to his equal joy and wonder, that the entire flock was collected in the 
ravine, without the loss of a single lamb. 

How that wonderful Dog had performed this task, not even his master could conceive. It 


THE CUR DOG. 235 


may be that the sheep had been accustomed to place themselves under the guidance of the 
Dog, though they might have fled from the presence of the shepherd ; and that when they felt 
themselves bewildered in the darkness they were quite willing to entrust themselves to their 
well-known friend and guardian. 

The memory of the Shepherd’s Dog is singularly tenacious, as may appear from the fact 
that one of these Dogs, when assisting his master, for the first time, in conducting some sheep, 
experienced very great difficulty in guiding his charge among the many cross-roads and by- 
ways that intersected their route. But on the next journey he found but little hindrance, as 
he was able to remember the points which had caused him so much trouble on his former 
expedition, and to profit by the experience which he had then gained. 


THE Drover’s Doe is generally produced from the sheep-dog and the mastiff or fox- 
hound, and sometimes from the sheep-dog and the greyhound or pointer; the peculiar mix- 
tures being employed to suit the different localities in which the Dog is intended to exercise its 
powers. In some places the Drover’s Dog is comparatively small, because the sheep are small, 
docile, and not very active. But when the sheep are large, agile, and vigorous, and can run 
over a large extent of ground, a much larger and more powerful animal is needed, in order to 
cope with the extended powers of the sheep which are committed to its guardianship. 

Although the Drover’s Dog may be entrusted with the entire charge of the flock, its rightful 
vocation is the conveyance of the sheep from place to place. It will often learn its business so 
thoroughly that it will conduct a flock of sheep or a herd of cattle to the destined point, and 
then deliver up its charge to the person who is appointed to receive them. Not the least 
extraordinary part of its performance is, that it will conduct its own flock through the midst 
of other sheep without permitting a single sheep under its charge to escape, or allowing a 
single stranger to mix with its own flock. 

Such abilities as these can be applied to wrong purposes as well as to good ones, and there 
is a well-known story of a drover who was accustomed to steal sheep through the help of his 
Dog. His plan was to indicate, by some expressive gesture which the Dog well understood, the 
particular sheep which he wished to be added to his own flock, and then to send his flock 
forward under the guardianship of the Dog, while he remained with his companions at the 
public-house bar. The clever animal would then so craftily intermingle the two flocks that 
it contrived to entice the coveted sheep into its own flock, and then would drive them for- 
wards, carrying off the stolen sheep among the number. If the stratagem were not discovered, — 
the owner of the Dog speedily changed the marks on the sheep, and thus merged them with 
his own legitimate property. If the fraud were detected, it was set down as an excusable 
mistake of the Dog, the stolen animals were restored, and the real thief escaped punishment. 
However, detection came at last, as it always does, sooner or later. 


THE true Cur Doe is produced from the sheep-dog and the terrier, and is a most useful 
animal to the class of persons among whom it is generally found. It is rather apt to be petu- 
lant in its temper, and is singularly suspicious of strangers; so that, although it is rather an 
unpleasant neighbor by reason of its perpetually noisy tongue, it is of the greatest service to 
the person to whom it belongs. It is an admirable house-dog, and specially honest, being 
capable of restraining its natural instincts, and of guarding its owner’s provisions, even 
though it may be almost perishing with hunger. 

The Cur is the acknowledged pest of the passing traveller, especially if he be mounted, or 
is driving, as it rushes out of its house at the sound of the strange footstep, and follows the 
supposed intruder with yelps and snaps until it flatters itself that it has completely put the 
enemy to flight. About the house the Cur is as useful as is the colley among the hills, for it 
is as ready to comprehend and execute the wishes of its master at home as is the sheep-dog on 
the hills. Indeed, if the two Dogs were to change places for a day or two, the Cur would 
manage better with the sheep than the sheep-dog would manage the household tasks. 

One principal reason of this distinction is, that a thorough-going sheep-dog is accustomed 
only to one line of action, and fails to comprehend anything that has no connection with sheep, 


* 


236 . THE LURCHER. 


while the Cur has been constantly employed in all kinds of various tasks, and is, therefore, 
very quick at learning a new accomplishment. When the laborers are at their daily work 
they are often accustomed to take their dinners with them, in order to save themselves the 
trouble of returning home in the middle of the day. As, however, there are often lawless 
characters among the laborers, especially if many of them come from a distance, and are only 
hired for the work in hand, the services of the Cur Dog are brought into requisition. Mounting 
guard on his master’s coat, and defending with the utmost honesty his master’s little stock of 
provisions, he snarls defiance at every one who approaches the spot where he acts as sentinel, 
and refuses to deliver his charge into the hands of any but its owner. He then sits down, 
happy and proud of the caresses that await him, and perfectly contented to eat the fragments 
of that very meal which he might have consumed entirely had he not been restrained by his 
sense of honor. 

Mr. Hoge, the ‘‘Ettrick Shepherd,’’ says that he has known one of these Dogs to mount 


oo) 
guard night and day over a dairy full of milk and cream, and never so much as break the 


LURCHER.— Canis familiaris. 


cream with the tip of its tongue, nor permit a cat, or rat, or any other creature, to touch the 
milk pans. 

The Cur Dog has—as all animals have—its little defects. It is sadly given to poaching on 
its own account, and is very destructive to the young game. It is too fond of provoking a 
combat with any strange Dog, and if its antagonist should move away, as is generally the case 
with high-bred Dogs, when they feel themselves intruding upon territories not their own, takes 
advantage of the supposed pusillanimity of the stranger, and annoys him to the best of its 
power; but if the stranger should not feel inclined to brook such treatment, and should turn 
upon its persecutor, the Cur is rather apt to invoke discretion instead of valor, and to seek the 
shelter of its own home, from whence it launches its angry yelpings as if it would tear its 
throat in pieces. 


PossEsstné many of the elements of the sheep-dog, but employed for different purposes, 
the Lurouer has fallen into great disrepute, being seldom seen as the companion of respect- 
able persons. It is bred from the greyhound and sheep-dog, and is supposed to be most 
valuable when its parents are the rough Scotch greyhound and the Scotch colley. 

It is a matter of some regret that the Dog should bear so bad a character, as it is a 
remarkably handsome animal, combining the best attributes of both parents, and being equally 
eminent in speed, scent, and intelligence. As, however, it is usually the companion of 
poachers and other disreputable characters, the gamekeeper bears a deadly hatred towards 


THE OTTERHOUND. ; 237 


the Lurcher, and is sure to shoot the poor animal at the earliest opportunity. For this con- 
duct there is some pretext, as the creature is so admirably adapted for the pursuit and capture 
of game that a single poacher is enabled, by the aid of his four-legged assistant, to secure at 
least twice as much game as could be taken by any two men without the help of the Dog. 

That punishment generally falls on the wrong shoulders is proverbially true, and holds 
good in the present instance. For the poor Dog is only doing his duty when he is engaged in 
marking or capturing game, and ought not to be subjected to the penalty of wounds or death 
for obeying the order which he has received. If any, one is to be punished, the penalty ought 
to fall on the master, and not on his Dog, which is only acting under his orders, and carrying 
out his intentions. 

The sagacity of this Dog is really wonderful. It learns to comprehend the unspoken com- 
mands of its master, and appreciates quite as fully as himself the necessity for lying concealed 
when foes are near, and, in every case, of moving as stealthily as possible. It is even trained 
to pioneer the way for its owner, and to give him timely warning of hidden enemies. Destruc- 
tive to all game, whether winged or furred, the Lurcher is especially so in the rabbit warren, 
or in any locality where hares abound. Its delicate sense of smell permits it to perceive its 
prey at a distance, and its very great speed enables it to pounce upon the hare or rabbit before 
it can shelter itself in the accustomed place of refuge. As soon as the Lurcher has caught its 
prey it brings it to its master, deposits it in his hands, and silently renews its search after 
another victim. Even pheasants and partridges are often caught by this crafty and agile animal. 

Sometimes the game-destroying instincts of the Lurcher take a wrong turn, and lead the 
animal to hunt sheep, instead of confining itself to ordinary game. When it becomes thus 
perverted it is a most dangerous foe to the flocks, and commits sad havoc among them. One 
farmer, living in Cornwall, lost no less than fifteen sheep in one month, all of which were 
killed by Lurchers. 

There are many breeds of the Lurcher, on account of the various Dogs of which the 
parentage is formed. The greyhound and sheep-dog are the original progenitors, but their 

“offspring is crossed with various other Dogs, in order to obtain the desired qualifications. 
Thus, the greyhound is used on account of its speedy foot and silent tongue, and the sheep-dog 
on account of its hardiness, its sagacity, and its readiness in obeying its master. The spaniel 
is often made to take part in the pedigree, in order to give its well-known predilection for 
questing game, and the hound is employed for a similar purpose. But in all these crossings 
the greyhound must morally predominate, although its form is barely to be traced under the 
rough lineaments of the Lurcher. 

As the Lurcher causes such suspicion in the minds of the gamekeeper or the landlord, the 
owners of these Dogs were accustomed to cut off their tails, in order to make them look like 
honorable sheep-dogs, and so to escape the tax which presses upon sporting Dogs, and to elude 
the suspicious glance of the game-preserving landlord and his emissaries. So swift is this 
animal that it has been frequently used for the purpose of coursing the hare, and is said to 
perform this task to the satisfaction of its owner. It can also be entrusted with the guardian- 
ship of the house, and watches over the property committed to its charge with vigilance and 
fidelity. Or it can take upon itself that character in reality which its cropped tail too often 
falsely indicates, and can watch a fold, keep the sheep in order, or conduct them from one 
place to another, nearly if not quite as well as the true sheep-dog from which it sprang. 


THE OTTERHOUND is now almost exclusively employed for the chase of the animal from 
which it derives its name. Formerly it was largely used for the purpose of hunting the hare, 
and from that pursuit has derived the name of ‘‘ Welsh Harrier.”’ 

It is a bold, hardy, and active animal, as is needful for any Dog which engages in the 
chase of so fierce and hard-biting a creature as the otter. As it is forced to take to the water 
in search or in chase of its prey, it is necessarily endowed with great powers of swimming, or 
it could never match that most amphibious of quadrupeds. Those who have seen an otter 
when disporting itself in its congenial element must have been struck with the exceeding 
rapidity and consummate ease of its movements, and can appreciate the great aquatic powers 


238 THE OTTERHOUND. 


that must be possessed by any Dog which endeavors to compete with so lithe and agile an 
antagonist. 

Great courage is needful on the part of the Dog, because the otter is, when irritated, a 
peculiarly fierce animal, and can inflict most painful wounds by the bite of its long sharp teeth. 
It is, moreover, so pliant of body that it can twist itself about almost like a snake, and, if 
grasped heedlessly, can writhe itself about as actively and slipperily as an eel, and unex- 
pectedly plant its teeth in its antagonist’s nose. Now, the nose is a very sensitive portion of 
all animal economy, and a wound or a bite in that region causes such exceeding pain that none 
but a well-bred Dog can endure the torture without flinching. 

Such needful courage is found in the Otter Dog, but is sometimes rather prone to degen- 
erate into needless ferocity. There are few animals, with the exception of the bull-dog, which 
fight so savagely as the Otterhound, or bite so fiercely and with such terrible results. The 
attack of the Otterhound is even more dangerous than that of the bull-dog and its bite more to 


\ SENN 


OTTERHOUND.— Canis familiaris. 


be dreaded. As is well known, where the bull-dog has once fixed his teeth there he hangs, 
and cannot be forced to loosen his hold without the greatest difficulty ; but when the Otter- 
hound bites, it instantly tears its teeth away without relaxing its jaws, and immediately seizes 
its prey with a second gripe. The wounds which it inflicts by this ferocious mode of action 
are of the most terrible description, lacerating all the tissues, and tearing asunder the largest 
and most important vessels. The reason for this very savage mode of attack is evident enough. 
The otter is so quick and agile, that, if the Dog were to retain his hold, the otter would twist 
round and inflict a severe bite, so the Dog bites as fast and as often as he can, in order to give 
his antagonist the fewest possible chances of retaliation. 

When a number of these Dogs are placed in the same kennel they are sadly apt to fight, 
and to inflict fatal injuries on each other from the sheer love of combat. If two of the Dogs 
begin to quarrel and to fight, the others are sure to join them; so that, from the bad temper 
of a single Dog, half the pack may lose their lives. 

As these Dogs are obliged to endure the most turbulent weather and the coldest streams, 
they are furnished with a very strong, rough, and wiry coat, which is capable of resisting the 
effects of cold and storm, and is also of much service in blunting the severity of the otter’s bite. 
The face and muzzle are guarded with a profusion of longish and very rough ‘‘ whisker”’ hairs. 

Whether this animal is the production of a cross breed between two families of Dogs, or 
whether it forms a distinct family in itself, is a mooted point. According to the best authori- 
ties, the latter opinion seems to be the best founded. It is thought by those who consider the 
Dog to be of mixed breed, that it was originally the offspring of the deerhound and terrier ; 


THE BOARHOUND. 239 


but as it retains the full melodious note of the hound, which is always injured or destroyed 
by an admixture with the sharp-voiced terrier, it appears to owe more of its parentage to that 
animal. Be this as it may, it is now treated as a separate breed, and may claim the honors of 
a pure lineage. In all probability it is a variety of the old southern hound, which was selected 
carefully for the work which it is intended to perform, and which in course of time has so 
settled down to its vocation as to have undergone that curious variation in form and aspect 
that is always found in animals or men which have long been employed in the same kind 
of work. 

Any one of moderate experience among Dogs and their habits can, on seeing the animal, 
determine its avocation, just as any one who is conversant with men and their manners can, 
on seeing a man, at once announce his calling. There is something in the little peculiarities 
of the formation which tells its tale to the observing eye. There is a kind of moral and intel- 
lectual, as well as physical, atmosphere, that seems to surround every creature, and to tell of 
its essential nature, its education, and its habits. Animals appear to be peculiarly sensitive 
to this surrounding emanation, and to be attracted or repelled by an influence as powerful, 
though as invisible, as that which attracts or repels the different poles of a magnet. We feel 
it ourselves in the instinctive cordiality or repugnance which we perceive when brought in 
contact with a fresh acquaintance, and which very seldom misleads those who are’ content to 
follow their instincts. The nature of each being seems to pervade its every particle, as it were— 
to overflow and shed its influence, consciously or otherwise, on every object with which it 
enters into communion. There are some men whose very presence warms and enlivens all 
whom they approach, and that not from any suavity of manner, for such men are often most 
abrupt and truth-telling in their demeanor ; and there are others who, however urbane may be 
their deportment, seem to cast from them a cold and freezing atmosphere that congeals all 
those around them, like the icebergs of the northern seas. 

Although, on examining the form of the Otterhound, we should not be able to point out 
the description of game which it is accustomed to pursue, we should at once pronounce it to 
be a strong and hardy animal, a good swimmer, possessed of a delicate nose, and of stout 
courage. In each of these accomplishments the Otterhound excels, and needs them all when 
it ventures to cope with the fierce prey which it is taught to pursue. 

The Otterhound is a tolerably large Dog, measuring nearly two feet in height at the 
shoulder. This is the height of the male; that of the female is an inch or two less. 


THE FINE animal which is represented in the accompanying engraving can hardly be con- 
sidered as belonging to a separate breed, but rather as a mixture between several families of 
domesticated Dogs. 

According to competent judges, the BoArnouND is derived from a mingling of the mastiff 
with the greyhound, crossed afterwards with the terrier. The reader will see why these three 
animals are employed for the purpose of obtaining a Dog which is capable of successful attack 
on so dangerous and powerful a brute as the boar. The greyhound element is required in order 
to give the Dog sufficient speed for overtaking the boar, which is a much swifter animal than 
would be supposed from his apparently unwieldy and heavy frame. The admixture of the 
mastiff is needed to give it the requisite muscular power and dimensions of body, and the 
terrier element is introduced for the sake of obtaining a sensitive nose, and a quick, spirited 
action. 

As might be imagined would be the case with an animal which derives its origin from 
these sources, the Boarhound varies very considerably in form and habits, according to the 
element which may preponderate in the individual. A Dog in which the greyhound nature is 
dominant will be remarkably long of limb and swift of foot; one in whose parentage the 
mastiff takes the greatest share will be proportionately large and powerful ; while the Dog in 
whose blood is the strongest infusion of the terrier will not be so swift or so large as the other 
two, but will excel them in its power of scent and its brisk activity of movement. 

To train the Dog rightly to his work is a matter of some difficulty, because a mistake is 
generally fatal, and puts an end to further instruction by the death of the pupil. It is com- 


240 THE BULL-DOG. 


paratively easy to train a pointer or a retriever, because if he fails in his task through over- 
eagerness or over -tardiness, the worst consequence is, that the sportsman loses his next shot 
or two, and the Dog is corrected for his behavior. But if a Boarhound rushes too eagerly 
at the bristly quarry, he will in all probability be laid bleeding on the ground by a rapid 
stroke from the boar’s tusks, and if he should hang back and decline the combat, he is just as 
likely to be struck by an infuriated boar as if he were boldly attacking it in front. A boar 
has been known to turn with such terrible effect upon a pack containing fifty Dogs, that only 
ten escaped scathless, and six or seven were killed on the spot. 

Great tact is required on the part of the hound in getting into a proper position, so as to 
make his onset without exposing himself to the retaliating sweeps of the foam-flecked tusks, 
and at the same time to act in concert with his companions, so as to keep the animal busily 


BOARHOUND.— Canis familiaris. 


engaged with their reiterated attacks, while their master delivers the death-blow with a spear 
or rifle-bullet. 

As we have no wild boars ranging at will through our forests, the Boarhound is never 
seen in this country except as an object for the curious to gaze upon, or imported through 
the caprice of some dog-loving individval. But in many parts of Germany it is still employed 
in its legitimate avocation of chasing the wild boar, and is used in Denmark and Norway for 
the pursuit of that noble animal, the elk. The latter creature is so large, so fleet, and so 
vigorous, that it would easily outrun or outfight any Dog less swift or less powerful than 
the Boarhound. 

In the fur of the Boarhound the color of the mastiff generally predominates, the coat 
being usually brown or brindled uniformly over the body and limbs, but in some animals 
the color is rather more varied, with large brown patches upon a slate-colored ground. The 
limbs are long and exceedingly powerful, and the head possesses the square muzzle of the 
mastiff, together with the sharp and somewhat pert air of the terrier. It is a very large 
animal, measuring from thirty to thirty-two inches in height at the shoulder. 


Tur Buit-poa is said, by all those who have had an opportunity of judging its capa- 
bilities, to be, with the exception of the game-cock, the most courageous animal in the world 


THE BULL-DOG. 241 


Its extraordinary courage is so well known as to have passed into a proverb, and to have 
so excited the admiration of the British nation that they have been pleased to symbolize their 
peculiar tenacity of purpose under the emblem of this small but most determined animal. In 
height the Bull-dog is but insignificant, but in strength and courage there is no Dog that can 
match him. Indeed, there is hardly any breed of sporting Dog which does not owe its high 
courage to an infusion of the Bull-dog blood ; and it is chiefly for this purpose that the pure 
breed is continued. 

Those cruel and cowardly combats between the bull and the Dog, which were a dis- 
grace, even in the earlier part of the present century, have long been abolished, and a few 
‘bull rings,”’ still remaining in the ground, are their sole relics. In these contests the Dog 


BULL-DOG.— Canis familiaris molossus. 


was trained to fly at the head of the bull, and to seize him by the muzzle as he stooped 
his head for the purpose of tossing his antagonist into the air. When he had once made 
good his hold it was almost impossible for the bull to shake off his pertinacious foe, 
who clung firmly to his antagonist, and suffered himself to be swung about as the bull might 
choose. : 

There seems, indeed, to be no animal which the Bull-dog will not attack without the least 
hesitation. The instinct of fight is strong within him, and manifests itself actively in the 
countenance and the entire formation of this creature. 

It is generally assumed that the Bull-dog must be a very dull and brutish animal, because 
almost every specimen which has come before the notice of the public has held such a char- 
acter. For this unpleasant disposition, a celebrated writer and zoologist attempts to account 
by observing that the brain of the Bull-dog is smaller in proportion to its body than that of 
any other Dog, and that therefore the animal must needs be of small sagacity. But ‘‘ Stone- 
henge’’ well remarks, that although the Bull-dog’s brain appears to the eye to be very small 


242 THE BULL-DOG. 


when compared with the body, the alleged discrepancy is only caused by the deceptive 
appearance of the skull. It is true that the brain appears to be small when compared with 
the heavy bony processes and ridges that serve to support the muscles of the head and neck, 
but if the brain be weighed against the remainder of the body, it will be found rather to 
exceed the average than to be below it. 

The same writer is disposed to think the Bull-dog to be a sadly maligned animal, and that 
his sagacity and affections have been greatly underrated. He states that the pure Bull-dog is 
not naturally a quarrelsome creature, and that it would not bear so evil a character if it were 
better taught. 

According to him, the Bull-dog is really a sufficiently intelligent animal, and its mental 
qualities capable of high cultivation. It is true that the animal is an unsafe companion even 
for its master, and that it is just as likely to attack its owner as a stranger, if it feels aggrieved. 
An accidental kick, or a tread on the toes, affords ample pretext for the animal to fasten on 
its supposed enemy ; and when once it does fix its teeth, it is not to be removed except by the 
barbarous method which is considered to be legitimate for such a purpose, but which will not 
be mentioned in these pages. However, most of these shortcomings in temper are said to be 
produced by the life which the poor Dog leads, being tied up to his kennel for the greater 
part of his time; and, when released from his bondage, only enjoying a limited freedom for 
the purpose of fighting a maddened bull, or engaging in deadly warfare with one of his own 
kind. Any animal would become morose under such treatment; and when the sufferer is a 
Bull-dog, the results of his training are often disastrous enough. 

The shape of this remarkable animal is worthy of notice. The fore-quarters are particu- 
larly strong, massive, and muscular; the chest wide and roomy; and the neck singularly 
powerful. The hind-quarters, on the contrary, are very thin, and comparatively feeble; all 
the vigor of the animal seeming to settle in its fore-legs, chest, and head. Indeed, it gives the 
spectator an impression as if it were composed of two different Dogs; the one a large and 
powerful animal, and the other a weak and puny quadruped, which had been put together by 
mistake. The little fierce eyes that gleam savagely from the round, combative head, have a 
latent fire in them that gives cause for much suspicion on the part of a stranger who comes 
unwarily within reach of one of these Dogs. The underhung jaw, with its row of white 
clittering teeth, seems to be watering with desire to take a good bite at the stranger’s leg; and 
the matter is not. improved by the well-known custom of the Bull-dog to bite without giving 
the least vocal indication of his purpose. : 

In all tasks where persevering courage is required, the Bull-dog is quietly eminent, and 
can conquer many a Dog in its own peculiar accomplishment. The idea of yielding does not 
seem to enter his imagination, and he steadily perseveres until he succeeds or falls. One of 
these animals was lately matched by his owner to swim a race against a large white Newfound- 
land Dog, and won the race by nearly a hundred yards. The owners of the competing quad- 
rupeds threw them out of a boat at a given signal, and then rowed away as-fast as they could 
pull. The two Dogs followed the boat at the best of their speed, and the race was finally won 
by the Bull-dog. It is rather remarkable that the Bull-dog swam with the whole of his head 
and the greater part of his neck out of the water, while the Newfoundland only showed the 
upper part of his head above the surface. 

According to the authority which has already been quoted, a well-bred Bull-dog ought to 
present the following characteristics of form. ‘‘The head should be round, the skull high, 
the eye of moderate size, and the forehead well sunk between the eyes; the ears semi-erect and 
small, well placed on the top of the head, and rather close together than otherwise ; the muzzle 
short, truncate, and well furnished with chop; the back should be short, well arched towards 
the stern, which should be fine, and of moderate length. Many Bull-dogs have what is called 
a crooked stern, as though the vertebree of the tail were dislocated or broken; I am disposed 
to attribute this to in-breeding. The coat should be fine, though many superior strains are 
very woolly coated; the chest should be deep and broad, the legs strong and muscular, and 
the foot narrow, and well split up like a hare’s.”’ 


THE MASTIFF. 248 


Tur Masttrr, which is the largest and most powerful of the indigenous English Dogs, is 
of a singularly mild and placid temper, seeming to delight in employing its great powers in 
affording protection to the weak, whether they be men or Dogs. It is averse to inflicting an 
injury upon a smaller animal, even when it has been sorely provoked, and either looks down 
upon its puny tormentor with sovereign disdain, or inflicts just sufficient punishment to indi- 
cate the vast strength which it could employ, but which it would not condescend to waste 
upon so insignificant a foe. 

Yet, with all this nobility of its gentle nature, it is a most determined and courageous 
animal in fight, and, when defending its master or his property, becomes a foe which few 
opponents would like to face. These qualifications of mingled courage and gentleness adapt 
it especially for the service of watch-dog, a task in which the animal is as likely to fail by 
overweening zeal as by neglect of its duty. It sometimes happens that a watch-dog is too 


MASTIFF,.— Canis familiaris. 


hasty in its judgment, and attacks a harmless stranger, on the supposition that it is resisting 
the approach of an enemy. Sometimes the bull-dog strain is mixed with the Mastiff, in order 
to add a more stubborn courage to the animal; but in the eyes of good judges this admixture 
is quite unnecessary. 

It has already been mentioned that the Mastiff is fond of affording the benefit of its pro- 
tection to those who need it. As, however, the Dog is but a Dog after all, it sometimes brings 
evil instead of good upon those who accept its guardianship. 

During my school-boy days, a large Mastiff, called Nelson, struck up a great friendship 
with myself and some of my school-fellows, and was accustomed to partake of our hebdomadal 
banquets at the pastry-cook’s shop, and to accompany us in our walks. One summer, as we 
were bathing in the Dove, a man pounced upon our clothes, and would have carried them off, 
had it not been for the opportune assistance of some older lads of the same school, who captured 
the offender after a smart chase, and tossed him into the river until he was fain to cry for 
mercy. 

In order to prevent a repetition of a similar mischance, we determined to take Nelson with 
us, and put him in charge of our clothes. The old Dog was delighted at the walk, and 


244 THE ENGLISH TERRIER. 


mounted sentry over the pile of garments, while we recreated ourselves in the stream, and 

caught crayfish or tickled trout at our leisure. Unfortunately, a number of cows had lately 
been placed in the field, and after the usually inquisitive custom of cows, they approached the 
spot where Nelson was lying, in order to ascertain the nature of the strange object on the 
river bank. Nelson permitted them to come quite close, merely uttering a few warning growls, 
but when one of the cows began to toss a jacket with her horns, his patience gave way and he 
flew at the offender. Off scampered all the cows, but soon returned to the charge. Nelson 
stood firm to his post, only retreating a few steps as the cows approached the garments which 
he was guarding, and then dashing at them again. However, the cows’ hoofs and the Dog’s 
feet began to wreak such dire mischief among the clothes, that we found ourselves compelled 
to drive away the assailants and carry our clothes to the opposite bank of the river, where no 
cows could interfere with us. 

The head of the Mastiff bears a certain similitude to that of the bloodhound and the bull- 
dog, possessing the pendent lips and squared muzzle of the bloodhound, with the heavy 
muscular development of the bull-dog. The under jaw sometimes protrudes a little, but the 
teeth are not left uncovered by the upper lip, as is the case with the latter animal. The fur of 
the Mastiff is always smooth, and its color varies between a uniform reddish-fawn and differ- 
ent brindlings and patches of dark and white. The voice is peculiarly deep and mellow. The 
height of this animal is generally from twenty-five to twenty-eight inches, but sometimes 
exceeds these dimensions. One of these Dogs was no less than thirty-three inches in height 
at the shoulder, measured fifty inches round his body, and weighed a hundred and seventy- 
five pounds. 


THE CuBAN MAstIFF is supposed to be produced by a mixture of the true Mastiff with 
the bloodhound, and was used for the same purpose as the latter animal. It was not a native 
of the country where its services were brought into requisition, and from which it has conse- 
quently derived its name, but was imported there for the purposes of its owners, being taught 
to chase men instead of deer. 

This Dog was employed with terrible success in the invasion of America by the Span- 
iards, and was, in the eyes of the simple natives, a veritably incarnated spirit of evil, of which 
they had never seen the like, and which was a fit companion to those fearful apparitions 
which could separate themselves into two distinct beings at will, one with four legs and the 
other with two, and destroy them at a distance with fiery missiles, against which they were as 
defenceless as against the lightning from above. 

Even in more recent times, the services of these Dogs have been rendered available against 
the rebel forces of Jamaica, when they rose against the Government, and but for the able 
assistance of these fierce and sagacious animals, would apparently have swept off the European 
inhabitants of the island. 


Tur TERRIER, with all its numerous variations of crossed and mongrel breeds, is more 
generally known in England than any other kind of Dog. Of the recognized breeds, four are 
generally acknowledged ; namely, the English and Scotch Terriers, the Skye, and the little 
Toy Terrier, which will be described in their order. 

The Eneiisnh TERRIER possesses a smooth coat, a tapering muzzle, a high forehead, a 
bright intelligent eye, and a strong muscular jaw. As its instinct leads it to dig in the ground, 
its shoulders and fore-legs are well developed, and it is able to make quite a deep burrow in 
a marvellously short time, throwing out the loose earth with its feet, and dragging away the 
stones and other large substances in its mouth. It is not a large Dog, seldom weighing more 
than ten pounds, and often hardly exceeding the moiety of that weight. 

Although a light, quick, and lively creature, and fuming with anxiety at the sight or 
smell of the animals which are popularly termed ‘‘ vermin,” the pure English Terrier will 
seldom venture to attack a rat openly, although it will be of the greatest service in discovering 
and unharboring that mischievous rodent. The sport which this Dog prefers is, that itself 
should startle the rats, while its master destroys them. If a rat should fasten upon this 


THE BULL-TERRIER. 245 


Dog, he will yelp and cry piteously, and when relieved from his antagonist, will make the 
best of his way from the spot; or if the rat should turn to bay, the Dog will usually scamper 
off and decline the combat. The celebrated rat-killing Terriers, of whose feats so much has 
been said, were all indebted for their valor to an infusion of the bull-dog blood, which gives 
the requisite courage without detracting from the shape of the Dog, or adding too much to its 
size. Of these bull-terrier Dogs, more will be said in their place. 

The color of the pure English Terrier is generally black and tan, the richness of the two 
tints determining much of the animal’s value. The nose and the palate of the Dog ought to 
be always black, and over each eye is a small patch of tan color. The tail ought to be rather 
long and very fine, and the legs as light as is consistent with strength. 


THE ScotcH TERRIER is a rough-haired, quaint-looking animal, always ready for work 
or play, and always pleased to be at the service of its master. It is a capital Dog for those 
whose perverted taste leads them to hunt rats, or any kind of ‘‘ vermin,’’ and is equally good 
at chasing a fox to earth, and digging him out again when he fancies himself in safety. It 
was in former days largely employed in that most cruel and dastardly pursuit of badger- 
drawing, in which ‘‘sport’’ both the badger and the Dogs were so unmercifully wounded by 
the teeth of their antagonist, that even the winning Dog was often crippled, and the poor 
badger reduced to a state of suffering that would touch the heart of any but a hardened 
follower of these pursuits. 

The color of the Scotch Terrier is generally the same as that of the English Dog, saving 
that the black and tan tints are often besprinkled with gray, so as to give that peculiar modi- 
fication of coloring which is popularly known by the name of ‘‘ pepper-and-salt.”’ 

There is a peculiar breed of the Scotch Terrier which is called the Dandie Dinmont, in 
honor of the character of that name in Scott’s ‘‘Guy Mannering.’”? These Dogs are of two 
colors; one a light brown with a reddish tinge, termed ‘‘mustard,’”’ and the other a bluish- 
gray on the body and tan on the legs, denominated ‘‘ pepper.’ These little animals are very 
courageous ; although they often exhibit no proofs of their bold nature until they have passed 
the age of two years, appearing until that time to be rather cowardly than otherwise. This 
conduct is supposed to be occasioned by their gentle and affectionate disposition. The legs of 
this variety of Terrier are short in proportion to the length of the body, the hair is wiry and 
abundant, and the ears are large, hanging closely over the sides of the head. 


THE BULL-TERRIER unites in itself the best qualifications of the sporting Dogs, being very 
intelligent, apt at learning, delicate of nose, quick of eye, and of indomitable courage. In size 
it is extremely variable, some specimens being among the smallest of the canine tribes, while 
others measure as much as twenty inches in height. In this Dog it is quite unnecessary to 
have equal parts of the bull-dog and the Terrier; for in that case the progeny is sure to be 
too heavily made about the head and jaws, and not sufficiently docile to pay instant and 
implicit obedience to the commands of its master. Until these points are removed, the Terrier 
cross should be continued, so as to restore the light, active form of the Terrier, together with 
its habit of ready obedience, while the courageous disposition remains. Indeed, the most 
ferocious Dogs, and the hardest fighters, are generally the immediate offspring of the bull-dog 
and Terrier, and are often erroneously described under the name of the former animal. 

How entirely the external form of the bull-dog can be eradicated, while its dauntless 
courage remains intact, is shown in the graceful little Terriers which are used for rat-killing, 
and which are formed on the most delicate model. ; 

The endurance and gallantry of these little creatures are so great that they will permit 
several rats, each nearly as large as themselves, to fix upon their lips without flinching in the 
least, or giving any indications of suffering. Yet the badly-bred Dog will yell with pain if 
even a mouse should inflict a bite upon this sensitive portion of its frame, and will refuse to 
face its little enemy a second time. One of these highly bred animals, which was celebrated. 
in the sporting world under the title of ‘‘ Tiny,’ weighed only five pounds and a half, and yet 
was known to destroy fifty rats in twenty-eight minutes and five seconds. It is estimated that 


246 THE BULL-TERRIER. 


this Dog must have killed more than five thousand rats, the aggregate weight of which nearly 
equals a ton anda half. He could not be daunted by size or numbers, and was repeatedly 
matched against the largest rats that could be procured. 

He used to go about his work in the most systematic and business-like style, picking out 
all the largest and most powerful rats first, so as to take the most difficult part of the task 
while he was fresh. When fatigued with his exertions, he would lie down and permit his 
master to wash his mouth and refresh him by fanning him, and then would set to work with 
renewed vigor. He was a most excitable little creature during his younger days, running 
about the room with such preternatural activity that a gentleman to whom he was exhibited 
declared that he could not distinguish the Dog’s head from his tail, or pronounce judgment on 
the color of his fur. 

As he grew older, however, he became more sedate in his demeanor, and used to sit in 
state every evening on a crimson velvet cushion edged with gold fringe,.and flanked with a 
candle on each side, so that he might be inspected at leisure. 

However quiet he might be in external demeanor, he was hardly less excitable in disposi- 
tion, and actually died from the effects of over-excitement. He happened to hear or to smell 
a rat which was in a cage in another room ; and being chained in an adjoining apartment, and 
unable even to see the rat, he chafed and fretted himself into such feverish agitation that he 
died in a short time afterwards, although he was permitted to kill the rat. There are Dogs 
which have destroyed more rats in less time than this little creature; but none which was 
nearly so successful in proportion to its size and weight. 

A larger variety of the Bull-terrier was formerly in great request for dislodging foxes 
from their holes, or ‘‘earths,’’ as their burrows are technically termed ; and one or two of 
these animals were invariably borne on the strength of each pack of foxhounds. There used 
to be a special strain of these Dogs, named Fox-terriers, which were bred and trained for this 
purpose alone. 

The mental powers of this Dog are very considerable, and the animal is capable of per- 
forming self-taught feats which argue no small amount of intellect. There are several exam- 
ples of Dogs which could in some degree appreciate the object of money, and which would 
take a coin to the proper shop and exchange it for food. A well-known black-and-tan Terrier, 
named Prince, was accustomed to make his own purchases of biscuit as often as he could 
obtain the gift of a penny for that purpose. On several occasions the baker whom he honored 
with his custom thought to put him off by giving him a burnt biscuit in exchange for his 
penny. The Dog was very much aggrieved at this inequitable treatment, but at the time 
could find no opportunity of showing his resentment. However, when he next received an 
eleemosynary penny, he wended his way to the baker’s as usual, with the coin between his 
teeth, and waited to be served. As soon as the baker proffered him a biscuit, Prince drew up 
his lips, so as to exhibit the penny, and then walked coolly out of the shop, transferring his 
custom to another member of the same trade who lived on the opposite side of the road. 

Several instances of a similar nature have been recorded, but in no case does the animal 
appear to have comprehended the difference of value between the various coins of the realm. 
The elephant, for example, readily learns to take a coin from a visitor, and to exchange it for 
apples, cakes, or similar dainties, at a neighboring stall. But he seems to be ignorant of the 
fact. that he ought to receive twice as many cakes for a penny as for a halfpenny, and is quite 
contented so long as he gives a coin and receives cakes. 

One of these Dogs, named Peter, an inhabitant of Dover, displays great ingenuity in 
adapting himself to the pressure of circumstances. 

Several years since, he had the mishap to fall under the wheels of a carriage, and to be 
lamed in both his fore-legs. In consequence of this accident his limbs are so enfeebled that he 
cannot trust their powers in leaping, and therefore has taught himself to jump with his hind- 
legs alone, after the manner of a kangaroo. He can spring upon a chair or on a low wall 
without any difficulty, and does so after the usual manner of Dogs. But when he is forced to 
return again to earth he mistrusts his fore-limbs, and alights wpon his hinder feet, making one 
or two small leaps upon those members before he ventures to place his fore-feet on the ground. 


THE SKYE TERRIER. 247 


When he is accompanying his master in the fields, and comes to a gate or a gap in a wall, he 
dares not leap through the aperture, as most Dogs would do, but hops up, and then down 
again, upon his hind-feet alone. 

The real Bull-terrier of the first cross is a marvellously brave animal, falling but little 
short in courage from his bull-dog ancestor, and very far exceeding that animal in agility and 
intellectual quickness. Fear seems to make no part of a good Bull-terrier’s character ; and he 
dashes with brilliant audacity at any foe which his master may indicate to him, or which he 
thinks he ought to attack without orders. Mr. Andersson, in his valuable work entitled 
‘‘Lake Ngami,’’ gives an account of the courage and sagacity of one of these animals which 
accompanied him in his travels through South-western Africa. He had wounded a rhinoceros, 
which ran a few hundred yards, and then came to a stand. 

‘** At break of day my men went on his trail. He had still strength enough to make a dash 
at them; and would probably have laid hold of some of them, had not a small bitch (half 
Terrier and half bull-dog, called Venus, in derision of her ugliness) caught the enraged animal 


SKYE TERRIER. — Canis familiaris. 


by the lower lip, where she stuck with such tenacity that the rhinoceros, with all his fury, 
was unable to shake her off. She only relinquished her hold when her huge antagonist was 
fairly laid prostrate by a ball. 

‘‘But the sagacity of this favorite Dog was as great as her courage. Being now in a game 
country, all sorts of beasts of prey abounded, more especially jackals, which might be seen 
running about by dozens. In order not to frighten the elephants, and other large animals, we 
were in the habit of encamping some little way from the water, to which Miss Venus regularly 
resorted to bathe and drink. On perceiving a jackal she instantly crouched, looking very 
timid. Reynard, mistaking her posture for an indication of fear, and probably thinking that 
from her diminutive size she would prove an easy conquest, boldly approached his supposed 
victim. But he had reckoned without his host, for the instant that the cunning Dog found 
her antagonist sufficiently near, she leaped like a cat at his throat, and, once there, the beast 
had no chance. 

‘‘She then returned to camp, where her contented looks and bleeding jaws soon attracted 
the attention of the men, who immediately went on her track and brought the jackal, who was 
valued on account of his fur.’ 


THE quaint-looking SKYE TERRIER has of late years been much affected by all classes of 
Dog-owners, and for many reasons deserves the popularity which it has obtained. 

When of pure breed the legs are very short, and the body extremely long in proportion 
to the length of limb; the neck is powerfully made, but of considerable length, and the head 


248 HYDROPHOBIA. 


is also rather elongated, so that the total length of the animal is three times as great as its 
height. The ‘‘dew-claws”’ are wanting in this variety of domestic Dog. The hair is long and 
straight, falling heavily over the body and limbs, and hanging so thickly upon the face that 
the eyes and nose are hardly perceptible under their luxuriant covering. The quality of the 
hair is rather harsh and wiry in the pure-bred Skye Terrier; for the silky texture of the 
generality of ‘‘toy’’ Skyes is obtained by a cross with the spaniel. It is easy to detect the 
presence of this cross by the scanty appearance of the hair on the face. 

The size of this animal is rather small, but it ought not to imitate the minute proportions 
of many ‘“‘toy’’ Dogs. Its weight ought to range from ten to seventeen or eighteen pounds. 
Even amongst these animals there are at least two distinct breeds, while some Dog-fanciers 
establish a third. 

It is an amusing and clever Dog, and admirably adapted for the companionship of man- 
kind, being faithful and affectionate in disposition, and as brave as any of its congeners, except 
that epitome of courage, the bull-dog. Sometimes, though not frequently, it is employed for 
sporting purposes, and is said to pursue that avocation with great credit. 


A nistory, however short, of the Dogs would be incomplete without some reference to 
that terrible disease called ‘‘ Hydrophobia,’? which at times arises among the canine race, and 
converts the trusted companion into an involuntary foe. From some cause, which at present 
is quite unexplained, the bite of a Dog which is affected with this terrible malady, or even the 
mere contact of his saliva with a broken skin, becomes endued with such deadly virulence, 
that the unfortunate person upon whom such an injury is inflicted is as certain to die as if he 
had been struck by the poison-fangs of the rattlesnake or cobra. 

As far as is known, this dread malady appears to originate only in the canine tribe, being 
communicable to almost every other description of animal, man not excepted, and dooming 
them to a most painful illmess and death. It is worthy of consideration, that the Dog does 
not perspire through the skin, and that the tongue and throat offer the only means by which 
the animal can avail itself of that needful exhalation. The symptoms of this malady are 
rather various in different individuals, but yet are of the same type in all. 

There is an entire change of manner in the animal. The affectionate, caressing Dog 
becomes suddenly cross, shy, and snappish ; retreating from the touch of the friendly hand as 
if it were the hand of a stranger. His appetite becomes depraved, and, forsaking his ordinary 
food, he eagerly swallows pieces of stick, straws, or any other innutritious substances that 
may lie in his way. He is strangely restless, seeming unable to remain in the same position 
for two seconds together, and continually snaps at imaginary objects whic his disordered 
senses image in rapid succession before his eyes. Strange voices seem to fall upon his ears, 
and he ever and anon starts up and listens eagerly to the sounds which so powerfully affect 
him. Generally, he utters at intervals a wild howl, which tells its fearful tale even to unprac- 
tised ears, but in some cases the Dog remains perfectly silent during the whole of his illness, 
and is then said to be afflicted with the dumb madness. In most instances, the Dog is silent 
during the latter stages of the illness. 

Before the disease has developed itself to any extent, the poor creature becomes thought- 
ful and anxious, and looks with wistful eyes upon his friends, as if beseeching them to aid 
him in the unknown evil that hangs so heavily upon him. He then retires to his usual resting- 
place, and sluggishly lies upon his bed, paying scarcely any attention to the voice of his master, 
but strangely uneasy, and ever and anon shifting his posture, as if endeavoring to discover some 
attitude that may bring ease and repose to his fevered limbs. Fortunately, the disposition to 
bite does not make its appearance until the disease has made considerable progress. 

In these stages of the malady the Dog is often seen to fight with his paws at the corner of 
his mouth, as if endeavoring to rid himself of a bone that had become fixed among his teeth, 
and assumes much of the anxious aspect that is always seen in animals when their respiration 
is impeded. This symptom may, however, be readily distinguished by the fact that the Dog 
is able to close his mouth between the paroxysms of his ailment, which he is unable to do 
when he is affected by the presence of a bone or other extraneous substance in his throat. 


HYDROPHOBIA. 249 


There is, indeed, a mechanical hindrance to respiration, which, although not so outwardly 
apparent as the obstruction which is caused by a bone or similar substance, yet harasses the 
poor creature quite as painfully. As the poison, which has been infused into and taints the 
blood of the poor victim, works its dread mission through the frame, it infects some of the 
fluids that are secreted from the blood, and changes their external aspect as well as their 
inward essence. The saliva becomes thick and viscid in character, and is secreted in quanti- 
ties so great that it obstructs the channels of respiration, and gives rise to those convulsive 
efforts on the part of the Dog which have already been mentioned. 

Strangely enough, the infected Dog seems to partake of the serpent nature, and, like the 
cobra or viper, to elaborate a deadly poison from harmless food. The snake feels but little 
inconvenience from the accumulation of venomous matter, as it is furnished with receptacles 
in which the lethal secretion may be lodged until it is needed. But the Dog has no such store- 
house, and the poison is therefore diffused through the moisture of the throat and mouth, 
instead of being concentrated into one locality. There is another curious resemblance between 
the poison of serpents and that of rabid Dogs; namely, that while the venom of either creature 
produces such terrible effects when mixed with the blood, it may be swallowed with perfect 
safety, provided that the lips and mouth are free from sores. 

I would offer a suggestion, that the instinct which induces the Dog to bite everything 
which may come within its reach, is intended to aid the creature in its cure, and that if it 
could only be induced to bite a succession of lifeless objects, it might rid itself of the venomous 
influence, and be restored to its normal state of health. So powerfully is this instinct devel- 
oped, that the poor Dog will bite itself, and inflict the most fearful lacerations on its own 
flesh, rather than resist the furious impulse which fills its being. Horses and other animals 
which have been infected with this terrible disease have been known to feel the same necessity, 
and in default of other victims have torn the flesh from their own limbs. 

An unquenchable thirst soon fastens upon the afflicted Dog, and drives him to the nearest 
spot where he can obtain any liquid that may cool his burning throat. 

In the earlier stages of the complaint he laps without ceasing, but when the disease has 
destroyed the powers of his tongue and throat, he plunges his head into the water as far as 
the depth of the vessel will permit, in hope of bringing his throat in contact with the cooling 
fluid. It is generally supposed that a mad Dog will not touch water, and for this reason the 
malady was termed Hydrophobia, or ‘‘dread of water,’’ but it is now ascertained that the 
animal is so anxious to drink, that he often spills the fluid in his eagerness, and so defeats his 
own object. 

In the last stage of this terrible disease the Dog is seized with an uncontrollable propensity 
to run. He seems not to care where he goes, but runs for the most part in a straight line, 
seldom turning out of his way, and rarely attempting to bite unless he be obstructed in his 
course ; and then he turns savagely upon his real or fancied assailant, and furiously snaps and 
bites without fear or reason. Not the least curious fact of this disease is, that it causes a 
singular insensibility to pain. A rabid Dog will endure terrible injuries without appearing to 
be conscious of them, and, in many cases, these poor creatures have been known to tear away 
portions of their own bodies as calmly as if they were lacerating the dead body of another 
Dog. A similar insensibility to pain is noticeable in human lunatics, who will often inflict the 
most terrible injuries on their own persons, with the most deliberate and unconcerned air 
imaginable. The nerves seem to be deprived of their powers, and to be insensible even to the 
contact of burning coals or red-hot metals. In anger, too, which is in truth a short-lived mad- 
ness, pain is unfelt, and the severest wounds may be received unheeded. 

It is possible that this locomotive instinct of the Dog may give a clue to the cure of this 
fearful malady, and that if a rabid Dog could be permitted to follow its instinct without 
molestation it might rid itself of its ailment by means of this unwonted exercise. 

By this terrible malady the nerves are excited to the highest degree of tension, and it is 
not improbable that by violent and continual exercise the system might by enabled to throw 
off the ‘‘peccant humors” that infect every particle of the blood as it circulates through the 
veins, and envenom the natural moisture of the Dog’s tongue. 


250 HYDROPHOBIA. 


There exists a curious parallel to this propensity for exertion in the celebrated Tarantula- 
dancing which was so famous in Naples during the sixteenth century. Those persons who 
were affected with this curious disease, which was for many years thought to be the effect of 
the bite of the Tarantula spider, were impelled to leap and dance continually in a kind of 
frenzy, until they sank from sheer fatigue. In many cases the dancing would continue for 
three or four days, and seemed to be cured best by the profuse perspiration which poured from 
the wearied frames of the dancers. In a similar manner the effects of a serpent’s tooth may be 
driven from the system. When a person has suffered from the bite of a cobra, or other venom- 
ous snake, the most effectual treatment is to prevent him from falling into the lethargy which 
is produced by the poisonous infusion, and to keep him in constant and violent motion. 

It is a remarkable fact that the Tarantismus, as this disease is termed, used in many cases 
to recur at regular annual intervals, as has already been related of the wounds caused by the 
lion’s bite, and is the case with the healed wound which has been inflicted by the teeth of a 
rabid Dog. So subtle is this influence, and so thoroughly does it pervade the system, that 
where anger has risen in the mind of a person who has been bitten by a mad Dog, and by 
taking precaution has felt no evil results, the old sores have become flushed and swollen, and 
throbbed in unison with the angry feelings that occupied their mind. 

How the nature of the Dog can be so utterly changed as to charge its bite with deadly 
venom, or how it is that the moist saliva of the rabid animal should communicate the disease 
to other beings, is at present but a mystery. There seems to be an actual infusion of the Dog 
nature into the animal which is bitten by a rabid Dog, or by one of the creatures which has 
been inoculated by the bite of one of these terrible beings. It is evident that the virus is resi- 
dent in the saliva, because the malady has been communicated by the mere touch of the Dog’s 
tongue upon a wound without the infliction of a bite from its teeth. Yet it is equally evident 
that the poisonous property belongs not to the saliva, but to the influence which is conducted 
by its means. In some strange fashion the spirit of the angry Dog seems to be infused into 
the victim of its bite, and it is well known that even where an angry Dog has in the heat of its 
passion inflicted a wound the result has been very similar to Hydrophobia, though the animal 
was not affected with that disease. Ordinarily, the bite of a Dog, such as the playful bite of 
a puppy, though sufficiently painful, carries no danger with it, but if the animal has only been 
touched with this malady its bite is but too frequently fatal. This death-dealing influence has 
been proved to remain in the saliva for four-and-twenty hours after the animal’s death. Per- 
haps there may be something of electricity in the fatal influence, which requires a fluid con- 
ductor, for if the teeth of the animal have been wiped dry by passing through the clothing of 
its intended victim no evil results follow. 

Not every one that is bitten by a rabid Dog is a sufferer from Hydrophobia, for it is need- 
ful that the constitution should be in a fit state to receive the poison, for its influence to pro- 
duce any effect. We may notice a similar phenomenon among those who are vaccinated. 
Some persons appear to be almost proof against the vaccine virus, while others feel its effects 
so powerfully that they are thrown into a temporary fever, and the limb on which the vaccina- 
tion is performed, swells to such a degree as to be extremely painful to the patient, and some- 
times even alarming to the operator. In others, again, no visible effect is produced until they 
have undergone the operation two or three times, and then the disease develops itself fully 
and with great rapidity. ; 

A rather remarkable circumstance connected with this subject took place within the last 
few years. <A rabid Dog contrived to bite a large number of victims, including other Dogs, 
sheep, oxen, and human beings ; a surgeon attended the human sufferers, and treated the 
wounds by the severe application of nitrate of silver. All were treated in the same manner, 
but although the greater number escaped without further injury, several died from Hydropho- 
bia; and all those in whom the disease made itself manifest were light-haired persons, while 
those who escaped had dark hair. 

The mode of treatment in such dire necessity is fortunately very simple, and can be 
applied by any one who is possessed of sufficient nerve and presence of mind. A piece of nitrate 
of silver, or lunar caustic, as it is popularly called, should be cut to a point like a common 


THE TURNSPIT. 251 


cedar-pencil, and applied to every part of the wound that can be reached. In default of the 
caustic, a hot iron, such as a steel fork, a knitting-needle, a skewer, or any similar household 
article, may be heated to a glowing redness, and applied in the same manner. The iron should 
be as hot as possible, for it is efficacious in proportion to its temperature, and is not nearly so 
painful in application if the heat is sufficiently powerful to destroy the nerves at once. <A 
white-hot iron will not cause nearly so much suffering as if it were applied at a dull red heat. 

Washing the injured part, applying cupping-glasses to the wound, and cutting away the 
surrounding portions, have been recommended by some writers, but are strongly condemned 
by men of large practical experience. “They say that the water which is used for the purpose 
of washing away, the poisonous substance will only dilute it, and render it more fluid for the 
blood to take up ; that the application of a cupping-glass will only draw blood into the wound, 
and so cause the mixture of the poison with the system ; and that in using the knife, the blood 
which runs from the newly-made incision is apt to overflow into the poisoned locality, and so 
to convey the venom into the circulation 
by mixing with the fast-flowing blood as 
it bathes the enlarged wound. 

There are one or two curious circum- 
stances connected with this subject. It 
is said that the disease of Hydrophobia 
never originates with the female Dog; 
and, moreover, that it is most commonly 
found in the fighting Dogs, and those 
animals which are kept for the illicit 
destruction of game. In Africa, and sev- 
eral other hot countries, the malady is 
unknown, although the animals swarm 
in very great numbers, and are exposed 
to the burning sun and the heated atmos- 
phere, without the least assistance from 
human aid. 

The time during which this disease 
may remain latent in the system is THE TURNSPIT.—Canis fumiliaris. 
extremely variable. Sometimes it be- 
comes manifest in a few days, while in other cases the virus has produced no tangible effects 
until the expiration of several months. In one case, however, the disease made its appearance 
after the seventh month. Mr. Youatt suggests that if every Dog could be kept in separate 
quarantine for the space of eight months, ‘‘the disease might be annihilated in this country 
(England), and could only appear in consequence of the importation of some infected animal.”’ 
This opinion, however, will hardly hold its ground, for although all Dogs that are actually 
infected might be removed by this course of probation, there is no possibility of warranting 
that the disease might not again originate in some previously healthy individual, as it must 
have done in the first instance. 


Just as the invention of the spinning-jenny abolished the use of distaff and wheel, which 
were formerly the occupants of every well-ordained cottage, so the invention of automaton 
roasting-jacks has destroyed the occupation of the TurNsprr Dog, and by degrees has almost 
annihilated its very existence. Here and there a solitary Turnspit may be seen, just as < 
spinning-wheel or a distaff may be seen in a few isolated cottages; but both the Dog and the 
implement are exceptions to the general rule, and are only worthy of notice as being curious 
relics of a bygone time. 

In former days, and even within the remembrance of the present generation, the task of 
roasting a joint of meat or a fowl was a comparatively serious one, and required the constant 
attendance of the cook, in order to prevent the meat from being spoiled by the unequal action 
of the fire. The smoke-jack, as it was rather improperly termed—inasmuch as it was turned, 


252 THE PUG-DOG. 


not by the smoke, but by the heated air that rushed up the chimney—was a great improve- 
ment, because the spit revolved at a rate that corresponded with the heat of the fire. 

So complicated an apparatus, however, could not be applied to all chimneys, or in all 
localities, and therefore the services of the Turnspit Dog were brought into requisition. At 
one extremity of the spit was fastened a large circular box, or hollow wheel, something like 
the wire wheels which are so often appended to squirrel-cages ; and in this wheel the Dog was 
accustomed to perform its daily task, by keeping it continually working. As the labor would 
be too great for a single Dog, it was usual to keep at least two animals for the purpose, and to 
make them relieve each other at. regular intervals. The Dogs were quite able to appreciate 


PUG-DOG.— Canis familiaris molossus fricator. 


the lapse of time, and, if not relieved from their toils at the proper hour, would leap out of 
the wheel without orders, and force their companions to take their place, and complete their 
portion of the daily toil. 

There are one or two varieties of this Dog, but the true Turnspit breed is now nearly 
extinct in England. On the Continent, the spits are still turned by canine labor in some 
localities ; but the owners of spit and Dog are not particular about the genealogy of the 
animal, and press into their service any kind of Dog, provided that it is adequately small, 
and sufficiently amenable to authority. 


Tun PuG-poa is an example of the fluctuating state of fashion and its votaries. 

Many years ago the Pug was in very great request as a lapdog, or ‘‘toy’’ Dog, as these 
little animals are more correctly termed. The satirical publications of the last century are 
full of sarcastic remarks upon Pug-dogs and their owners, and delighted in the easy task of 
drawing a parallel between the black-visaged, dumpy-muzzled Dog and the presumed per- 
sonal attractions of its owner. : 

By degrees, however, this fashion passed away, as is the wont of fashions to do, and, as 


THE PUG-DOG. 253 


is equally their wont, has again returned in due course of time, and with renewed impetus. 
Although, in the interregnum that elapsed between the two periods of the Pug-dog’s ascend- 
ancy, it was in very little request, yet in its recent popularity it has acquired so great a 
conventional value, that a thoroughly well-bred Dog will fetch as much as a hundred dol- 
lars, or even more, if it be a peculiarly fine specimen. The purity of the breed has been 
scrupulously preserved by one or two British Dog-fanciers, and to them the Pug-dog is 
indebted for its present position in the popular esteem. 

It is a cheerful and amusing companion, and very affectionate in disposition. Sometimes 
it is apt to be rather snappish to strangers, but this is a fault which is common to all lap-dogs 
which are not kept in proper order by their possessors. For those who cannot spend much 
time in the open air it is a more suitable companion than any other Dog, because it can bear 
the confinement of the house better than any other of the canine species ; and, indeed, seems 
to be as much at home on a carpet as is a canary on the perch of its cage. Moreover, it is 
almost wholly free from the unpleasant odor with which the canine race is affected. 

The head of the Pug-dog ought to be round, and its forehead high, with a short, but not 
a turned-up, nose. The whole of the fore-front of the face, extending to the eyes, and tech- 
nically termed the ‘‘mask,’’ ought to be of a jetty black, marked clearly on the lighter ground 
of the face. The line which separates the two tints should be as sharply cut as possible. The 
tail should curl sharply and tightly round, lying on one side of the hinder quarters, and never 
standing upon the back. The height of the Pug-dog ought not to exceed fifteen inches, or its 
weight to be more than ten pounds. 


The number of puppies which the Dog produces at a single litter is very large, varying 
from three or four to fifteen, or even a still greater number. They are born, as is the case 
with kittens and several other young animals, with closed eyes, and do not open their eyelids 
for the space of several days. As it is manifestly impossible for the mother to rear the whole 
of a very large family, their number must be reduced, either by destroying several of the little 
“ones, which of course ought to be the weakest and smallest specimens, or by removing the 
supernumerary offspring and placing them under the care of another Dog which has lately 
taken upon herself the maternal duties. In this case it needs not that the wet nurse should 
be of the same kind with her charge, as it is found that health of .constitution and a liberal 
supply of milk are the only necessary qualifications for that responsible office. 

Sometimes the health of the mother will not permit her to rear her progeny ; and in that 
case, if no worthy substitute can be found, the most humane mode of. action is to remove the 
young puppies in succession, and so to avoid too severe a shock to the maternal feelings of their 
progenitrix. If they are all removed at the same time, the sudden deprivation is very likely to 
bring on a severe fever, and to endanger the already weakened life of the mother. If the 
process of removing and destroying the young ones has been repeated more than once, the 
mother becomes so watchful over her progeny that it is by no means easy to withdraw them 
without her cognizance. As an example of this maternal vigilance, I am enabled to give an 
anecdote which has been forwarded to me by Mrs. 8. C. Hall, which exhibits not only the good 
memory of an often bereaved mother, but a most touching instance of maternal affection. 

“Tn our large, rambling, country home, we had Dogs of high and low degree, from the 
silky and sleepy King Charles down (query, up?) to the stately Newfoundland, who disputed 
possession of the top step—or rather platform to which the steps led—of the lumbering hall- 
door with a magnificent Angora ram, who was as tame and almost as intelligent as Master 
Neptune himself. After sundry growls and butts the Dog and the ram generally compromised 
matters by dividing the step between them, much to the inconvenience of every other quad- 
ruped or biped who might desire to pass in or out of the hall. 

“The King Charles, named Chloe, was my dear grandmother’s favorite ; she was a meek, 
soft, fawning little creature, blind of one eye, and so gentle and faithful, refusing food except 
from the one dear hand that was liberal of kindness to her. Chloe’s puppies were in great 
demand ; and it must be confessed that her supply was very bountiful, too bountiful, indeed, 
for out of the four which she considered the proper number at a birth, two were generally 


254 MATERNAL SAGACITY. 


drowned. My grandmother thought that Chloe ought not to raise more than two; Chloe 
believed that she could educate four, and it was always difficult to abstract the doomed ones 
from the watchful little mother. 

‘Tt so chanced that once, after the two pups had been drowned by one of the stablemen, 
poor Chloe discovered their little wet bodies in the stable-yard, and brought them to the live 
ones that remained in her basket. She licked them, cherished them, howled over them, but 
still they continued damp and cold. Gentle at all other times, she would not now permit 
even her dear mistress to remove them, and no stratagem could draw her from her basket. 
At last, we supposed, Chloe felt it was not good for the dead and the living to be together, 
so she took*one of the poor things in her mouth, walked with it across the lawn to the spot 
where a lovely red thorn-tree made a shady place, dug a hole, laid the puppy in it, came back 
for the other, placed it with its little relative, scraped the earth over them, and returned sadly 
and slowly to her duties. ; 

“The story of the Dog burying her puppies was discredited by some of our neighbors ; 
and the next time that Chloe became a mother the dead puppies were left in her way, for my 
grandmother was resolved that her friends should witness her Dog’s sagacity. This time 
Chloe did not bring the dead to the living, but carried them at once to the same spot, dug 
their graves, and placed them quietly in it. It almost seemed as if she had ascertained what 
death was.”’ 

I am also indebted to the same lady for a short history of canine life, which corroborates 
the account of assistance requested by one Dog and given by another. 

‘‘Neptune, the ram’s antagonist, had a warm friendship for a very pretty retriever, 
Charger by name, who, in addition to very warm affections, possessed a very hot temper. In 
short, he was a decidedly quarrelsome Dog; but Neptune overlooked his friend’s faults, and 
bore his ill:temper with the most dignified gravity, turning away his head, and not seeming to 
hear his snarls, or even to feel his snaps. 

‘‘ But all Dogs were not equally charitable, and Charger had a long-standing quarrel with 
a huge bull-dog, I believe it was, for it was ugly and ferocious enough to have been a bull- 
dog, belonging to a butcher,—the only butcher within a circle of five miles. He was very 
nearly as authoritative as his bull-dog. It so chanced that Charger and the bull-dog met 
somewhere, and the result was that our beautiful retriever was brought home so fearfully 
mangled that it was a question whether it should not be shot at once, everything like recovery 
seeming impossible. 

‘‘But I really think Neptune saved his life. The trusty friend applied himself so carefully 
to licking his wounds, hanging over him with such tenderness, and gazing at his master with 
such mute entreaty, that it was decided to leave the Dogs together for that night. The devo- 
tion of the great Dog knew no change; he suffered any of the people to dress his friend’s 
wounds, or feed him, but he growled if they attempted to remove him. Although after the 
lapse of ten or twelve days he could limp to the sunny spots of the lawn—always attended by 
Neptune—it was quite three months before Charger was himself again, and his recovery was 
entirely attributed to Neptune, who ever after was called Doctor Neptune—a distinction which 
he received with his usual gravity. 

‘‘ Now here I must say that Neptune was never quarrelsome. He was a very large liver- 
colored Dog, with huge, firm jaws, and those small cunning eyes which I always think detract 
from the nobility of the head of the Newfoundland; his paws were pillows, and his chest 

broad and firm. He was a dignified, gentlemanly Dog, who looked down upon the general run 
of quarrels as quite beneath him. If grievously insulted, he would lift up the aggressor in his 
jaws, shake him, and let him go—if he could go—that was all. But in his heart of hearts he 
resented the treatment his friend had received. 

‘“‘So when Charger was fully recovered, the two Dogs set off together to the Hill, a distance 
of more than a mile from their home, and then and there set upon the bull-dog. While we 
were at breakfast, the butler came in with the information that something had gone wrong, 
for both Neptune and Charger had come home covered with blood and wounds, and were 
licking each other in the little stable. This was quickly followed by a visit from the butcher, 


THE DINGO. 255 


crying like a child—the great rough-looking bear of a man—because our Dogs had gone up the 
Hill and killed his pup ‘ Blue-nose.’ ‘The two fell on him,’ he said, ‘ together, and now you 
could hardly tell his head from his tail.’ It was a fearful retribution ; but even his master 
confessed that ‘Blue-nose’ deserved his fate, and every cur in the country rejoiced that he 
was dead.” 


THE DrnGo, or Warragal, as it is called by the natives, is an inhabitant of Australia, 
where it is found in the greatest profusion, béing, indeed, a pest of no ordinary character to 
those colonists who are employed in raising and maintaining large flocks of sheep. 

The color of this animal is a reddish-brown, sometimes plentifully sprinkled’ with black 
hairs over the back and ribs, the legs retaining the ordinary ruddy hue. Its muzzle is very 
sharp, as is generally the case with wild Dogs; its ears are sharp, short, and erect ; its tail is 


DINGO.— Canis dingo. 


pendent and rather bushy; and its eyes small, cunning, and obliquely placed in the head. 
It was formerly thought to be an aboriginal inhabitant of Australia, but is now allowed to be 
an importation from some source which is at present uncertain. 

Large packs of these wild Dogs ravage the localities in which they have taken up their 
residence, and have attained to so high a degree of organization that each pack will only hunt 
over its own district, and will neither intrude upon the territory which has been allotted to a 
neighboring pack of Dingos, nor permit any intrusion upon its own soil. For this reason, 
their raids upon the flocks and herds are so dangerous that the colonists were obliged to call a 
meeting, in order to arrange proceedings against the common foe. Before the sheep-owners 
had learned to take effectual measures to check the inroads of these marauders, they lost their 
flocks in such numbers that they counted their missing sheep by the hundred. From one 
colony no less than twelve hundred sheep and lambs were stolen in three months. 

The tenacity of life which is exhibited by the Dingo is almost incredible, and it appears 
to cling as firmly to existence as the opossum. Like the last-mentioned animal, the Dingo 
appears to feign death when it finds that escape is impracticable, and often manages to elude 


256 THH JACKAL. 


its opponents by the exercise of mingled craft and endurance. Mr. Bennett, in his well-known 
‘*Wanderings,’’ mentions several instances of the wonderful tenacity of life exhibited by the 
Dingo, and the almost incredible fortitude with which it will submit to wounds of the most 
fearful description. One of these animals had been overtaken by its exasperated foes, and 
had been ‘‘beaten so severely that it was supposed that all the bones had been broken, and it 
was left for dead.’? After its supposed slayer had walked away from the apparently lifeless 
carcass, he was surprised to see the slain animal arise, shake itself, and slink away into the 
bush. Another apparently dead Dingo had been brought into the hut for the purpose of 
being skinned, and had actually suffered the operator to remove the skin from one side of its 
face before it permitted any symptoms of life or sensation to escape it. 

Mr. Bennett further remarks, that this marvellous vitality of the Dingo accounts for the 
fact that the skeletons of these animals are not found in the places where they have been 
reported to lie dead. For, although the carrion-devouring beasts and birds will soon carry 
away every particle of the flesh ofa dead animal, they always leave its larger bones as 
memorials of their ghoul-like repast. There are many similar accounts of the Dingo, and its 
fast hold of life. 

As a general fact, the Dingo is not of a pugnacious character, and would at any time 
rather run away than fight. But when it is hard pressed by its foes, and finds that its legs are 
of no use, it turns to bay with savage ferocity, and dashes at its opponents with the furious 
energy of despair. It carries these uncivilized customs into domesticated life, and even when 
its restless limbs are subjected to the torpifying thraldrom of chain and collar, and its wild, 
wolfish nature allayed by regular meals and restricted exercise, it is ever ready to make a 
sudden and unprovoked attack upon man or beast, provided always that its treacherous onset 
can be made unseen. After the attack, it always retreats into the farthest recesses of its 
habitation, and there crouches in fear and silence, whether it has failed or succeeded in its 
cowardly malice. 

A Dingo which was kept for some years at the Zoological Gardens was accustomed to sit 
on its tail and bay the moon after the manner of dogs, making night hideous with its mournful 
monotone. Moreover, its voice was not silenced by the genial light of day, but rose continually 
in dolesome ululation, as if in perpetual lament for its captive lot. 

In its native land it is a very crafty animal, rivalling the cunning fox in its ready wit 
when it feels itself endangered, and oftentimes outwitting even the intellectual power of its 
human foes. A litter of Dingo cubs was once discovered in a rocky crevice near the Yas 
Plains, but as the mother was not with them the discoverer marked the locality, intending to 
return in a short time and to destroy the whole family at one fell swoop. After leaving the 
spot for such a length of time as he judged sufficient for the return of the mother, he came 
back to the den, and to his great discomfiture found it to be deserted. The maternal Dingo 
had probably seen the intruder, and had carried off her young family into a place of safety as 
soon as she found the coast clear. It is possible that she might not actually have witnessed 
the hasty visit which this unwelcome guest had paid to her family mansion, but on her return 
to her little ones had perceived by her sense of smell the late advent of a strange footstep. 


Ir 1s generally found that any large group of animals in one country will be represented 
in another land by creatures of similar character, and not very dissimilar form. In accordance 
with this general rule, we find that the part which the dingo plays in Australia is taken up in 
Asia and Africa by several animals belonging to the canine race, of which the most remarkable 
are the Jackals and certain wolves. From the former animals the continent of Europe is free ; 
and in these comparatively civilized times the wolves which still haunt several portions of 
Europe are simply looked upon as pests of which the country ought to be rid, and not as 
holding undisputed possession of the territory, and scouring at will over the land in nightly 
search after prey. 

There are several species of the Jackal, two of which will be noticed and figured in this 
work. 

The common JACKAL, or KHOLAH, as it is termed by the natives, is an inhabitant of India, 


THE JACKAL. 


bo 


57 


Ceylon, and neighboring countries, where it is found in very great numbers, forcing itself upon 
the notice of the traveller not only by its bodily presence, but by its noisy howling wherewith 
it vexes the ears of the wearied and sleepy wayfarer, as he endeavors in vain to find repose. 
Nocturnal in their habits, the Jackals are accustomed to conceal themselves as much as possi- 
ble during the daytime, and to issue out on their hunting expeditions together with the advent 
of night. Sometimes, a Jackal will prefer a solitary life, and is then a most provoking neigh- 
bor to the habitations of civilized humanity ; for it is so voracious in its appetite that it 
becomes a terribly destructive foe to domesticated animals, and so wily in its nature that it 
carries on its malpractices with impunity until it has worked dire mischief in home or fold. 
In these depredations, the audacity of the Jackal is as notable as his cunning. He will wait 
at the very door, biding his time patiently until it be opened and he may slink through the 


JACKAL.— Canis aureus. 


aperture. Pigs, lambs, kids, and poultry fall victims to his insatiate appetite, and he has 
been known to steal the sleeping puppies from the side of their mother without detection. 
The larder suffers as severely from his attacks as the hen-roost, for his accommodating palate 
is equally satisfied with cooked meat as with living prey. 

Always ready to take advantage of every favorable opportunity, the Jackal is a sad para- 
site, and hangs on the skirts of the larger carnivora as they roam the country for prey, in the 
hope of securing some share of the creatures which they destroy or wound. On account of 
this companionship between the large and the small marauders, the Jackal has popularly 
gained the name of the Lion’s Provider. But, in due justice, the title ought to be reversed, 
for the lion is in truth the Jackal’s provider, and is often thereby deprived of the chance of 
making a second meal on an animal which he has slain. Sometimes, it is said, the Jackal does 
provide the lion with a meal, by becoming a victim to the hungry animal in default of better 
and more savory prey. 

There is a very unpleasant odor which arises from this creature, nearly as powerful and 
quite as offensive as that of the fox. In spite, however, of this drawback, the Jackal is often 
used as an article of food among the natives, and is said, by those who have tried it, to be 
pleasant to the palate, and very much superior to tough venison. A hungry lion, therefore, 
may be expected to find but little impediment in the rank odor of a slaughtered Jackal. 


258 THE BLACK-BACKED JACKAL. 


In India, the tiger is often followed during his nightly quests by a company of these 
animals, and in most cases by a single old Jackal, called in the native tongue, the Khole, or 
Kholah-balloo, whose expressive cries are well understood by the hunters, whether bipedal or 
quadrupedal. Many a tiger has been discovered and brought to his death by the yell of a 
Jackal, which led the pursuers on his track. When the tiger has killed some large animal, 
such as a buffalo, which he cannot consume at one time, the Jackals collect round the carcass 
at a respectful distance, and wait patiently until the tiger moves off and they can venture 
to approach. 

As soon as the tiger moves away, the Jackals rush from all directions, carousing upon the 
slaughtered buffalo, and each anxious to eat as much as it can contain in the shortest time. 
So eager are they after their prey that they are jealous not only of their companions, but of 
the vultures that gather round every dead animal, and snap fiercely at them as they wheel 
round on their broad pinions, or try to push their beaks among the noses of the fighting and 
struggling Jackals. But although they may snap and snarl, they never seem to inflict any 
real injury. They are so audacious in their hunger that they will follow human hunters, and 
take possession of the dead game in a marvellously shameless manner. 

They always keep a sharp watch for wounded animals, and pursue them with such relent- 
less vigor that they are said never to permit their weakened prey to escape their fangs. One 
of these wild dogs, as they really seemed to be, has been known to leap at the throat of a 
wounded Axis deer, and then to hang with such indomitable pertinacity that it resisted all 
the efforts of its wretched victim to free itself from so terrible a foe. When hanging by its 
teeth, it contracted its body into as small a compass as was compatible with its size. 

Although not a brave animal individually, yet it will, when hard pressed, fight with great 
ferocity, and inflict extremely painful and dangerous wounds with its long and sharp teeth. 
It has a great dread of the civilized dog, but has more than once been known to turn the tables 
on its pursuers, and to call the help of its comrades to its aid.” On one of these occasions two 
greyhounds had been sent in pursuit of a Jackal, which immediately made for a rising ground 
covered with grass and small bushes. Dogs and Jackal arrived at the spot almost simulta- 
neously, when the Jackal gave a cry of distress, which was immediately answered by the 
appearance of a small pack of Jackals, which issued in every direction from the cover, and 
attacked the hounds. The owner of the dogs was at the time impounded in thick mud, and 
could not reach the spot in time to rescue his hounds from their furious enemies until they had 
been most severely mangled. One was quite unable to walk, and was carried home by bearers, 
and the other was so dreadfully bitten over his whole person that he appeared to have been 
fired at with buck-shot. Both dogs ultimately recovered, but not until the lapse of a long time. 

On another occasion, when a pack of hounds was hunting a Jackal, a very much larger 
pack of Jackals came to the rescue, and in their turn attacked the hounds with such vehe- 
mence that they were unable to take the field for many weeks afterwards. So fierce were the 
assailants in their attack, that even when the hunters came to the aid of their hounds the 
Jackals flew upon the horses, and were so persevering in their onset that a rescue was not 
effected without considerable difficulty. If unmolested, the Jackal is harmless enough, and 
will permit a human being to pass quite closely without attempting to bite. 

The Jackal is tolerably susceptible of human influence, and if taken when very young, or 
if born into captivity, can be brought to follow its master about like a dog, and to obey his 
orders. If it should be made captive when it has once tasted a free life, it behaves after the 
manner of the dingo, being shy, suspicious, and treacherous towards those who may come 
unexpectedly within reach of its teeth. It is rather remarkable that the animal loses its 
unpleasant odor in proportion to the length of its captivity. The name of ‘‘aureus,” or 
golden, is derived from the yellowish tinge of the Jackal’s fur. In size it rather exceeds a 
large fox, but its tail is not proportionately so long or so bushy as the well-known “brush” 
of the fox. 


Tur BLACK-BACKED JACKAL is an inhabitant of Southern Africa, being especially abun- 
dant about the Cape of Good Hope, from which circumstance it is sometimes termed the Cape 


THE BLACK-BACKED JACKAL. 259 


Jackal. In size it equals the common Jackal, but is easily distinguished from that animal by 
the black and white mottlings which are thickly spread over its back, and give a peculiar rich- 
ness to the coloring of its fur. Its habits are precisely the same as those of the common 
Jackal, and need not be separatety described. 

It is a very cunning as well as audacious animal, and is extremely apt at extricating itself 
from any dangerous situation into which it has ventured in search of prey. 

One of these animals had for several successive nights insinuated itself into a hen-roost, 
in Pietermaritzberg, and borne away its inmates without being detected or checked. The 
proprietor of the poultry, finding that his fowls vanished nightly, and not knowing the mode 
of their departure, vowed vengeance against the robber, whoever he might be, and fixed a 
spring-gun across the only opening that gave access to the hen-house. In the course of the 
succeeding night the report of the gun gave notice that the thief had been at his usual work, 


BLACK-BACKED JACKAL.— Canis mesomelas. 


and the bereaved owner ran out towards the discharged gun, hoping to find its charge lodged 
in the dead body of the marander. However, the thief had made his escape, but had left 
behind him sure tokens of his punishment in the shape of several heavy spots of blood that lay 
along the ground for some little distance. Some hairs that were discovered in the cleft of a 
splintered bar, by which the animal had passed, announced that a Jackal was the delinquent. 

In the morning the trail was followed up, but with little success, as it led across some 
roads where so many footsteps were constantly passing that the blood-spots were hopelessly 
destroyed, and the scent of the animal broken up by the trails of men and cattle. The road 
that led to the plains was carefully examined, but no traces of the wounded animal could be 
discovered. Two days afterwards it was found, with a hind-leg broken, in a bundle of Tam- 
bookie grass, in the very middle of the village, and close to a butcher’s shambles. The cun- 
ning animal evidently knew that if it went to the plains it must die of starvation, and might, 
moreover, be easily overtaken by its pursuers, so it concealed itself in the very spot where they 
would least think of looking for it, and where it was within easy reach of food. 

The nightly shrieks with which the Black-backed Jackal fills the air are loud and piercing ; 


260. THE WOLF. 


but when heard at a distance are thought by some sportsmen to possess a certain melody to 
initiated ears. 

The peculiar dark mottlings of the back form a band that extends from its neck and 
shoulders to the tail, is very broad in front, passing over the withers as far as the shoulders, 
and narrowing gradually towards the tail, where it becomes only two inches wide. The tail 
is of a fawn color, and does not partake of this variable coloring, with the exception of the 
tip, which is black. ° 

Lieutenant Burton remarks, that among the Somali the morning cry of the Jackal is used 
as an omen of good or evil, according to its direction and its tone. He also mentions that it 
is in the habit of attacking the peculiar fat-tailed sheep which inhabit that country, and car- 


THE WOLF.— Canis lupaster. 


rying off their lambs. The fat-burdened tail forms an article of diet which seems to be greatly 
to the Jackal’s taste, and which he procures by leaping suddenly upon the poor sheep, and 
then making a fierce bite at its tail. The terrified sheep starts off at best speed, and leaves a 
large mouthful of its tail between the Jackal’s teeth. Kids and other small animals fall vic- 
tims to this insatiate devourer. 

In that country the Jackal, called by the natives ‘‘ Duwas,’”’ dances nightly attendance 
upon the spotted hyena, 


WOLVES. 


Frw animals have earned so widely popular, or so little enviable, a fame as the WOLVES. 
Whether in the annals of history, in fiction, in poetry, or even in the less honored, but hardly 
less important, literature of nursery fables, the Wolf holds a prominent position among 
animals. 

There are several species of Wolf, each of which species is divided into three or four 
varieties, which seem to be tolerably permanent, and by many observers are thought to be 
sufficiently marked to be considered as separate species. However, as even the members of 


THE WOLF. 261 


the same litter partake of several minor varieties in form and color, it is very possible that the 
so-called species may be nothing more than very distinctly marked varieties. These voracious 
and dangerous animals are found in almost every quarter of the globe; whether the country 
which they infest is heated by the beams of the tropical sun or frozen by the lengthened winter 
of the northern regions. Mountain and plain, forest and field, jungle and prairie, are equally 
infested with Wolves, which possess the power of finding nourishment for their united bands 
in localities where even a single predaceous animal might be perplexed to gain a livelihood. 


Tue color of the common WOLF is gray, mingled with a slight tinting of fawn, and diver- 
sified with many black hairs that are interspersed among the lighter colored fur. In the older 


SOUTH AMERICAN WOLF.— Canis jubatus. 


animals the gray appears to predominate over the fawn, while the fur of the younger Wolves 
is of a warmer fawn tint. The under parts of the animal, the lower jaw, and the edge of the 
upper lip, are nearly white, while the interior face of the limbs is of a gray tint. From this 
latter circumstance the Norwegians, with their usual superstitious dislike to calling an animal 
by its right name, dignify the Wolf by the title of ‘‘Graabeen,”’ or Gray-legs. The equally 
superstitious Finns prefer the name of ‘‘ Loajalg,’’ or Broad-foot. Between the ears the head 
is almost entirely gray, and without the mixture of black hairs, which is found in greatest 
profusion along the line of the spine. 

When hungry—and the Wolf is almost always hungry—it is a bold and dangerous animal, 
daring almost all things to reach its prey, and venturing to attack large and powerful animals, 
—such as the buffalo, the elk, or the wild horse. Sometimes it has been known to oppose 
itself to other carnivora, and to attack so unpromising a foe as the bear. Mr. Lloyd records 
an instance of this presumption on the part of the Wolves. 

During a bear-hunt, when the hunting party was led by a dog that was following the 
footsteps of a bear, a small herd of Wolves, few in number, suddenly made their appearance, 
pounced on the dog, and devoured it. They then took up the trail, and when they came up 


262 THE WOLF. 


with the bear entered into battle with him. The fight terminated in favor of the bear; but not 
without much exertion and great danger to both parties, as was proved by the quantity of bear 
and Wolf fur that lay scattered about the scene of combat. So severely had the bear been 
treated that his fur was found to be quite useless when he was killed by the hunters a few 
days after the conflict. 

This is not a solitary example of a fight between bears and Wolves, as the same author 
mentions a similar combat, which would apparently have had a different result. The bear had 
retreated to a large tree; and, standing with his back against the trunk, boldly faced his 
antagonists, and for some time kept them at bay. At last, however, some of the Wolves crept 
round the tree, and seizing him unexpectedly in the flank, inflicted such severe wounds that 
he would soon have fallen a victim to their ferocity had not they been put to flight by the 
approach of some men. 

It is by no means nice in its palate, and will eat almost any living animal,—from human 
beings down to frogs, lizards, and insects. Moreover, it is a sad cannibal, and is thought by 
several travellers who have noted its habits to be especially partial to the flesh of its own kind. 
A weak, sickly, or wounded Wolf is sure to fall under the cruel teeth of its companions ; who 
are said to be so fearfully ravenous that if one of their companions should chance to besmear 
himself with the blood of the prey which has just been hunted down, he is instantly attacked 
and devoured by the remainder of the pack. 

In their hunting expeditions the Wolves usually unite in bands, larger or smaller in 
number, according to circumstances, and acting simultaneouly for a settled purpose. If they 
are on the trail of a flying animal, the footsteps of their prey are followed up by one or two of 
the Wolves, while the remainder of the band take up their position to the right and left of the 
leaders, so as to intercept the quarry if it should attempt to turn from its course. Woe be to 
any animal that is unlucky enough to be chased by a pack of Wolves. No matter how swift 
it may be, it will most surely be overtaken at last by the long, slouching, tireless gallop of the 
Wolves; and no matter what may be its strength, it must at last fail under the repeated and 
constant attacks of the sharp teeth. 

There is something remarkable about the bite of a Wolf. Instead of making its teeth 
meet in the flesh of its antagonist, and then, maintaining its hold, as is done by most of the 
carnivora, the Wolf snaps sharply, fiercely, and repeatedly at its opponent or its quarry ; 
delivering these attacks with such furious energy that when it misses its mark its jaws clash 
together with a sound that has been likened to the sudden closing of a steel-trap. These 
sharply snapping bites, so rapidly delivered, are of terrible efficacy in destroying an enemy, or 
bringing down the prey. ~ 

Putting aside the differences that exist between the feline and the canine dentition, the 
general character of the whole form is worthy of notice, and points out the creature as belong- 
ing to the group of carnivorous animals which obtains its prey by running it down in a lengthy 
chase, rather than to those predaceous animals which destroy their prey by a single powerful 
spring. The limbs are larger in proportion than those of the lion, and the bones are more 
slenderly made. The head and neck are very differently formed. Those of the lion are intended 
to serve the purpose of an animal which leaps upon its prey, fixes its teeth in the flesh of 
its quarry, and there hangs until it has destroyed its prey ; but the corresponding portions of 
the Wolf’s anatomy belong evidently to an animal which is not intended by nature to exert the 
clinging hold of the cat tribe, but to overtake its prey by fair chase, to run, and to bite. 

The sharp teeth with which the Wolf is furnished are strong enough to cut their way 
through substances which might be thought impervious to teeth. A hungry Wolf will devour 
a raw hide with enviable ease, and, when hard pressed by its unsatisfied appetite, has often 
been known to make a meal on thick leather traces that had been left unguarded for a few 
minutes. 

Bold as is the Wolf in ordinary circumstances, it is one of the most suspicious animals in 
existence, and is infected with the most abject terror at the sight of any object to which its 
eyes, nose, or ears are unaccustomed. 

Very fortunately for the hunters, this excess of caution on the part of the Wolf is the 


WOLF 


re 


THE BLACK WOLF. 263 


means of preserving their slaughtered game from the hungry maws of the Wolves that ever 
accompany a hunter, and hang on his steps in hope of obtaining the offal of such animals as he 
may slaughter, or of securing such creatures as he may wound and fail to kill on the spot. In 
order to preserve the carcass of a slain buffalo or deer, the hunter merely plants a stick by the 
side of the animal, and ties to the top of the stick a fluttering piece of linen, or any similar 
substance, and then goes his way, secure that the Wolves will not dare to approach such an 
object. In default of a strip of calico or linen, the inflated bladder of the dead animal is an 
approved ‘‘scare-wolf ;’’ and, as a last resource, a strip of its hide is used for that purpose. 
To this peculiarity have been owing, not only the preservation of game, but the lives of 
defenceless travellers. It has several times happened that a band of Wolves have been press- 
ing closely upon the footsteps of their human quarry, and have been checked in their onward 
course by the judicious exhibition of certain articles of which the Wolves were suspicious, and 
from which they kept aloof until they had satisfied themselves of their harmlessness. As one 
article began to lose its efficacy, another was exhibited, so that the persecuted travellers were 


BLACK WOLF.— Canis occidentalis. 


enabled to gain the refuge of some friendly village, and to baffle the furious animals by means 
which in themselves were utterly inadequate to their effects. A piece of rope trailed from a 
horse or carriage is always an object of much fear to the Wolves. 

When the Wolf is once within a trap, it becomes the most cowardly of animals, and will 
permit itself to be handled or wounded without displaying the least sign of animation, or 
attempting to resist the hand of its destroyer. The sensation of imprisonment appears to 
deprive it of all energy, and it sometimes happens that a trapped Wolf is so entirely destitute 
of self-control, that it has permitted the hunter to drag it from the trap, and to make it lie 
passively by his side while he reset the trap for the occupancy of another victim. On one 
oceasion, a pitfall-trap contained two occupants, one a Wolf, and the other a poor old wqman, 
who had unfortunately fallen into the pit when returning from her work. The Wolf was so 
cowed by finding itself entrapped, that it made no attempt to injure its fellow prisoner, but lay 
quietly at the bottom of the pit, and was shot in the morning by a peasant. 


Tue Biack Wotr of America was thought by some naturalists to be only a variety of 
the common Wolf, but it is now considered to be a distinct species, Not only does the color 


264 THE PRAIRIE WOLF. 


of its fur vary from that of the common Wolf, but there are various differences of structure 
in the position of the eye, the peculiar bushiness of the hair, and other peculiarities, which 
have entitled it to rank as a separate species. 

The American Wolves partake of the general lupine character, being fierce, dangerous, 
and cowardly, like their European brethren. They are marvellously pusillanimous when they 
find themselves fairly inclosed ; and even if their prison-house be a large yard they crouch 
timidly in the corners, and do not venture to attack a human being if he enters the same 
inclosure. Audubon mentions a curious instance of this strange timidity in so fierce an animal, 
and of which he was an eye-witness. 

A farmer had suffered greatly from the Wolves, and had determined to take his revenge 
by means of pitfalls, of which he had dug several within easy reach of his residence. They 
were eight feet in depth, and wider at 
the bottom than at the top. Into one 
of these traps three fine Wolves had 
fallen ; two of them being black and the 
other a brindled animal. To the very 
great astonishment of M. Audubon, the 
farmer got into the pit, pulled out the 
hind-legs of the Wolves as they lay 
trembling at the. bottom, and with his 
knife severed the chief tendon of the 
hind-limbs, so as to prevent their escape. 
The farmer was thus repaying himself 
for the damage which he had suffered, 
for the skins of the captured Wolves 
were sufficiently valuable to reimburse 
him for his labor and previous losses, 

Among the Esquimaux the Wolves 
are caught in traps made of large blocks 
of ice, and constructed in precisely the 
same manner as an ordinary mouse-trap 
with a drop-door. The trap is made so 
narrow that the Wolf cannot turn him- 
self, and when he is fairly inclosed by 
the treacherous door, he is put to death 
by spears, which are thrust through in- 
terstices left for that purpose. 


PRAIRIE WOLF .—Canis latrans. 


THERE is a rather smaller species 
of Wolf, which is found in great numbers upon the American prairies, and named for that 
reason the Pratrre Wor. These animals are always found hanging on the outskirts of the 
numerous herds of bisons that roam the prairies, and pick up a subsistence by assailing the 
weakly and wounded members of the herd. Small as is each individual Wolf, it becomes a 
terrible assailant when backed by numbers, and seldom fails to bring to the ground any 
animal which may be unfortunate enough to attract its attention. 

When they have once brought their prey to the ground, they make marvellously short 
work. There is a scuffle of some two minutes in length, during which the Wolves are so 
eagerly plying their feet and jaws that nothing is visible except a cloud of dust and hair, in 
the midst of which is a mass of whisking tails. The dusty cloud then subsides, and the 
Wolves are seen moving slowly away from the scene of their late repast. They also are in the 
habit of accompanying the hunters through their long peregrinations over the prairies, always 
hanging behind at respectful distances, and at night encamping within easy range of the fire. 
They seem never to injure the hunter or his horse, preferring to make use of his superior 
powers in procuring them a daily supply of food, They are wise in so doing, as the hunter 


THE COYOTE. 265 


seldom requires more than the ‘‘hump,’’ tongue, marrow-bones, and skin of the slaughtered 
bison, and leaves the remainder of the huge carcass for the Wolves. 


ANOTHER well-known American Wolf is-the Coyorn, or Casorer, in which there is some- 
thing of the vulpine aspect. In habits it resembles the other Wolves. According to European 
ideas, the flesh of the Wolf would be thought a very strange, and decidedly repulsive, article 
of diet. But it is found by those who have had practical experience on this subject, that the 
Wolf, when properly dressed, affords a really excellent dinner, the tables being thus turned 
on him. The ribs are the portion which are most esteemed. 

Like many other wild animals, the Wolf will feign death when it has fallen into the hands 
of its pursuers, and finds that escape is impossible. So admirably will it achieve this feat 
that it has often deceived the experienced eyes of the hunter, and, taking advantage of an 
unguarded moment on his part, has made good its escape. How perseveringly the animal will 
enact his part may be imagined from the description of a captive Wolf given by Captain Lyon, 
in his private journal. 

The Wolf lad been brought on board apparently dead, but as the eyes were observed to 
wink when an object was passed rapidly before them, a rope was fastened to his hind-legs, and 
he was suspended from the rigging, with his head downwards. Suddenly he threw off all 
disguise, and began to snap viciously in all directions ; at one time aiming his attacks at the 
persons who surrounded him, and at another moment curling himself upwards and trying to 
bite the rope asunder. He was so very full of life that it required several heavy blows on his 
head, and the employment of a bayonet, to reduce him in reality to the state which he had 
previously been feigning. 

It was formerly supposed that the Wolf was an untamable animal, but it is now known 
that there are few creatures which are more susceptible of affection anon the Wolf, if it be 
captured when young, and treated rightly. It will follow its master like a dog, will obey his 
orders readily, will recognize him after a long term of absence, and in all things conduct itself 
with a propriety that is not always found in the domesticated dogs. Several instances of this 
tamable disposition of the Wolf are well known. One such example is afforded by the tame 
Wolf which belonged to Mr. F. Cuvier, and which recognized him after an absence of 
three years. 

A Norwegian gentleman, named Grieff, ‘‘reared up two young Wolves until they were 
full-grown. They were male and female. The latter became so tame that she played with me, 
and licked my hands, and I had her often with me in the sledge in winter. Once when I was 
absent she got loose from the chain she was bound with, and was away for three days. When 
I returned home I went out ona hill, and called ‘Where is my Tussa?’ as she was named, 
when she immediately came home, and fondled with me like the most friendly dog. She could 
not bear other people, but the male, on the contrary, was friendly with others, but not with 
me, from the moment when he once seized a hen, and I whipped him with a carrier whip. 
As they were well treated, they got very large and had fine skins.”’ 

When Wolves and dogs are domesticated in the same residence, a mutual attachment will 
often spring up between them, although they naturally bear the bitterest hatred to each other. 
A mixed offspring is sometimes the result of this curious friendship, and it is said that these 
half-bred animals are more powerful and courageous than the ordinary dog. Mr. Palliser 
possessed a remarkably fine animal of this kind, the father of which was a white Wolf, and 
the mother an ordinary Indian dog. Its fur was white, like that of its Wolf-parent. 

When ‘‘Ishmah,’’ as the dog was named, was first purchased from its Indian owners, he 
was so terrified at the white face of his new master, that he always ran away whenever he saw 
him, and could not be persuaded to come within two hundred yards. Ishmah was then tied 
up with a cord, but the moment that he was left to himself he held the cord to the ground 
with his paw, severed it in an instant with his sharp teeth, leaped out of the window, and 
dashed off to his former owners: After awhile, however, he became reconciled to his white 
master, and proved to be a most faithful and useful ally; dragging a small sledge that 
contained the heavier necessaries of a hunter’s life, and partaking with his master all the 


266 THE COYOTE. 


pleasures and privations of a nomad existence. On account of his wolfish ancestry, he was 
rather apt to run off and play with the young Wolves instead of attending to his duty, but 
was never induced to throw off his allegiance. On one occasion the dog saved the life of his 
master by lying close to him ona bitterly freezing night, and with his long warm fur preserving 
him from the terrible death by frost. 

The Wolf is a rather prolific animal, producing from three to nine young ata litter. In 
January the mother Wolf begins to prepare her habitation for the expected inmates, a task 
in which she is protected, and perhaps assisted, by her mate, who has won her in fair fight 
from his many rivals. He attaches himself solely to one single mate, and never leaves her 
until the young Wolves are able to shift for themselves. The nest in which the little family 
is nurtured is softly and warmly lined with dry moss and with the fur of the mother, which 
she pulls from her own body. March is the usual month for the appearance of the little 
family, and they remain under the maternal protection for seven or eight months. They 
begin to eat meat at four or five weeks of age, and are taught by their parents to join 
in the chase. 

In the family Canid@ (the Dogs), species are pretty evenly distributed over the two 
continents, America and Asia. In North America there are ten species, and in South 
America nine. 

The Dog family is well marked by two groups: the Wolves and Foxes. 

The Gray Wolf (Canis occidentalis). This species is now regarded as distinct from the 
European form, though naturalists formerly claimed their identity. ' 

Prince Maximilian, of New Wied, Germany, in his ‘‘ Journey to North America, 1841,” 
says: “*This Wolf is’’—speaking of the form seen by him in the Western Territories— 
‘distinguished from that of the Eastern States—which resembles the European—by the 
somewhat smaller size, shorter, thicker snout, somewhat shorter ears, and by the want of the 
dark stripstunning down the legs in the European species ; also by the color, varying from 
the ordinary Wolf’s-gray to the pure white.’’ This Wolf brings forth in April a litter of from 
four to nine young, in a burrow. . 

In Florida, a variety of this Wolf * is found, having a jet black pelt. Audubon states that 
this kind was very abundant in Henderson, Kentucky, his place of residence, and mentions an 
instance of the complete domestication of one of these animals. 

A singular result of the frequent discharge of fire-arms in the region inhabited by the 
Coyotes, is seen in their inquisitive habits. So ravenous are they, the discharge of a gun has 


* Note by the Editor—Tuer PRAtRIE WoLF (Canis latrans) is intermediate in size between the Fox and the Wolf, 
resembling the former in the sharpness of its muzzle, and the latter in the form and character of the tail. The description 
above referring to the “Coyote,” which has been named Canis ochropus, Esch., applies only to a variety, not to a distinct 
species. The Prairie Wolf is called also Coyote. Lewis and Clark named it Burrowing Dog. The terms Canis ochropus 
and Canis latrans are therefore synonymous. 

Dr. Coues has had most excellent opportunities to study this animal, being stationed, as U. S. Army Surgeon, at 
various posts near which this creature abounds. He gives us, in his usual scholarly and interesting language, the following 
account : ‘‘The Prairie or Barking Wolf (Canis latrans, Say), is by far the most abundant carnivorous animal in Arizona, as 
it also is in almost every part of the West. Practically, the Coyote is a nuisance ; theoretically, he commands a certain 
degree of admiration, viewing his irrepressible positivity of character and his versatile nature. If his genius has nothing 
essentially noble or lofty about it, it is undeniable that few animals possess so many and so various attributes, or act them 
out with such dogged perseverance. Ever on the alert, and keenly alive to a sense of danger, he yet exhibits the coolest 
effrontery when his path crosses ours. The main object of his life seems to be the satisfying of a hunger which is always 
craving, and to this aim all his cunning, impudence, and audacity are mainly directed.” * * * 

“Tt is a singular fact that the howling of two or three Wolves gives an impression that a score are engaged, so many, 
so long-drawn are the notes, and so uninterruptedly are they continued by one individual after another. A short, sharp 
bark is sounded, followed by several more in quick succession, the time growing faster and the pitch higher, till they run 
together into a long-drawn, lugubrious howl in the highest possible key. The same strain is taken up again and again by 
different members of the pack, while from a greater distance the deep, melancholy baying of the more wary Lobo breaks in, 
to add to the discord, till the very leaves of the trees seem quivering to the inharmonious sounds. It is not true, as asserted 
by some, that the Coyotes howl only just after dark and at daylight. They are rarely, if ever, heard in the daytime, though 
frequently to be seen, especially in secluded places.” * * * 

“There is abundant evidence that the Coyote will cross and bear fertile offspring with the domestic dog. The 
hybrid is said to possess the bad qualities of both parents, and the good ones of neither,” It brings forth in May, five 
or six puppies, 


THE FOX. 267 


“a 


no terrors for them, but they have learned to connect the sound with its usual results, and imme- 
diately appear on such occasions ready to take advantage of a stray or overlooked bit of game. 


ACCORDING to some systematic naturalists the Foxrs are placed in the genus Canis, 
together with the dogs and the wolves. Those eminent zoologists, however, who have arranged 
the magnificent collections in the British Museum, have decided upon separating the Foxes from 
the dogs and wolves, and placing them in the genus Vulpes. To this decision they have come 
for several reasons, among which may be noted the shape of the pupil of the eye, which in the 


| M 


A GROUP OF FOXES. 


Foxes is elongated, but in the animals which compose the genus Canis is circular. The ears of 
the Foxes are triangular in shape, and pointed, and the tail is always exceedingly bushy. 

A very powerful scent is poured forth from the Fox in consequence of some glands which 
are placed near the root of the tail, and furnish the odorous secretion. Glands of a similar 
nature, but not so well developed, are found in the wolves. The tenacity with which this 
scent clings to any object which it has touched is quite extraordinary. I remember an 
instance when a Fox was captured by an old laborer, in revenge for killing his fowls, and 
which he exhibited in an outhouse for a short time. The animal could not ha ve been in the 
shed for more than twenty minutes, and yet the odor which it evolved was so pertinaciously 


adherent to everything which had been touched by the animal that the shed was not free from 
the tell-tale scent for many weeks. 


268 THE FOX. 


At night, while walking over various roads, I have frequently been aware that a Fox had 
crossed the path, and could have followed up the scent for some distance. 

It is by this scent that the hounds are able to follow the footsteps of a flying Fox, and to 
run it down by their superior speed and endurance. The Fox, indeed, seems to be aware that 
its pursuers are guided in their chase by this odor, and puts in practice every expedient that 
its fertile brain can produce in order to break the continuity of the scent, or to overpower it 
by the presence of other odors, which are more powerful, though not more agreeable. A 
hunted Fox will make the most extraordinary leaps in order to break the line of scent, and 
throw the hounds on a false track. It will run for a considerable distance in a straight line, 
return upon its own track, and then make a powerful spring to one side, so as to induce the 
dogs to run forward while it quietly steals away. It will take every opportunity of perfuming, 
or rather of scenting, itself with any odorous substance with which it can meet, in the hope of 
making the hounds believe that they have mistaken their quarry. In fine, there are a thousand 
wiles which this crafty animal employs, and which are related by every one who has watched 
a Fox or hunted it. 

Even when tamed it preserves its singular cunning. A tame Fox, that was kept in a 
stable-yard, had managed to strike up a friendship with several of the dogs, and would play 
with them, but could never induce the cats to approach him. Cats are very sensitive in their 
nostrils, and could not endure the vulpine odor. They would not even walk upon any spot 
where the Fox had been standing, and kept as far aloof as possible from him. 

The crafty animal soon perceived that the cats would not come near him, and made use 
of his knowledge to cheat them of their breakfast. As soon as the servant poured out the 
cats’ allowance of milk, the Fox would run to the spot and walk about the saucer, well know- 
ing that none of the rightful owners would approach the defiled locality. Day after day the 
cats lost their milk until the vulpine stratagem was discovered, and the milk was placed in a 
spot where it could not be reached by the Fox. There were three cats attached to the stables, 
and they all partook of the same detestation; so that their abhorrence of the vulpine odor 
seems to belong to the general character of cats, and not to the fastidious individuality of a 
single animal. He was also very successful in cheating the dogs of their food, achieving his 
thefts by the force of superior intellect. : 

The same animal was cunning enough to procure a supply of milk, even after he had been 
prevented from robbing the cats. On one occasion, as the dairymaid was passing along with 
her pails, the Fox went up to her, and brushed himself against one of the milk-pails. In con- 
sequence of this contact, the milk became so tainted with the smell of the Fox that the dairy- 
maid did not venture to bring it to the house, and rather thoughtlessly poured it out into a 
vessel, and gave it to the Fox. The crafty animal took advantage of the circumstance, and 
watched for the coming of the maid with her pails, in order to repeat the process. Several 
times he succeeded in his project, but when he found that the spoiled milk was given to the 
pigs, instead of being appropriated to his own use, he ceased his nefarious attempts. 

He detested all ragged beggars, and was so energetic in his hostile demonstrations, that 
he realized the truth of the proverb, ‘‘ Set a thief to catch a thief.” The horses hated him with 
as thorough a detestation as that in which the cats held him. His presence in the stable would 
set the horses in confusion, and make them plunge about in a restless and uneasy manner. 

The Fox resides in burrows, which it scoops out of the earth by the aid of its strong dig- 
ging paws, taking advantage of every peculiarity of the ground, and contriving, whenever it is 
possible, to wind its subterranean way among the roots of large trees, or between heavy stones. 
In these ‘“‘earths,”’ as the burrows are called in the sportsman’s phraseology, the female Fox 
produces and nurtures her young, which are odd little snub-nosed creatures, resembling almost 
any animal rather than a Fox. She watches over her offspring with great care, and teaches 
them by degrees to subsist on animal food, which she and her mate capture for that purpose. 

The color of the common Fox is a reddish-fawn, intermixed with black and white hairs. 
The hair is long and thick, being doubly thick during the colder months of the year, so that 
the fur of a Fox which is killed in the winter is more valuable than if the animal had been 
slain in the hot months. The tail, which is technically termed the ‘‘brush,”’ is remarkably 


THE AMERICAN FOX. 269 


bushy, and partakes of the tints which predominate over the body, except at the tip, which is 
white. The height of this animal is about a foot, and its length about two feet and a half, 
exclusive of the tail. 


THERE are several species of Foxes, which are found in various parts of the globe, some 
of which, such as the AMERICAN Fox, or MAKKEESHAW, sometimes called the Cross Fox, the 
Kit Fox, and the Arctic Fox, are tolerably familiar animals. The American Fox is very 

variable in the color and markings of its fur, some specimens being of a pale yellow, some 
being blackish in their general tinting, and some of a reddish-fawn, while some specimens are 
remarkable for the manner in which the black, the white, the yellow, and the fawn are dispersed 
over the body and limbs. In almost every specimen there is a darkish transverse stripe over 
the shoulders, giving to the animal the title of Cross Fox. 


SILVER FOX OF OUR SOUTHERN STATES.— Vulpes fulvus. 


This animal has its full share of the crafty spirit which is so notable in the nature of all 
Foxes. One of them, on whose track the hounds had been often laid, used always to baffle 
them at one particular point, the crest of a rather steep hill. Up to this spot the scent was 
perfectly good ; but at that particular spot the scent vanished, and so the Fox was lost. One 
of the disappointed hunters was so indignant at his repeated failures that he determined to 
lay aside the chase for a day, and to devote himself to the discovery of the means by which 
the creature could so invariably escape from the hounds and men. He therefore concealed 
himself near the charmed spot, and watched with much interest the proceedings of the hunted 
animal. 

The Fox, after being driven from his cover, led the hounds a long chase through woods, 
ponds, and thickets, and at last came at full speed towards the crest of the hill. As soon as 
he had reached the spot, he laid himself down and pressed himself as closely as possible to the 
ground. Presently the hounds came along in full cry, and with a blazing scent, darting over 
the hill in hot pursuit, and never stopping until they reached the bottom of the hill. As soon 
as the last hound had passed, the Fox resumed his legs, crept quietly over the brow of the 
hill, and returned to his covert at leisure. 

Another of these creatures made use of a very cunning device for the same purpose. In 
this instance, he always led his pursuers to the edge of a cliff that rose perpendicularly for 
several hundred feet, and then disappeared. The hunters had often examined the spot, and 
unsuccessfully, for it seemed that no wingless animal could venture to take such a fearful leap. 
The secret was, however, at last discovered by a concealed spy. The crafty Fox was seen 
coming quite at his leisure to the edge of the cliff, and then to look down. Some ten feet 


270 THE AMERICAN FOX. 


below the edge there was a kind of break in the strata of stone, forming a kind of step about a 
foot in width. By means of his claws the Fox let himself down upon this step, and then dis- 
appeared in a hollow which was invisible from above. 

A man was lowered by ropes to the spot, and found that there was a wide fissure in the 
rock, to which the stony step formed an entrance. On searching the cavern, it was found to 
have another and an easy outlet upon the level ground above. The Fox, however, never used 
this entrance when the hounds were on his trail, but cut off the scent by scrambling over the 
cliff, and then emerging at the other outlet without danger of discovery. 

Mr. C. W. Webber narrates an equally curious instance of the cunning of a Fox in escap- 
ing from his pursuers : 

‘There was a certain briary old field of great extent, near the middle of which we could, 
on any morning of the year, start a gray Fox. After a chase of an hour or so, just enough to 
blow the dogs and horses well, we invariably lost. the Fox at the same spot, the fence-corner of 
a large plantation, which opened into a heavy forest on one side of this old field. The fre- 
quency and certainty of this event became the standing joke of the country. Fox-hunters 
from other neighborhoods would bring their pack for miles, to have a run out of this mys- 
terious Fox, in the hope of clearing up the mystery. Butno. They were all baffled alike. 
We often examined the ground critically, to find out, if possible, the mode of escape, but 
could discover nothing that in any way accounted for it, or suggested any theory in regard to 
it. That it did not fly was very sure; that it must escape along the fence in some way was 
equally so. My first idea was, that the animal, as is very common, had climbed upon the top 
rail of the fence, and walked along it to such a distance, before leaping off, that the dogs were 
entirely thrown out. I accordingly followed the fence with the whole pack about me, clear 
round the plantation, but without striking the trail again, or making any discovery. 

‘The affair now became quite serious. The reputation of our hounds was suffering ; and, 
besides, I found they were really losing confidence in themselves, and would not run with half 
the staunch eagerness which had before characterized them. The joke of being regularly 
baffled had been so often repeated that they now came to consider it a settled thing that they 
were never to take another Fox again, and were disposed to give up in despair. Some of the 
neighbors had grown superstitious about it, and vowed that this must be a weir Fox, who 
could make himself invisible when he pleased. 

‘* At last I determined to watch at the fence-corner, and see what became of the Fox. 
Within about the usual time I heard him heading towards the mysterious corner, as the voices 
of the pack clearly indicated. I almost held my breath in my concealment, while I watched 
for the appearance of this extraordinary creature. In a little while the Fox made his appear- 
ance, coming on at quite a leisurely pace, a little in advance of the pack. When he reached 
the corner, he climbed in a most unhurried and deliberate way to the top rail of the fence, and 
then walked along it, balancing himself as carefully as a rope-dancer. He proceeded down 
the side of the fence next to the forest in which I was concealed. 

‘*T followed cautiously, so as to keep him in view. Before he had thus proceeded more 
than two hundred yards, the hounds came up to the corner, and he very deliberately paused 
and looked back for a moment, then he hurried along the fence some paces farther, and when 
he came opposite a.dead but leaning tree which stood inside the fence, some twelve or sixteen 
feet distant, he stooped, made a high and long bound to a knot upon the side of its trunk, up 
which he ran, and entered a hollow in the top where it had been broken off, nearly thirty feet 
from the ground, in some storm. I respected the astuteness of the trick too much to betray 
its author, since I was now personally satisfied ; and he continued for a long time, while I 
kept his secret, to be the wonder and the topic of neighboring Fox-hunters, until at last one of 
them happened to take the same idea into his head, and found out the mystery. He avenged 
himself by cutting down the tree, and capturing the smart Fox. 

‘The tree stood at such a distance from the fence that no one of us who had examined 
the ground ever dreamed of the possibility that the Fox would leap to it; it seemed a physical 
impossibility, but practice and the convenient knot had enabled cunning Reynard to overcome 
it with assured ease.’’ 


THE ARCTIC FOX. 271 


ONE of the most celebrated species of the Foxes is the Arctic Fox, called by the Russians 
Pxszi, and by the Greenlanders TERRIENNIAK. This animal is in very great repute in the 
mercantile world on account of its beautifully silky fur, which in the cold winter months 
becomes perfectly white. During the summer the fur is generally of a gray, or dirty brown, 
but is frequently found of a leaden gray, or of a brown tint with a wash of blue. Towards 
the change of the seasons the fur becomes mottled ; and by reason of this extreme variableness 
has caused the animal to be known by several different titles. Sometimes it is called the 
White Fox, sometimes the Blue Fox, sometimes the Sooty Fox, sometimes the Pied Fox, and 
sometimes the Stone Fox. 

This animal is found in Lapland, Iceland, Siberia, Kamschatka, and North America, in 
all of which places it is eagerly sought by the hunters for the sake of its fur. The pure white 


ARCTIC FOX.— Vulpes lagopus. 


coat of the winter season is the most valuable, and the bluish-gray fur of the summer months 
is next to the white the color that is most in request. The soles of the feet are thickly covered 
with hair, from which circumstance it has derived its name of Lagopus, or hairy foot. 

It is found that this animal possesses the power of imitating the cries of the birds on which 
it loves to feed, and it is probable that it employs this gift for the purpose of decoying its 
prey to their destruction. Although it is sufficiently cunning in obtaining its food, it seems 
to be remarkably destitute of the astute craft which aids the generality of the Foxes to avoid 
hidden dangers or to baffle their foes. It is easily induced to enter a trap, and will generally 
permit a hunter to approach within range of an easy shot. It is true that, when a human 
being approaches their burrows, the inmates retire into their homes; but as they continually 
protrude their heads and yelp at their foe, the precaution is to very little purpose. 

In size, the Arctic Fox is not the equal of the English species, weighing only eight pounds 
on an average, and its total length being about three feet. The eye is of a hazel tint, and very 
bright and intelligent. It lives in burrows, which it excavates in the earth during the summer 
months, and prefers to construct its simple dwellings in small groups of twenty or thirty. 

The Vulpine, or Fox-like group, is distinguished by having the eye pupil elliptical, and 
amore slender head. Some important anatomical differences are noticed. 


272 THE ASSE. 


The American Fox was long regarded identical with the Red Fox of Europe ( Vulpes 
vulgaris). Differences exist, though slight. The American Fox has a more silky, softer, and 
longer fur. The muzzle is longer; the eyes are placed nearer together, and the feet are larger. 

The Cross Fox—a variety—is so called on account of a more or less distinct band of a 
darker color crossing another on the shoulders. It is common in New York, but is not often 
seen south of Pennsylvania. It is larger than the Red variety, and has a more bushy tail. 

The Prairie Fox ( Vulpes macrourus) is regarded as the finest species known. It is the 
largest. Its color is much like that of the Red Fox. The muzzle is more pointed than in any 
other species. Its total length, from nose to tip of tail, is thirty-three inches. The ears are 
very large and acutely pointed. Lewis and Clark called it the Large Red Fox of the Plains. 
Audubon and Bachman named it Vulpes utah. 

The Kit Fox, or Swift Fox ( Vulpes velox), is the Silver-gray Fox of earlier writers. - It is 
quite distinguished from the Red Fox, and others, by its broader head, smaller ears, and 


OTOCYON.— Otocyon lalandii. 


shorter legs, cylindrical and bushy tail. Its litter of young varies from four to eight. It is 
common to the Western States. 

The Arctic Fox is an exceedingly beautiful creature, being of a pure snowy white in every 
part of its pelt. It inhabits the region of the Arctic Circle, and is seldom seen farther south. 

The Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereo argentatus, Schreb, Coues) is common to the Middle 
States, California, and the North Western States. It is distinguished by having a concealed 
mane of stiff hairs. Its general aspect is of a handsome silver-gray. The pelt is less soft and 
bushy, and the body, therefore, seems somewhat smaller than of other species. 

The Coast Fox ( Vilpes littoralis) is another of this group, distinguished by the stiffer 
hairs. Sometimes called the Short-tailed Fox. It is hardly more than half the size of the 
preceding species. The tail is only about one third the length of the body. Its pelt above 
is hoary and black. The sides of the neck, fore-legs and fore part of thighs are of a dull cin- 
namon color. The chin and sides of the muzzle, black. The tail has a concealed mane of stiff 
hairs. This little Fox is singularly tame. 


THe LITTLE animal which is known by the name of the Assp, or the CAAMA, is an inhabit- 
ant of Southern Africa, and is in great request for the sake of its skin, which furnishes avery 
valuable fur. 

It is a terrible enemy to ostriches and other birds which lay their eggs in the ground, and 
is in consequence detested by the birds whose nests are devastated. The ingenuity of the 
Caama in procuring the contents of an ostrich’s egg is rather remarkable, The shell of the 


THE FENNEC. 273 


egg is extremely thick and strong; and as the Caama is but a small animal, its teeth are 
unable to make any impression on so large, smooth, hard, and rounded an object. In order, 
therefore, to obviate this difficulty, the cunning animal rolls the egg along by means of its 
fore-paws, and pushes it so violently against any hard substance that may lie conveniently in 
its path, or against another egg, that the shell is broken and the contents attainable. 

The fur of this animal is highly esteemed by the natives for the purpose of making 
“‘Karosses,’’ or mantles. As the Asse is one of the smallest of the Foxes, a great number of 
skins are needed to form a single mantle, and the manufactured article is therefore held in high 
value by its possessor. Indeed, so valuable is its fur, that it tempts many of the Bechuana 
tribes to make its chase the business of their lives, and to expend their whole energies in cap- 
turing the animal from whose body 
the much-prized fur is taken. 

The continual persecution to 
which the Caama is subjected, has 
almost exterminated it in the imme- 
diate vicinity of Cape Town, where 
it was formerly seen in tolerable 
plenty. Gradually, however, it re- 
treats more and more northward 
before the tread of civilized man, 
and at the present day is but very 
rarely seen within the limits of the 
colony. 


THE TWO animals which now 
claim our attention bear a consider- 
able external resemblance to each 
other, albeit that similarity extends 
not to their formation. So different 
are they from each other, that they 
have been placed in a distinct genera 
by the almost unanimous voice of 
systematic naturalists. 


The former of these animals, the 
Otocyon, or Eared-dog, derives its 
name from the very great propor- 
tionate length of its ears. It is 
smaller than the Fox, and is of a FENNEC.— Vulpes 2aarensis. 
tolerably uniform gray color, except 
on the tail, which is covered with long black hair, and on the limbs, which are of a darker 
hue than the body. The ears are erect, well covered with fur, and nearly equal to the head 
in length. Itis an inhabitant of Southern Africa. In several anatomical points, especially 
-in the arrangement and shape of its teeth, it may be distinguished from the following animal. 


THE FENNEC, or ZERDA, is an inhabitant of Africa, being found in Nubia and Egypt. It 
is a very pretty and lively little creature, running about with much activity, and anon sitting 
upright and regarding the prospect with marvellous gravity. The color of the Fennec is a 
very pale fawn, or ‘‘isabel’’ color, sometimes being almost of a creamy whiteness. The tail 
is bushy, and partakes of the general color of the fur, except at the upper part of the base and 
the extreme tip, which are boldly marked with black. The size of the adult animal is very 
inconsiderable, as it measures scarcely more than a foot in length, exclusive of the bushy tail, 
which is about eight inches long. 

It is said that the Fennec, although it is evidently a carnivorous animal, delights to feed 
upon various fruits, especially preferring the date. Such a predilection is according to vulpine 


2° THE FENNEC. 


and canine analogies, for the common Fox is remarkably fond of ripe fruits, such as grapes or 
strawberries, and the domestic dog is too often a depredator of those very gardens which he 
was enjoined to keep clear from robbers. But that the animal should enjoy the power of pro- 
curing that food in which it so delights is a very extraordinary circumstance, and one which 
would hardly be expected from a creature which partakes so largely of the vulpine form and 
characteristics. The date-palm is a tree of a very lofty growth, and the rich clusters of the 
fruit are placed at the very summit of the bare, branchless stem.. Yet the Fennec is said to 
to be able to climb the trunk of the date-palm, and so procure for itself the coveted luxury. 

This creature presents so strange a medley of characteristics that it has proved asad stum- 
bling-block to systematic zoologists, and has been so frequently transferred by them from one 
portion of the animal kingdom to another, that its position in their catalogues seems to vary 
as often as the different lists are published. One celebrated naturalist considers the Fennec to 
belong to the civets and genetts ; another ranks it with the hyenas; while a third believes 
that its true position is among the Galagos. Now, however, it finds a resting-place in the 
genus Vulpes, being a congener with the various foxes of the Old and New Worlds. 

It must here be remembered that the generic distinction of dogs and foxes can hardly be 
regarded as a settled matter, and that many practical naturalists favor the opinion that the 
foxes ought to be included in the genus ‘‘Canis.”” That the dog and the fox will produce a 
mixed offspring is now generally allowed. There are many authenticated accounts of such 
mixed breeds, dating from the earlier part of the present century up to the present time. 
Moreover, it has been found that the offspring of the dog and the fox is capable of reproduc- 
tion when it is again crossed with the dog. Should this experiment be successfully conducted 
to a still further extent, and the vulpo-canine offspring of both sexes be found capable of 
mutual reproduction, the difficult question to which we have referred will be finally solved. 

Like the veritable foxes, the Fennec is accustomed to dwell in subterranean abodes, which 
it scoops in the light sandy soil of its native land. Bruce, who claims the honor of introducing 
this curious little animal to zoological science, avers that it builds its nest in trees. Ruppell, 
however, who may lay claim to more scientific knowledge than was possessed by Bruce, dis- 
tinctly contradicts this statement, and asserts that it lives in ‘‘ burrows”’ like other foxes. 

This curious little animal is not entirely without its use to man ; for its fur is of consider- 
able value among the native tribes of the locality wherein it is found. The skin of the Fennec, 
called ‘‘motlose”’ in the native dialect, is said to furnish the warmest fur in Africa, and is 
highly prized for that quality. And as, on account of the diminutive size of the animal, a 
single skin forms but a very small portion of a garment, a mantle which is composed of ‘* mot- 
lose”’ fur is valued very highly, and can with difficulty be purchased from its dark owner. 

As is the case with the greater number of predaceous animals, the Fennec is but seldom 
seen during the daytime, preferring to issue forth upon its marauding expeditions under the 
friendly cover of night. Even when it has spent some time in captivity, it retains its restless 
nocturnal demeanor, and during the hours of daylight passes the greater portion of its time in 
semi-somnolence or in actual sleep. On a comparison with the Otocyon, the Fennec appears 
at first sight to bear so close a resemblance to that animal that either of the two creatures 
might easily be mistaken for the other. The slender body, the bushy tail, the sharply pointed 
snout, and the extraordinarily long ears, are so conspicuously notable that the two animals 
have frequently been confounded together, and actually figured under the same title. Yet 
the distingnishing characteristics are so strongly marked as to justify their separation, not 
only into different species, but into different genera. 

It is a quaint little creature in its aspect, and wears an air of precocious self-reliance that 
has quite a ludicrous effect in so small an animal. The color of its eyes is a beautiful blue, 
and the ‘‘ whisker’? hairs which decorate its face are long and thick in their texture, and 
white in their color. The honor of introducing the Fennec into Europe is claimed by two 
persons ; the one being Bruce, the celebrated traveller, and the other being a Swedish gentle- 
man of the name of Skioldebrand. The latter writer was certainly the first person who pub- 
licly brought the Fennec before the zoologists of Europe, but is supposed to have succeeded in 
his ambition by means which were hardly just or honorable. 


THE WEASEL. 275 


The Fennec is identical with the fox-like animal that is named ‘‘ Zerda”’’ by Riippell, and 
“‘Cerdo”’ by Llliger. 


Jusr as the Aard-Wolf appears to form the link between the civets and the hyenas, being 
with some difficulty referred to either group of animals, so the Hunting-Dog seems to be the 
connecting link between the dogs and the hyenas. Its position, however, in the scale of 
animated nature is so very obscure that it has been placed by some zoologists among the dogs 


HYENA-DOG, OR HUNTING-DOG.—Lycaon pictus. 


and by others among the hyenas. As, however, the leading characteristic of its formation 
appears to tend rather towards the canine than the hyenine type, the Hunting-Dog has been 
provisionally placed at the end of the dogs rather than at the end of the hyenas. 
There are many names by which this animal has been called ; in the writings of some 
authors it is mentioned under the title of the Painted Hyena, while by others it is termed the 
'Hyena-Dog. The Dutch colonists of the Cape of Good Hope, where this creature is generally 
found, speak of it by the name of Wilde Hund, or Wild Dog; and it is also Known under the 
names of Simir and Melbia. 


WEASELS, SKUNKS, BADGERS, ETC. 


WEASELS. 


Next in order to the dogs, is placed the large and important family of the WrEASELS, 
representatives of which are found in almost every portion of the earth. There is something 
marvellously serpentine in the aspect and structure of the members of this family—the Mus- 
télidee, as they are called, from the Latin word mustéla, which signifies a Weasel. Their 
extremely long bodies and very short legs, together with the astonishing perfection of the 


276 THE PINE MARTEN. 


muscular powers, give them the capability of winding their little bodies into the smallest pos- 
sible crevices, and of waging successful battle with animals of twenty times their size and 
strength. 


First on the list of Weasels are placed the agile and lively MARTENS, or MARTEN-CarTs, 
as they are sometimes termed. ‘Two species of Martens are generally admitted into catalogues, 
although the distinction of the species is even as yet a mooted point. The chief distinction 
between the Pine and the Beech Martens is the different tint of the throat, which in the former 
animal is yellow, and in the latter is white. But it is said by many observers that this varia- 
tion of tint is not of sufficient importance to warrant a separation of the species, and that the 


PINE MARTEN.—Justela martes. 


different sexes of the same species are marked by varying depth of color in the throat, the 
male possessing a darker tinge of yellow than the female. There is also a slight difference of 
size between the two sexes. Taking, however, the arguments which have been adduced on 
both sides of the question, the balance of probabilities lies strongly on the side of those who 
consider the yellow-throated and the white-throated Martens to belong to different species. 


Tur PrnE Marten is so called because it is generally found in those localities where the 
pine-trees abound, and is in the habit of climbing the pines in search of prey. It is a shy and 
wary animal, withdrawing itself as far as possible from the sight of man; and although a 
fierce and dangerous antagonist when brought to bay, is naturally of a timid disposition, and 
shuns collision with an enemy. 

It is a tree-loving animal, being accustomed to traverse the trunks and branches with won- 
derful address and activity, and being enabled by its rapid and silent movements to steal 
unnoticed on many an unfortunate bird, and to seize it in its deadly gripe before the startled 
victim can address itself to flight. It is a sad robber of nests, rifling them of eggs and young, 
and not unfrequently adding the parent birds to its list of victims. 

The fur of the Pine Marten is rather valuable, especially if the animal be killed in the 
winter. A really fine skin is but little inferior to the celebrated sable, and can hardly be dis- 


THE SABLE. QUT 


tinguished from it by inexperienced eyes. It is thought not to be so prolific an animal as the 
Beech Marten, seldom producing above three or four at a birth, while the‘latter animal has 
been known to nurture six or seven young at the same time. If this circumstance be generally 
true, it goes far towards proving that the Beech and the Pine Marten are really distinct ani- 
mals. The head of this creature is smaller than that of the Beech Marten, and the legs are 
proportionately larger. ; 

The length of the Pine Marten is about eighteen inches, exclusive of the tail, which meas- 
ures about ten inches. The tail is covered with long and rather bushy hair, and is slightly 
darker than the rest of the body, which 
is covered with brown hair. The tint, 
however, is variable in different speci- 
mens, and even in the same individual 
undergoes considerable modifications, ac- 
cording to the time of year and the part 
of the world in which it is found. It has 
rather a wide range of locality, being a 
native of the northern parts of Europe 
and of a very large portion of Northern 
America. 


THE BrEcH MARTEN seems to be of 
rather more frequent occurrence than 
the Pine Marten, from which animal it 
may be distinguished by the white tint 
of the fur on its throat and the upper 
portion of its breast. On account of this 
circumstance, it is sometimes called the 
White-throated Marten. <A slight yellow 
tinge is sometimes observed on its throat. 
There are several names by which this 
animal is known, such as the Marteron, 
the Martern, and the Stone Marten. 

In its destructive habits and its 
thirst for blood, it resembles the animal 
which has already been described, and 
has earned for itself the title of ‘‘ do- 
mestic,’? which was applied to it by 
_Gesner, because it is in the habit of 
prowling about human habitations, and IESE UAE BC 
of concealing itself in the barns and 
outhouses, for the purpose of gaining access to the poultry. 

The Marten seems to be easily tamed to a certain degree, but beyond that point its wild 
instincts are too firmly rooted for speedy eradication. One of these creatures was procured 
when young by a shoemaker, and remained with him until it had reached maturity. It then 
escaped from its adopted home, and commenced a series of depredations among the fowls 
which were kept by the neighbors, returning every night, and concealing itself in the house. 
Its destructive energies became so troublesome that it was at last sentenced to death by the 
united voices of those who had suffered from its depredations, and paid the penalty of its 
many robberies. 


ONE of the most highly valued of the Weasels is the celebrated SABLE, which produces 
the richly tinted fur that is in such great request. Several species of this animal are sought 
for the sake of their fur. They are very closely allied to the Martens that have already been 
described, and are supposed by some zoologists to belong to the same species. Besides the 


278 THE SABLE. 


well-known Martes zibellina, a North American species is known, together with another which 
is an inhabitant of Japan. These two creatures, although they are very similar to each other 
in general aspect, can be distinguished from each other by the different hue of their legs and 
feet: the American Sable being tinged with white upon those portions of its person, and the 
corresponding members of the Japanese Sable being marked with black. 

The Sable is spread over a large extent of country, being found in Siberia, Kamtschatka, 
and in Asiatic Russia. Its fur is in the greatest perfection during the coldest months of the 
year, and offers an inducement to the hunter to brave the fearful inclemency of a northern 
winter in order to obtain a higher price for his small but valuable commodities. A really 
perfect Sable skin is but seldom obtained, and will command an exceedingly high price. An 


SABLE.— artes zibellina. 


ordinary skin is considered to be worth from five to thirty dollars, but if it should be of the 
very best quality, is valued at fifty to sixty dollars. 

In order to obtain these much-prized skins, the Sable-hunters are forced to undergo the 
most terrible privations, and often lose their lives in the snow-covered wastes in which the 
Sable loves to dwell. A sudden and heavy snow-storm will obliterate in a single half-hour 
every trace by which the hunter had marked out his path, and, if it should be of long con- 
tinuance, may overwhelm him in the mountain “drifts” which are heaped so strangely by the 
fierce tempests that sweep over those fearful regions. Should he not be an exceedingly experi- 
enced hunter, possessed of a spirit which is undaunted in the midst of dangers, and of a mind 
which is stored with the multitudinous precepts of hunters’ lore, he is certain to sink under 
the accumulated terrors of his situation, and to perish by cold and hunger in the midst of the 
snow-sea that rolls in huge white billows over the face of the country. 

At the best, and when he meets with the greatest success, the privations which he is called 
upon to undergo are of the most fearful character, and he rarely escapes without bearing on 
his person the marks of the terrible labor which he has performed. 

The Sables take up their abode chiefly near the banks of rivers and in the thickest parts 
of the forests that cover so vast an extent of territory in those uncultivated regions. Their 
homes are usually made in holes which the creatures burrow in the earth, and are generally 
made more secure by being dug among the roots of trees. Sometimes, however, they prefer to 
make their nests in the hollows of trees, and there they rear their young. Some authors, 


THE POLECAT. 279 


however, deny that the Sable inhabits subterranean burrows, and assert that its nest is always 
made in a hollow tree. Their nests are soft and warm, being composed chiefly of moss, dried 
leaves, and grass. 

Their food is said to partake partially of a vegetable and partially of an animal character, 
according to the season of the year. In the summer time, when the hares and other animals 
are rambling about the plains and forests, the Sable takes advantage of their presence, and 
kills and eats them. But when the severity of the winter frosts has compelled these creatures 
to remain within their domiciles, the Sable is said to feed upon the wild berries that it finds 
on the branches. The hunters assert that the Sable is not content to feed only on the hares 
and such like animals, which constitute the usual prey of the larger Weasels, but that it is in 
the habit of killing and devouring the ermine and the smaller members of the Weasel tribe. 
Even birds fall victims to these agile and voracious animals, being often overtaken in their 
flight among the branches of trees by a well-aimed leap and a sharp stroke of the fore-paws. 


THE PEKAN, more popularly termed the Woop-sHock, is a native of Canada and other 
parts of America, and is of some value on account of its fur, which is nearly as useful, although 
not so valuable, as that of the sable, with which animal it is very closely allied. The color of 


WOOD-SHOCK, OR PEKAN.—Martes canadensis. 


its fur is generally of a grayish-brown, the gray tint being found chiefly on its back, head, 
neck, and shoulders, and the legs, tail, and back of the neck marked with a much darker 
brown. 

Its habitation is usually made in burrows, which it excavates on the banks of rivers, 
choosing that aqueous locality on account of the nature of its food, which consists of fish and 
various quadrupeds which live near the water. Hunting the Wood-shock is a diversion which 
is greatly in vogue, as is especially followed by the younger portions of the community, who 
find in this water-living, earth-burrowing, sharp-toothed animal, a creature which affords 
plenty of sport to themselves and their dogs, while it is not a sufficiently powerful antagonist 
to cause any great danger to its foes, if it should be driven to despair and assume the offensive, 
instead of yielding in sullen silence. 


Tue PoxiecaT has earned for itself a most unenviable fame, having been long celebrated 
as one of the most noxious pests to which the farmyard is liable. Slightly smaller than the 
marten, and not quite so powerful, it is found to be a more deadly enemy to rabbits, game, 
and poultry, than any other animal of its size. 

It is wonderfully bold when engaged upon its marauding expeditions, and maintains an 
impertinently audacious air even when it is intercepted in the act of destruction. Not only 
does it make victims of the smaller poultry, such as ducks and chickens, but attacks geese, 
turkeys, and other larger birds with perfect readiness. This ferocious little creature has a 
terrible habit of destroying the life of every animal that may be in the same chamber with 
itself, and if it should gain admission into a hen-house will kill every one of the inhabitants, 


280 THE FERRET. 


although it may not be able to eat the,twentieth part of its victims. It seems to be very fond 
of sucking the blood of the animals which it destroys, and appears to commence its repast by 
eating the brains. If several victims should come in its way, it will kill them all, suck their 
blood, and eat the brains, leaving the remainder of the body untouched. 


Even those unpromising animals, the weasels, can be subjected to the wondrous super- 
eminence of the human intellect. The FERRET is well known as the constant companion of 
the rat-catcher and the rabbit-hunter, being employed for the purpose of following its prey 
into their deepest recesses, and of driving them trom their strongholds into the open air, 
when the pursuit is taken up by its master. The mode in which the Ferret is employed will 
be presently related. 

Some writers have thought the Ferret to be identical in species with the polecat, and have 
strengthened this opinion by the well-known fact that a mixed breed between these two ani- 
mals is often employed by those who study the development and the powers of the Ferret. 


THE POLECAT.—Putorius fetidus. 


However, the most generally received opinion of the present day considers the Ferret to 
be a distinct species. Mr. Bell, in his work on the British Quadrupeds, remarks that the dif- 
ferent geographical range which is inhabited by these creatures is one of the most striking 
arguments in favor of the distinction of the species. The polecat is found in the northern 
parts of Europe, bearing the severest cold with impunity, and able to track its prey for many 
miles over the snow. But the Ferret is originally a native of Africa, and is most sensitive to 
cold, often perishing if it be exposed to the frosts of winter. When the Ferret is kept in a 
state of domestication, the box or hutch in which it resides must be amply supplied with hay, 
wool, or other warm substances, or the creature will soon pine away and die. 

It sometimes happens that a Ferret escapes from its owners, and making its way into the 
nearest wood or warren, remains in its new quarters until the end of autumn, living quite at its 
ease, and killing rabbits and game at its leisure. But when the cold weather draws near, and 
the frosty nights of autumn begin to herald the frosty days of winter, the Ferret will do its 
best to return to its captivity and its warmer bed, or, failing in its attempt, will die. That a 
Ferret should escape is by no means an unlikly circumstance, for the creature is so active of 
limb and so serpentine of body that it can avail itself of the very smallest opening, and, when 
once at liberty, can conceal itself with such address that it is very rarely recovered, 


THE FERRET. 281 


Some years ago, an escaped Ferret was discovered in its usurped burrow, and most gal- 
lantly captured by a young lad who was extremely courageous for his years. He was prowl- 
ing round a small, thickly-wooded copse, in search of birds’ nests, when he saw a sharply- 
pointed snout protruding from a rabbit-hole in the bank which edged the copse, and a pair of 
fiery little eyes gleaming like two living gems in the semi-darkness of the burrow. Being a 
remarkably silent and reticent lad, he told no one of his discovery, but went into the village, 
and presently returned, bearing a little dead kitten which had just been drowned. He then 
crept to the foot of the bank which overhung the burrow, and holding the dead kitten by its 
tail, lowered it into the hole. The Ferret made an immediate spring at the prey which had 
made so opportune an arrival, and was jerked out of the burrow before it could loosen its hold. 

The lad grasped the Ferret across the body, 
but as he was lying in such a manner that he 
could only use his left arm, the enraged animal 
began to bite his hand in the most furious man- 
ner. However, the young captor could not be in- 
duced to let the Ferret escape, and with great 
presence of mind whirled the creature round with 
such rapidity that it was soon rendered almost 
senseless by giddiness, and gave him an opportu- 
nity of grasping it with his right hand. The Ferret 
could not bite while thus held, and was borne tri- 
umphantly home, in spite of the wounds which 
had been inflicted on the hand. The bite of an 
enraged Ferret is of a very severe character, and, 
probably in consequence of the nature of its food, 
is difficult to heal and extremely painful. 

It is a fierce little animal, and is too apt to 
tum upon its owner, and wound him severely be- 
fore he suspects that the creature is actuated by 
any ill-intentions. J once witnessed a rather curious 
example of the uncertainty of the Ferret's temper. 
A lad who possessed a beautiful white Ferret had 
partially tamed the creature, and thought that it 
was quite harmless. The Ferret was accustomed 
to crawl about his person, and would permit itself 
to be caressed almost as freely as a cat. But on 
one unfortunate morning, when its owner was 
vaunting the performances of his protégée—for it 
was a female—the creature made a quiet but rapid 
snap at his mouth, and drove its teeth through 
both his lips, making four cuts as sharply defined as if they had been made with a razor. 

Still, the Ferret is really susceptible of kind feeling, and has been often known to be truly 
tamed. One of these animals was accustomed to accompany its master when he took a walk 
in the country, and was permitted to range at will. Round its neck a little bell was hung, so 
as to give indications of its presence, but it was so extremely tame that this precaution was 
hardly needed. It would follow its master like a dog, and if he ran away would hunt his 
footsteps, anxiously and eagerly seeking for his presence. This was a Polecat-ferret. 

When Ferrets are used for the purpose of hunting rabits, their mouths are securely muz- 
zled before they are permitted to enter the burrows; as, if their teeth were at liberty, they 
would in all probability kill the first rabbit which they met, and remain in the burrow for the 
purpose of sucking its blood. They are purposely kept without their ordinary meals before 
they are taken into the field, and are therefore especially anxious to secure their prey. Several 
modes of muzzling the Ferret are in vogue: some of them being as humane as is consistent 
with the act of fastening together the jaws of any animal, and others being most shamefully 


FERRET.— Mustela furo. 


282 THE POLECAT-FERRET. 


cruel. Not many years ago, it was the general custom to sew up the lips of the poor creature 
every time that it was used for hunting, and elaborate descriptions of this process are given 
in the sporting books of the period. Leathern muzzles are made especially for the purpose, 
and are the best that can be adopted ; but in their absence, the Ferret’?s mouth can be effect- 
ually closed by means of two pieces of string, one of which is placed round the neck and the 
other under the jaws, and the four ends tied together at the back of the neck. 

Almost any Ferret will enter a rabbit-burrow and drive out the inmates, for the rabbits do 
not even think of resisting their pursuer, and flee before him with all their might. But there 
are comparatively few Ferrets that will venture to enter a rat-hole, especially after they have 
suffered once or twice from the sharp teeth of those voracious rodents. If the Ferret is accus- 
tomed to chase rabbits, it becomes totally useless for the purposes of the rat-catcher, for it 
will not venture even to face a well-grown and vicious old rat, and much less will it dare to 
enter the burrow. After suffering from the bite of a rat, the Ferret is seized with a very great 
respect for a rat’s teeth, and will not willingly place itself within reach of those sharp-edged 
weapons. As has been graphically said by a practical rat-catcher, to force such a Ferret into 
a rat-hole is ‘‘like cramming a cat into a boot, and as for hunting, it is out of the question.”’ 

When a Ferret is possessed of sufficient skill and courage to face its long-tailed foes, and 
has been perfectly trained to the service, it can achieve wonders in open fight, and is a most 
valuable animal. As a general fact, a large gray old rat will beat off a Ferret, if it can only 
back itself into a corner, so as to prevent an attack from behind ; but when the Ferret is well 
trained to the business, it becomes a most destructive rat-slayer. There is a very graphic 
narrative in Mr. J. Rodwell’s work on rats, which not only shows the wonderful powers of the 
Ferret, but gives a good description of the modes of attack and defence which are practised 
by both animals. 

*“One evening I called upon an acquaintance of mine, and found him just going to decide 
a wager respecting a large male Ferret of the polecat breed, which was to destroy fifty rats 
within the hour. It must be borne in mind that this Ferret was trained for the purpose. 

‘<The rats were placed in a large square measuring eight or ten feet from corner to corner. 
The Ferret was put in, and it was astonishing to see the systematic way in which he set about 
his work. Some of the larger rats were very great cowards, and surrendered with scarcely a 
struggle ; while some of the smaller, or three-parts-grown ones, fought most desperately. One 
of these drew my particular attention. The Ferret, in making his attacks, was beaten off sev- 
eral times, to his great discomfiture; for the rat bit him most severely. At last the Ferret 
bustled the fight, and succeeded in getting the rat upon its back, with one of his feet upon the 
lower part of its belly. In this position they remained for some minutes, with their heads 
close to each other and their mouths wide open. The Ferret was rather exhausted with his 
former conflicts, and every move he made the rat bit him. At last he lost his temper, and 
making one desperate effort, he succeeded in getting the rat within his deadly grasp. He 
threw himself upon his side, and drawing the rat close to him, he fixed his teeth in its neck. 

“While thus engaged, a rat was running carelessly about. All at once, when near the 
Ferret, it threw up its head as if a new idea had struck it: it retreated until it met with 
another, and it was astonishing to see the instantaneous effect produced in the second. Off 
they ran together to the corner where the Ferret lay. The fact was, they scented the blood of 
either the rat or the Ferret, which in both was running in profusion. Without any further 
ceremony they seized the Ferret fast by the crown of the head, and drew themselves up for a 
comfortable suck of warm blood. The Ferret, feeling the smart, thought it was his old oppo- 
nent that was struggling in his grasp, and bit his lifeless victim most furiously. Presently he 
let go the dead rat and seemed astounded at the audacity of the others. He began to struggle, 
and they seemed quite offended at being disturbed at their repast. He very soon, however, 
succeeded in catching hold of one of them, and the other ran away ; but only for a few seconds. 
The Ferret demolished the whole fifty considerably under the hour.”’ 


Two kinds of Ferrets are employed for the purpose of hunting game; the one, a creamy- 
white creature, with bright pink eyes, and the other a much darker and fiercer-looking animal, 


THE MINK. 283 


which is the mixed offspring of the polecat and the Ferret. This is the animal which is called 
the Polecat-ferret in the above-mentioned anecdote. 

The same author mentions several curious instances of single combat between rats and 
Ferrets, in which the latter animals were successfully resisted. On one occasion, when he was 
walking in the fields, accompanied by the tame Ferret which has already been described, a 
sharp conflict took place between the Ferret and a female water-rat which was defending her 
young. Not seeing the first attack, the owner of the Ferret thought that his favorite had 
wounded its nose against a spike, for it was bleeding profusely, and seemed to be in great dis- 
tress. Presently, however, the cause of its 
wounds became apparent, in the person of 
a large rat, which darted fiercely at him 
from the cover of a bunch of grass, and 
with the force of her spring fairly knocked 
him off his legs. 

When the grass-tuft was removed, a 
litter of young rats was seen, over whom 
the mother was keeping such undaunted 

watch. She did not attempt to escape, 
‘but ever and anon, as the Ferret drew 
within a certain distance, she flew at him, 
and knocked him over, inflicting a fresh 
bite on every attack, so that the assailant 
was being worsted. At last, being encum- 
bered with the weight of two little rats, 
which clung too firmly to their parent, she 
made a false leap, and was seized in the 
fatal embrace of the Ferret, who would 
soon have put an end to the valiant 
defender of her young had not the owner 
of the Ferret come to the rescue and disen- 
gaged the cruel teeth from their hold. But 
so furious was the mother rat, that when 
she was released from her foe she again 
flew at it, and inflicted several severe 
bites. Its owner then held the Ferret by 
its tail, and was carrying it away, when 
the rat, after making several ineffectual 
springs, actually leaped upon him, ran up MINK.—Vison lutreola. 
his legs and body, and along his out- 
stretched arm, so as to get at her hated enemy, on whom she inflicted another bite and fell to 
the ground. A second time she attempted this manceuvre, and when frustrated in her wishes 
set up her back and bade defiance to man and beast. 

To the honor of the human spectator, he took a great interest in the valiant little animal, 
and regularly supplied her with food until her offspring were able to shift for themselves. 


On account of its water-loving propensities, the Mrnx is called by various names that bear 
relation to water. By some persons it is called the Smaller Otter, or sometimes the Musk 
Otter, while it is known to others under the title of the Water-Polecat. It also goes by the 
name of the NuREK VISoN. - 

The Mink is spread over a very large extent of country, being found in the most northern 
parts of Europe, and also in North America. Its fur is usually brown, with some white about 
the jaws, but seems to be subject to considerable variations of tinting. Some specimens are of 
a much paler brown than others; in some individuals the fur is nearly black about the head, 


284 THE WEASEL. 


while the white patch that is found on the chin is extremely variable in dimensions. The size, 
too, is rather variable. 

It frequents the banks of ponds, rivers, and marshes, seeming to prefer the stillest waters 
in the autumn, and the rapidly flowing currents in spring. As may be supposed from the 
nature of its haunts, its food consists almost wholly of fish, frogs, crawfish, aquatic insects, 
and other creatures that are to be found either in the waters or in their close vicinity. The 
general shape of its body is not quite the sameas that of the marten or ferret ; and assumes 
something of the otter aspect. The teeth, however, are nearer those of the polecat than of the 
otter ; and its tail, although not so fully charged with hair as the corresponding member in 
the polecat, is devoid of that muscular power and tapering form which is so strongly charac- 
teristic of the otter. The feet are well adapted for swimming, on account of a slight webbing 
between the toes. 

The fur of this animal is excellent in quality, and is by many persons valued very highly. 
By the furriers it passes under the name of ‘ Meenk,” and it is known by two other names, 
“Tutucuri’’? and ‘‘ Neers.’’ As it bears a great resemblance to the fur of the sable, it is often 
fraudulently substituted for that article—a deception which is the more to be regretted, as the 
fur of the Mink is a really excellent one, handsome in its appearance, and extremely warm in 
character. By some authors, the identity of the Mink with the water-polecat has been 
doubted, but, as it appears, without sufficient reason. 


THERE is hardly any animal which, for its size, isso much to be dreaded by the creatures 
on which it preys as the common WEASEL. Although its diminutive proportions render a 
single Weasel an insignificant opponent to man or dog, yet it can wage a sharp battle even 
with such powerful foes, and refuses to yield except at the last necessity. 

The proportions of the Weasel are extremely small, the male being rather larger than the 
opposite sex. In total length, a full-grown male does not much exceed ten inches, of which 
the tail occupies more than a fifth, while the female is rather more than an inch shorter than 
her mate. The color of its fur is a bright reddish-brown on the upper parts of the body, and 
the under portions are of a pure white, the line of demarcation being tolerably well defined, 
but not very sharply cut. This contrast of red and white renders it an exceedingly pretty 
little animal. The tail is of a uniform tint with the body, and is not furnished with the tuft 
of jetty hairs that forms so conspicuous a decoration of the stoat. 

The audacity of this little creature is really remarkable. It seems to hold every being 
except itself in the most sovereign contempt, and, to all appearance, is as ready to match itself 
against a man as against a mouse. Indeed, it carries its arrogant little pretensions so far, 
that, if elephants were inhabitants of this country, the Weasel would be quite willing to dis- 
pute the path with them. I remember being entirely baffled by the impertinence of one of 
these animals, although I was provided with a gun. While I was walking along a path that 
skirted a corn-field, a stir took place among some dried leaves by the hedge-side, and out ran 
something small and red along the bottom of the hedge. Jinstantly fired, but without success, 
at the moving object, which turned out to be a Weasel. The little creature, instead of running 
away, or appearing alarmed at the report and the shot, which tore up the ground around it, 
coolly ran into the middle of the path, and sitting up on its hind legs, with its paws crossed 
over its nose, leisurely contemplated me for a moment or two, and then quietly retired into 
the hedge. : 

It is a terrible foe to many of the smaller rodents, such as rats and mice, and performs a 
really good service to the farmer by destroying many of these farmyard pests. It follows them 
wherever they may be, and mercilessly destroys them, whether they have taken up their sum- 
mer abode in the hedgerows and river-banks, or whether they have retired to winter quarters 
among the barns and ricks. Many farmers are in the habit of destroying the Weasels, which 
they look upon as “‘ vermin,’’ but it is now generally thought that although the Weasel must 
plead guilty to the crime of destroying a chicken or duckling now and then, it may yet plead 
its great services in the destruction of mice as a cause of acquittal. The Weasel is specially 
dreaded by rats and mice, because there is no hole through which either of these animals can 


THE WEASEL. 


bo 


85 


pass which will not quite as readily suffer the passage of the Weasel; and as the Weasel is 
most determined and pertinacious in pursuit, it seldom happens that rats or mice escape when 
their little foe has set itself fairly on their track 

Not only does the Weasel pursue its prey through the ramifications of the burrows, but it 
possesses in a very large degree the faculty of hunting by scent, and is capable of following its 
prey through all its windings, even though it should not come within sight until the termina- 
tion of the chase. It will even cross water in the chase of its prey. When it has at last 
reached its victim, it leaps upon the devoted 
creature, and endeavors to fix its teeth in the 
back of the neck, where it retains its deadly 
hold in spite of every struggle on the part of 
the wounded animal. If the attack be rightly 
made, and the animal be a small one, it can 
drive its teeth into the brain, and cause instan- 
taneous insensibility. The gamekeeper has some 
reason for his dislike to the Weasel, as itis very 
fond of eggs and young birds of all kinds, and 
is too prone to rob the nests of eggs or young. 
It is said that an egg which has been broken by 
a Weasel can always be recognized by the pecu- 
liar mode which the little creature employs for 
the purpose. Instead of breaking the egg to 
pieces, or biting a large hole in the shell, the 
Weasel contents itself with making quite a 
small aperture at one end, through which it 
abstracts the liquid contents. 

So determined a poacher is the Weasel 

that it has been seen to capture even full-grown 
birds. A Weasel has been seen to leap from the 
ground into the midst of a covey of partridges, 
just as they were rising on the wing, and to 
bring one of them to the earth. When the spec- 
tator of this curious occurrence reached. the spot, 
he found the Weasel in the act of devouring - : 
the bird, which it had already killed. This So anes ee Set 
adventure took place about the end of the month 
of October. The birds were more than two feet from the ground when the attack was made 
upon them. 
* Another Weasel was seen to capture and kill a rook in a somewhat similar manner. The 
rooks had discovered the Weasel in a field, and after their custom on such occasions, had 
gathered round it, and commenced mobbing it. Suddenly, just as one of the rooks made a 
lower stoop than usual, the Weasel leaped at its tormentor and dashed it to the ground. The 
dissonant cries of the rooks as they scolded the Weasel attracted the attention of a horseman 
who was passing by, who arrived at the spot just as the bird had been killed. It lay on the 
ground dead, from a wound in its neck ; its murderer having taken shelter in a neighboring 
hedge. As soon, however, as the horseman withdrew, the Weasel emerged from its hiding- 
place, and dragged the dead rook under the shelter of the bushes. 

Although the Weasel proved the victor in this instance, it does not always meet with 
equal success, especially when it matches its mental powers against those of a superior kind. 
The predilection of this animal for eggs has already been mentioned, and the Weasel will take 
great pains in order to secure the coveted luxury. A gentleman, who had discovered a furtive 
nest made by one of his hens in a hedgerow, was witness to a curious scene. Just as the hen 
had laid an egg, she issued from her nest, cackling triumphantly, as is the manner of hens 
upon such occasions. A Weasel, which had been observed at a great distance stretching its 


286 THE WEASEL. 


neck as if watching for its prey, darted towards the spot, but just before it reached the nest it 
was anticipated by a crow, which seized the egg and bore it off in triumph. Desirous of inves- 
tigating the matter further, the proprietor of the plundered fowl would not remove her nest, 
but took up his station on the succeeding day, in order to see whether crow or Weasel would 
return to the attack. No sooner had he arrived at his post than he saw the crow already 
perched on a neighboring tree, and in a very short time the Weasel made its appearance also. 
By degrees the two animals drew nearer to the hen’s nest, and as soon as her voice gave the 
signal, they simultaneously started for the spoil. As before, the wings were more than a 
match for the legs, and the crow again bore off the prize. 

The Weasel has been seen to catch and to kill a bunting by creeping quietly towards a 
thistle on which the bird was perching, and then to leap suddenly upon it before it could use 
its wings. When it seizes an animal that is likely to make its escape, the Weasel flings its 
body over that of its victim, as if to prevent it from struggling. In single combat with a large 
and powerful rat, the Weasel has but little hope of success unless it should be able to attack 
from behind, as the long, chisel-edged teeth of the rat are terrible weapons against so small an 
animal as the Weasel. The modes of attack employed by the two animals are of a different 
character, the rat making a succession of single bites, while the Weasel is accustomed to fasten 
its teeth in the head or neck of its opponent, and there to retain its hold until it has drained 
the blood of its victim. The fore-legs of the Weasel are of very great service in such a contest, 
for when it has fixed its teeth, it embraces its opponent firmly in its fore-limbs, and rolling 
over on its side, holds its antagonist in its unyielding grasp, which is never relaxed as long as 
a spark of life is left. 

In these mortal contests, the Wierd has a considerable advantage in its long and powerful 
neck, which can be twisted with a most snake-like ease, and which gives the possessor a very 
serpentine aspect on occasions. 

Like the polecat, and others of the same group of animals, the Weasel is most destructive 
in its nature, killing many more animals than it can devour, simply for the mere pleasure of 
killing. It is curious to notice how the savage mind, whether it belong to man or beast, 
actually revels in destruction, is maddened to absolute frenzy by the sight of blood, and is urged 
by a kind of fiery delirium to kill and to pour out the vital fluid. Soldiers in the heat of 
action have often declared that everything which they saw was charged with a blood-red hue, 
but that the details of the conflict had entirely passed from their minds. A single Weasel, urged 
by some such destructive spirit, has been known to make its way into a cage full of freshly- 
caught song-birds, and to destroy every single bird. The little assassin was discovered lying 
quite at its ease in a corner of the cage, surrounded with the dead bodies of its victims. The 
angry bird-catchers sought at once for a stone wherewith to avenge themselves of the 
destroyer, but before they could procure a weapon, the Weasel glided through one of the 
little holes through which the birds obtain access to the water, and was speedily concealed “ 
a hedge beyond hope of discovery. 

Even such large animals as hares have been said to fall victims to the Weasel. But it 
must be borne in mind that in many parts the stoat goes by the title of Weasel, and under 
that name obtains the credit for many of the achievements which ought to have been attrib- 
uted to the rightful perpetrator. It is said to kill and eat moles, and this idea is strengthened 
by the fact that Weasels have more than once been captured in mole-traps. These unfortunate 
animals Were evidently snared in the act of traversing the same passages as the mole, but 
whether their object was the slaughter of the-original excavators is not clearly ascertained. 

The exceeding audacity of the Weasel has been already mentioned, and for proofs of this 
disposition the following anecdotes are cited. 

Two gentlemen were riding in the open country, one of whom dismonnted in order to 
inspect some cattle in a field, leaving his horse in the charge of his companion. Presently, a 
Weasel came out of the neighboring hedge, and fastened on the fetlock of one of the horses, 
grasping so firmly that it would not loosen its hold until it had been crushed under foot by 
the owner of the horse. Some little while ago, a party of Weasels were seized with an idea 
that they must prevent any one from passing near their habitation, A boy, who was obliged 


THE WEASEL. 287 


in his way homewards to pass very close to the prohibited spot, was actually chased away several 
times by the ‘‘futterits,” as he called them, and dared not oppose the fierce little creatures. 
A carrier happening to come in the direction, accompanied the boy to the spot, and was imme- 
diately attacked by the Weasels. A few sharp blows from his whip laid the principal assail- 
ants dead at his feet, and the others, seeing the fate of their comrades, left the field to their 
conquerors. 

There are many similar anecdotes extant, which are easily believed by those who have 
seen the consummate assurance with which a party of Weasels will run from their habitations 
and inspect a passing traveller. 

At all times the Weasels are sufficiently precarious in their temper, and extremely apt to 
take offence ; but when a mother Weasel imagines that her little ones are likely to be endan- 
gered by man or beast, she becomes a really dangerous opponent. Even so small an animal is 
capable of inflicting a very severe bite, and when she is urged by the desperate courage which 
is implanted in the breast of every mother, is not unlikely to sueceed in her object before 
she is repelled. Moreover, she does not trust to her sole efforts, but summons to her assist- 
ance the inhabitants of the same little community, and with their aid will drive away an 
unarmed man from the neighborhood of their habitations. Several such instances are on 
record, in one of which a powerful man was so fatigued with his exertions in keeping off his 
assailants, that he would soon have sunk under their united attacks had he not been rescued 
by the timely assistance of a horseman who happened to pass near the spot, and who came to 
the rescue with his whip. Urged by their bloodthirsty instinct, the Weasels all directed their 
efforts to the throat, and made their attacks in such rapid succession that their opponent 
was solely occupied in tearing away the active little creatures and flinging them on the 
ground, without being permitted the necessary leisure for killing or maiming his pertinacious 
antagonists. 

It seems that the Weasels will unite their forces for the purposes of sport as well as for 
those of attack, and will hunt down their game in regular form. Not long ago, as a gentleman 
was walking in the fields, he saw a number of small objects moving in a line, which he at first 
took for partridges, but which turned out to be Weasels, which were evidently following the 
track of some animal by its scent. Having his gun with him, he fired, and found that he had 
shot no less than six Weasels which had brought themselves into a line with the gun. 

A most curious example of mingled courage and presence of mind displayed by this 
animal is related by Mr. Bell in his History of British Quadrupeds. 

As a gentleman was riding over his grounds, he saw a kite pounce upon some object and 
carry it from the ground. Ina short time the kite showed symptoms of uneasiness, trying to 
free itself from some annoying object by means of its talons, and flapping about in a very 
bewildered manner. In a few minutes the kite fell dead to the earth, and when the spectator 
of the aerial combat approached, a Weasel ran away from the dead body of the bird, itself 
being apparently uninjured. On examination of the kite’s body, it was found that the Weasel, 
which had been marked out for the kite’s repast, had in its turn become the assailant, and had 
attacked the unprotected parts which lie beneath the wings. A considerable wound had been 
made in that spot, and the large blood-vessels torn through. 

The same writer relates a curious anecdote of the conduct of a Weasel towards a snake 

which was placed in the same box. The snake did not attempt to attack the Weasel, nor the 
Weasel the snake, both animals appearing equally unwilling to become the assailant. After 
a while, the Weasel bit the snake once or twice near the nose, but not with any degree of 
‘violence, and as the two creatures appeared to be indifferent to each other, the snake was 
removed. That this peaceable demeanor on the part of the Weasel was not owing to any 
sluggishness on its own part, was made sufficiently evident by the fact that when a mouse was 
introduced into the same box, the Weasel immediately issued from its corner, and with a 
single bite laid the mouse dead. The experiment was made for the purpose of ascertaining 
whether the Weasel would kill and eat a snake, which had been asserted to be the case. 

The fondness of the Weasel for frogs has already been recorded. A curious instance of 
the nonchalant manner in which the Weasel will sometimes gratify this predilection, occurred 


€ 


288 THE WEASEL. 


at a church near Oxford where I for some time officiated. One morning, during service, a 
Weasel was seen to creep into the chancel through a small door which Teal into ihe church- 
yard, and to walk gently into the middle of the floor. It sat up and reconnoitred the locality 
for a few moments, and then retired. But in a very short time it returned with a frog in its 
mouth, carried its prey into the middle of the floor, and there ate it, undisturbed by the 
presence of the congregation or the sound of many voices. 

That the Weasel, when its numbers are not very great, is a valuable ally to the farmer 
and the poultry-fancier, is now generally acknowledged. But there are instances where it has 
played the part which is generally attributed to a powerful ally, and has, after successfully 
extirpating the foes against whom it was summoned, taken possession of the country which it 
came to save. There was a certain fish-pond which was suddenly invaded by a large body of 
rats, which bored the banks in every direction, caught and ate the fish, and were so insolent 
in the confidence of their numbers and strength that they would sit openly at the mouth of 
their burrows, and boldly challenge any one who approached too near them. The nuisance 
increased with great rapidity, when it was unexpectedly checked by the advent of a party of 
Weasels, which in their turn took possession of the burrows, and ina short time had driven 
away or killed every one of the rats. The fish were thus saved, and their owner felt a very 
warm gratitude towards the Weasels for their timely interference on his behalf. However, the 
Weasels, having eaten all the rats, began to extend their operations farther afield, and invaded 
the neighboring premises in search of more game. Chickens, eggs, and young rabbits were 
continually carried off, and the owner of the pond was soon as anxious to rid himself of the 
Weasels as he had been desirous of destroying the rats. The Weasels, however, were not so 
easily driven from their usurped burrows, and continued to hold their ground. 

The Weasel affords another example of the hasty manner in which so many animals are 
calumniated. It is said by Buffon to be wholly untamable, sullen, and savage, and to be 
insensible to every kindness that could be lavished upon it. Yet we find that the true disposition 
of the Weasel is of a very different character, and that there is hardly any of the British 
animals which is more keenly susceptible of kindness, or which will more thoroughly repay 
the kind treatment of a loving hand. A lady who had taken a fancy to a Weasel, and had 
succeeded in gaining its affections, wrote a most charming account of the habits of the little 
creature which she had taken under her protection. She writes as follows : — 


“Tf I pour some milk into my hand, it will drink a good deal, but if I do not pay it this 
compliment it will scarcely take a drop. When satisfied, it generally goes to sleep. My 
chamber is the place of its residence; and I have found a method of dispelling its strong 
smell by perfumes. By day, it sleeps in a quilt, into which it gets by an unsewn place 
which it has discovered on the edge; during the night, it is kept in a wired box or cage, 
which it always enters with reluctance, and leaves with pleasure. If it be set at liberty before 
my time of rising, after a thousand little playful tricks, it gets into my bed, and goes to sleep 
in my hand or on my bosom. If I am up first, it spends a full half-hour in caressing me; 
playing with my fingers like a little dog, jumping on my head and on my neck, and running 
round on my arms and body with a lightness and elegance which I have never found in any 
other animal. If I present my hands at the distance of three feet, it jumps into them without 
ever missing. It exhibits great address and cunning to compass its ends, and seems to disobey 
certain prohibitions merely through caprice. 

“During all its actions it seems solicitous to divert and to be noticed ; looking at every 
jump and at every turn to see whether it be observed or not. If no notice be taken of its 

gambols, it ceases them immediately, and betakes itself to sleep, and even when awakened 
aon the soundest sleep it instantly resumes its gaiety, and frolics about in as sprightly a 
manner as before. It never shows any ill-humor, unless when confined, or teased too much ; 
in which case it expresses its displeasure by a sort of murmur, very different from that which 
it utters when pleased. 

‘Tn the midst of twenty people this little animal distinguishes my voice, seeks me out, and 
springs over everybody to come at me. His play with me is the most lively and caressing 


THE WEASEL. 289 


imaginable. With his two little paws he pats me on the chin, with an air and manner expres- 
sive of delight. This, and a thousand other preferences, show that his attachment to me is 
real. When he sees me dressed for going out, he will not leave’me, and it is not without some 
trouble that I can disengage myself from him ; he then hides himself behind a cabinet near the 
door, and jumps upon me as I pass, with so much celerity that I often can scarcely perceive him. 

‘*He seems to resemble a squirrel in vivacity, agility, voice, and his manner of murmuring. 
During the summer he squeaks and runs about the house all the night long; but since the 
commencement of the cold weather I have not observed this. Sometimes, when the sun shines 
while he is playing on the bed, he turns and tumbles about and murmurs for a while. 

“From his delight in drinking milk out of my hand, into which I pour a very little at a 
time, and his custom of sipping the little drops and edges of the fluid, it seems probable that 
he drinks dew in the same manner. He seldom drinks water, and then only for want of milk, 
and with great caution, seeming only to refresh his tongue once or twice, and even to be afraid 
of that fluid. During the hot weather it rained a good deal; I presented to him some rain- 
water in a dish, and endeavored to make him go into it, but could not succeed. I then wetted 
a piece of linen cloth in it, and put it near him, and he rolled upon it with extreme delight. 

‘‘One singularity in this charming animal is his curiosity. It is impossible to open a 
drawer or a box, or even to look at a paper, but he will examine it also. If he get into any 
place where I am afraid of permitting him to stay, I take a paper or a book, and look atten- 
tively at it, on which he immediately runs upon my hand, and surveys with an inquisitive air 
whatever J happen to hold. I must further observe, that he plays with a young cat and dog, 
both of considerable size, getting about their necks, backs, and paws, without their doing him 
the slightest injury.” 


This amusing little creature was fed chiefly with small pieces of fresh meat, which it pre- 
ferred to receive from the hand of its mistress. 

This is not a solitary instance of a Weasel being effectually tamed, for M. Giely has 
recorded his success in taming a Weasel, which he had trained so perfectly that it would follow 
him wherever he went. Indeed, it seems but reasonable to suppose, that as the ferret has been 
rendered subservient to man, and has been domesticated to a considerable extent, the Weasel 
might be equally susceptible of the same influence, and bé employed for the same purposes. 

Indeed, it is very unlikely that a totally untamable animal should exist, for, as far as 
has yet been known, the very creatures which gave the most unpromising indications of 
ferocity or obstinacy have been the most remarkable for their docility under the treatment 
of certain individuals. We should not be overpassing the bounds of credibility were we to 
assert, that no creature in which is the breath of life is capable of withstanding the potent 
influence which is given to mankind for that very purpose, always provided that it be used 
with gentleness, firmness, and much patient love. 

The number of young which the Weasel generally produces at each birth is four or five, 
and there are said to be usually two or even three litters in each year. The nest is generally 
placed in the warm cover which is afforded by a hollow tree, in the crevices that exist in rocky 
ground, or in burrows which are made in dry sandy soil. The nest is composed of dry moss 
and leaves. 

The fur of the Weasel is sometimes powerfully influenced by the effects of the severe cold, 
and has been known to become nearly white during a sharp and protracted frost. It is worthy 
of notice that, in such cases, the tip of the tail does not partake of the general change of 
tint, but retains its bright red hue, precisely as the tail of the ermine retains its jetty 
blackness while the remainder of the fur.is either white or cream-colored. Mr. Bell remarks 
that he has seen a Weasel which had retained its wintry whiteness in two spots on each side 
of the nose, although the remainder of the fur had returned toits usual reddish hue during the 
summer months. This specimen was captured in the extreme north of Scotland. While clad 
in the white garments of winter, in which state it is frequently found in Siberia, it is the 
animal which was called Mustela nivalis, or snowy Weasel, by Linneus. It is rather variable 
in tint, independently of the influence of climate ; some individuals being less brightly tinged 


290 THE STOAT. 


with red than others, while occasional specimens are found in which the fur is of an exceed- 
ingly dark brown. 
* 

To persons who have had but little experience in the habits of wild animals, it is generally 
a matter of some surprise that the celebrated Ermine fur, which is in such general favor, should 
be produced by one of those very animals which we are popularly accustomed to rank among 
““vermin,’’ and to exterminate in every possible way. Yet so it is. The highly-prized 
ERMINE and the much-detested Sroar are, in fact, one and the same animal, the difference in 
the color of their coats being solely caused by 
the larger or smaller proportion of heat to 
which they have been subjected. 

In the summer time, the fur of the Stoat 
—by which name the animal will be desig- 
nated, whether it be wearing its winter or 
summer dress,—is not unlike that of the 
weasel, although the dark parts of the fur 
are not so ruddy, nor the light portions of so 
pure a white, asin thatanimal. The toes and 
the edges of the ears are also white. 

The change of color which takes place 
during the colder months of the year is now 
ascertained, with tolerable accuracy, to be 
caused by an actual whitening of the fur, and 
not by the gradual substitution of white for 
dark hairs, as was for some time supposed to 
be the case. 

The hairs are not entirely white, éven in 
their most completely blanched state, but 
partake ofa very. delicate cream-yellow, 
especially upon the under portions, while the 
slightly bushy tip of the tail remains in its 
original black tinting, and presents a singu- 
lar contrast to the remainder of the fur. In 
these comparatively temperate latitudes, the 
Stoat is never sufficiently blanched to render 
its fur of any commercial value, and the hair ‘appears to be longer, thicker, and whiter in 
proportion to the degree of latitude in which the animal has been taken. As may be supposed, 
from the extreme delicacy of the skin in its wintry whiteness, the capture of the Stoat for the 
purpose of obtaining its fur is a matter of no small difficulty. The traps which are used for 
the purpose of destroying the Stoat are formed so as to kill the animal by a sudden blow, 
without wounding the skin; and many of the beautiful little creatures are taken in ordinary 
snares. ? 

The object of the whitened fur of the Stoat is popularly supposed to be for the purpose of 
enabling the animal to elude its enemies by its similarity to the snow-covered ground on which 
it walks, or to permit it to creep unseen upon its prey. It seems, however, that many animals 
partake of the same tinting, some of which, such as the polar bear, are so powerful, that they 
need no such defence against enemies, and so active in the pursuit of the animals on which 
they feed, that their success in obtaining food seems to depend but little upon color. The 
arctic fox, which has already been mentioned, and the lemming, which will be recorded in a 
future page, are examples of this curious mutation of color. 

Putting aside for the present the mode in which the fur changes its color, the real object 
of the change appears to be for the purpose of defending the wearer against the intense colds 
which reign in those northern regions, and which, by a beautiful provision, are obliged to work 
the very change of color which is the best defence against their powers, It is well known that 


STOAT OR ERMINE.—Mustela erminea. 


THE STOAT. 291 


black substances radiate heat more effectually than objects which are bright and polished. 
This fact is popularly shown in the bright teapots with which we are so familiar, and which 
are known, by practical experience, to retain the heat for a much longer period than if their 
surface had been roughened or blackened. 

The reader will not fail to remark a certain coincidence between the snowy hairs that deck 
the frosty brows of old age with a reverend crown and the white fur that adds such beauty to 
the frost-beset Stoat. It may be that the energies of the animal are forced, by the necessity 
which exists for resisting the extremely low temperature of those icy regions, to concentrate 
themselves upon the vital organs, and are unable to spare a sufficiency of blood to form the 
coloring matter that tinges the hair. There is evidently an analogy between the chilly feeling 
that always accompanies old age and the frosty climate that causes the Stoat’s fur to whiten. 

It is well known that examples of albinos occur in almost every kind of quadruped and 
bird, and it seems probable that the deprivation of color is in very many cases owing to the 
weak constitution of the individual. One of these albinos was a bird, which was caught and 
tamed, and although it was of a cream color when it was captured, yet assumed the usual dark 
plumage of the species at the first moulting season that occurred after its capture. As the bird 
also appeared to be much more healthy and lively than when it was clad in white feathers, it 
seems likely that the albino state may have been caused by weakness of constitution. 

It is clear that, whatever may be the immediate cause of the whitening of the hair, the 
change of tint is caused by the loss of the coloring matter which tinges the hair, and that there 
must be some connection between the frost-whitened Stoat, the age-whitened human hair, and 
the abnormal whiteness of various albinos. I would also mention, in connection with this 
subject, the curious instances where the hair of human beings has been suddenly blanched by 
powerful emotion. This fact has been disputed by several physiologists, but is now acknowl- 
edged to be true. Besides the various well-attested examples which are on record, I am 
enabled to give my own personal testimony to the truth of this singular phenomenon, as I have 
frequently seen a person whose hair was changed in a single night from dark to gray by sudden 
grief and terror, and the whole system fatally deranged at the same time. 

Where the lowest temperature is considerably above that of the ordinary wintry degrees, 
the Stoat is very uncertain in its change of fur, and seems to yield to or to resist the effects of 
the cold weather according to the individuality of the particular animal. 

In the autumn, when the Stoat is beginning to assume its wintry dress, and in the spring, 
when it is beginning to lose the snowy mantle of the wintry months, the fur is generally found 
to be marked with irregular patches of dark and white spots, the sides of the face appearing 
to be especially variable in this respect. Sometimes the animal resists the coldest winters, 
and retains its dark fur throughout the severest weather, and it sometimes happens that a 
Stoat will change its fur even though the winter should be particularly mild. Mr. Thompson 
records, in his work on the Natural History of Ireland, that he saw a Stoat which was cap- 
tured on the 27th of January, 1846, which was wholly white, with the exception of a brown 
patch on each side of its face. Yet the winter had been remarkably mild, without any frost 
or snow, although there had been abundance of rain and storms. Two white Stoats were 
killed in Ayrshire, in 1839, which were almost entirely white, though the frosts had been 
extremely mild, and the snow had altogether been absent. 

As, in the former of these examples, the weather is said to have been extremely wet, it 
may be presumed that the moisture of the atmosphere and ground may have some connection 
_ with the whitening of the hair. On account of the better radiating powers of dark substances, 
the dew or general moisture is always found to be deposited in greater quantity on dark or 
dull, than on white or polished substances. Any one may easily prove this fact, by watching 
the effects of the dew on a white and a red rose growing in close proximity to each other. 

The Stoat is considerably larger than the weasel, measuring rather more than fourteen 
inches in total length, of which the tail occupies rather more than four inches. There is, how- 
ever, considerable difference in the size of various individuals. 

It is a most determined hunter, pursuing its game with such pertinacious skill that it very 
seldom permits its intended prey to escape. 


292 THE STOAT. 


Although tolerably swift of foot, it is entirely unable to cope with the great speed of the 
hare, an animal which frequently falls a victim to the Stoat. Yet it is enabled, by its great 
delicacy of scent and the singular endurance of its frame, to run down any hare on whose track 
it may have set itself, in spite of the long legs and wonderful speed of its prey. When pur- 
sued by a Stoat, the hare does not seem to put forward its strength as it does when it is 
followed by dogs, but as soon as it discovers the nature of its pursuer, seems to lose all energy, 
and hops lazily along as if its faculties were benumbed by some powerful agency. This strange 
lassitude, in whatever manner it may be produced, is of great service to the Stoat, in enabling 
it to secure an animal which might in a very few minutes place itself beyond the reach of 
danger, by running in a straight line. 

In this curious phenomenon, there are one or two points worthy of notice. 

Although the Stoat is physically less powerful than.the hare, it yet is endowed with, and 
is conscious of, a moral superiority, which will at length attain its aim. The hare, on the 
other hand, is sensible of its weakness, and its instincts of conservation are much weaker than 
the destructive instinct of its pursuer. It must be conscious of its inferiority, or it would not 
run, but boldly face its enemy, for the hare is a fierce and determined fighter when it is 
matched against animals that are possessed of twenty times the muscular powers of the Stoat. 
But as soon as it has caught a glimpse of the fiery eyes of its persecutor, its faculties fail, and 
its senses become oppressed with that strange lethargy which is felt by many creatures when 
they meet the fixed gaze of the serpent’s eye. A gentleman who once met with a dangerous 
adventure with a cobra, told me that the creature moved its head gently from side to side in 
front of his face, and that a strange and soothing influence began to creep over his senses, 
depriving him of the power of motion, but at the same time removing all sense of fear. So the 
hare seems to be influenced by a similar feeling, and to be enticed as it were to its fate, the 
senses of fear and pain benumbed, and the mere animal faculties surviving, to be destroyed by 
the single bite. 

I have no doubt but that this phenomenon is nearly connected with the curious benumbing 
of the nerves, and the deprivation of fear which is recorded by Livingstone in his well-known 
account of his adventure with a lion, which is mentioned in this work. The preservative 
faculties of the hare are excited by the loud noisy dogs that make so violent an attack upon 
the hare, and which consequently makes use of all her muscular and intellectual powers to 
escape from them. But the silent, soft-footed, gliding Stoat steals quietly on its victim 
without alarming it by violent demonstrations, soothes it to its death and kills it daintily. 

Be it noticed that there are human types of the Stoat, or rather that the visible animal is 
but an outward emblem of the inward nature. 

If in the course of the chase, the hunted animal should cross a stream, the Stoat will do 
the same, although, when it is engaged in the pursuit of water-voles, it seldom ventures to 
follow them into an element where they are more at their ease than their pursuer. Still, 
although it may not choose to match itself against so accomplished a swimmer and diver as 
the water-vole, it is no mean proficient in the natatory art. 

Mr. Thompson relates a curious instance of the prowess which is displayed by the' Stoat 
in crossing a tolerably wide expanse of water. ‘‘A respectable farmer, when crossing in his 
boat over an arm of the sea, about one mile in breadth, observed a ripple proceeding from 
some animal in the water, and on rowing up, found that it was a Stoat which he had no doubt 
was swimming in a direct line from the shore, and it had reached the distance by a quarter of — 
a mile when taken. The poor animal was cruelly killed, although its gallant swimming might 
have pleaded in favor of its life.’’ 

As to the food of the Stoat, the animal seems to be very easily contented in this respect, 
killing and eating almost any description of wild quadrupeds, birds, and reptiles. Of rabbits 
it is very fond, and kills great numbers of them, especially when they are young. 

A curious scene between a Stoat and rabbit was once witnessed in a forest. A piercing 
cry was heard among some underwood, from which issued a poor rabbit, bearing with it a 
Stoat, clinging to its neck. The Stoat, on finding that its actions were observed, quitted its 
prey and ran up a tree. One of the keepers, who witnessed the scene, had not his gun with 


THH STOAT. 293 


him, and sent his companion to fetch it. Just as he arrived, bearing the weapon, the Stoat 
descended the tree, and running to the rabbit, which had lain as if paralyzed on the ground, 
tried to drag it away, but was stopped by the contents of the gun, which involved the Stoat 
and its victim in a common fate. 

Birds’ nests of all kinds are plundered by this incorrigible poacher, for its quick eye and 
keen nose enable it to discover a nest, be it never so carefully hidden ; its agile limbs and sharp 
claws give it the power of climbing any tree-trunk, and of clinging to any branch which will 
bear the weight of a nestand eggs ; while its lithe and serpent-like body enables it to insinuate 
itself into any crevice that is sufficiently large to afford ingress and egress to the parent birds. 
The pheasant and partridge are said to be sad sufferers from the Stoat, which is mercilessly 
slain by the keeper with the aid of traps or gun, the former being the preferable mode of 
destroying ‘‘vermin.’”? The traps in which Stoats are to be caught are most ingeniously 
placed in certain tempting ‘‘runs’’ to which the Stoat, -being a dark-loving animal, is sure to 
be attracted. For several days the baits are laid on the traps, which are left unset, so that the 
Stoats find out the locality, and think that they have fallen upon a most hospitable ground. 
When they have accustomed themselves to eat the baits with impunity, the keeper sets the 
traps, and immolates the hapless visitants. 

When the female Stoat is providing for the wants of a young family, she forages far and 
wide for her offspring, and lays up the produce of her chase in certain cunningly contrived 
larders. In a wood belonging to Lord Bagot, a Stoat nursery was discovered, having within 
it no less than six inhabitants, a mother and her five young. Their larder was supplied with 
five hares and four rabbits, neither of which had been in the least mangled, with the exception 
of the little wound that had caused their death. In another nest of Stoats were found a num- 
ber of small animals, such as field-mice, birds, and frogs, all packed away in a very methodical 
manner. In two nests which were found in Tollymore Park, the Stoats had laid up an abun- 
dance of provision. In one of them there were six or seven mice, besides other small animals, 
all Jaid with their heads in the same direction. In the other nest was a more extensive assort- 
ment of dead animals. A dozen mice, a young rabbit, and a young hare were laid in the store- 
house, together with the feathers and tail of a woodcock, showing that even that wary bird 
had fallen a victim to the Stoat. 

Although the Stoat is so formidable an enemy to rats and mice, and destroys annually 
such numbers of these destructive animals, it sometimes happens that the predaceous animal 
finds its intended prey to be more than its match, and is forced ignominiously to yield the 
contest. One of these animals was seen in chase of a rat, which it was following by scent, and 
at a great pace. After a while, the Stoat overtook the rat, and would have sprung upon her, 
had not its purpose been anticipated by a sudden attack from the rat, which turned to bay, 
and fiercely flung herself with open jaws on her pursuer. The Stoat was so startled at so 
unexpected a proceeding, that it fairly turned tail and ran away. The rat now took up the 
pursuit, and chased the Stoat with such furious energy that she drove her enemy far from the 
place. It is probable that the rat had a young family at hand, and was urged to this curious 
display of courage by the force of her maternal feelings. 

On account of its agile limbs, sharp teeth, and ferocious disposition, even a single Stoat 
would be a dangerous opponent for an unarmed man. But if several Stoats should unite to 
attack a single man, he would find himself in bad case, armed or not. Such a circumstance 
has been lately communicated to me, my informant having heard it from the lips of the princi- 
pal actor in the scene. 

A gentleman was walking along a road, when he saw two Stoats sitting in the path. He 
idly picked up a stone, and flung it at the animals, one of which was struck, and was knocked 
over by the force of the blow. The other Stoat immediately uttered a loud and peculiar cry, 
which was answered by a number of its companions, who issued from a neighboring hedge, and 
sprang upon their assailant, running up his body with surprising rapidity, and striving to 
‘reach his neck. As soon as he saw the Stoats coming to the attack, he picked up a handful of 
stones, thinking that he should be able to repel his little enemies, but they came boldly on, in 
spite of the stones and of his stick. Most providentially a sharp wind happened to be blowing 


294 AMERICAN WEASELS. 


on that day, and he had wound a thick woollen comforter round his neck, so that he was par- 
tially protected. 

Finding that he had no chance of beating off the pertinacious animals, he flung his stick 
down, fixed his hat firmly over his temples, and pressing his hands to his neck, so as to guard 
that perilous spot as much as possible from the sharp teeth of the Stoats, set off homewards as 
fast as he could run. By degrees, several of the animals dropped off, but others clung so 
determinately to their opponent, that when he arrived at his stables, no less than five Stoats 
were killed by his servants as they hung on his person. His hands, face, and part of his neck 
were covered with wounds; but owing to the presence of mind with which he had defended 
his neck, the large blood-vessels had escaped without injury. The distance from the spot 
where he had been attacked to his own house was nearly four miles. 

He always declared that when he struck the Stoat with the stone, its companion called out 
** Murder !”’ 

The Stoat is, like the weasel, possessed of a powerful and exceedingly unpleasant odor ; 
yet even this disagreeable accompaniment does not always suffice to preserve it from being 
killed and eaten by predaceous animals more powerful than itself. Even so fastidious an 
animal as the domestic cat has been known to capture a Stoat, to eat part of it herself, and to 
distribute the remainder to her kittens, who partook of the powerfully scented food without 
manifesting any reluctance. 

Although so wild an animal, it has been tamed with as great success as the weasel and the 
ferret, displaying the same gentle and active playfulness as has been already mentioned as 
belonging to the weasel when in a state of domestication. The animal was suffered to roam at 
will about the house, and never gave any intimation that it wished to make its eseape. It was 
an amusingly playful little creature, delighting to leap upon the members of the family, and 
run up their backs. But its greatest pleasure seemed to be in attacking a couple of old stuffed 
magpies that stood upon a shelf. It used to jump upon them, twist its serpentine body round 
their necks, drag out their feathers between its teeth, and would not unfrequently, in the 
exuberance of its spirits, knock the bird off the shelf, when magpie and Stoat would come to 
the ground together. P 

In the family IZustelide, species are very numerous, and America has a fair share. 
Ninety-two species are recorded. According to Wallace, of eight sub-families, three are rep- 
resented on the American Continent. Under the sub-family Musteline are embraced the 
Weasels, Polecats, Sables, Martens, ete. 

The American Sable, a notable member of this family, resembles closely the Pine Marten 
of Europe. Its furis in great request, though subject, like all other kinds, to fluctuation or 
the caprice of fashion. 

The Fisher, or Black Cat (M/ustela pennanti), is the largest known species of the family. 
Its bushy tail and large size make it a more attractive creature than the other members of the 
family. It is less known than any of our mammalia. But few years since the Fisher was 
abundant in the northern portion of the Middle States. This animal is said by the hunters to 
prey upon the Canada porcupine—a feat that many another animal shuns withdread. During 
seasons of extreme want in the supply of animal food, the puma will attack the porcupine ; 
and frequent examples of the uncomfortable results of this are seen in the numerous quills 
studding the nose of the creature, which must produce great suffering. 

The range of this great Weasel is from the Great Slave Lake and Labrador, to the Pacific, 
and southwards, occasionally, on the mountains of Virginia. 

The Least Weasel (Putorius pusillus) is the smallest of the North American forms. Its 
tail is extremely short, and has no black tip, like those of other species. Most people know 
what a Weasel is, but the habits of these creatures are such that they are not often seen. If 
the temper of our little Weasel is anything like that of the European, with which it was once 
confounded, it is a most formidable creature. 

The Small Brown Weasel (Putorius cicognant) is a well marked and easily recognized 


AMERICAN WEASELS. 295 


species. It is nearer the pusillus or Least Weasel than any other, but has a longer tail and a 
black tip. It is common in Massachusetts. 

Richardson’s Weasel (Putorius richardson?) is a little larger than the preceding, and is 
found in the same localities. It is distinguished from the Small Brown Weasel by its longer 
tail. The ears are higher and narrower at the base. In summer it is of a dark chestnut brown 
above, whitish beneath.* In winter it is white, with a black tail-tip. 

The Common Weasel (Putorius noveboracensis), commonly called White Weasel, is 
described by De Kay as the New York Ermine. Pennant called it the Stoat Ermine, from its 
apparent affinity with the European stoat. Godman called it Ermine Weasel. Among the 
trappers it is called Catamingo. This Weasel does not range farther north than Massachusetts 


TAYRA.— Galiclis barbara. 


and Wisconsin. Its southern range is not below Pennsylvania. This Weasel does not change 
color, being of a chestnut above and whitish beneath. 

The Long-tailed Weasel (P. longicauda) is a larger species, measuring to the tail about 
eleven inches, the tail vertebrae being about half this length. The black of the tail is about 
one-fourth its length. The color of the fur above is a light olivaceous brown, with a brown- 
ish yellow beneath. In winter it is pure white throughout, the tail with a black tip. 

Kane’s Ermine (Putorius kane7) is a form brought from the Arctic regions by the com- 
mander of the Grinnel Arctic Expedition, and named by Prof. Baird for the distinguished 
surgeon, Dr. Kane. It is a perfect miniature of the Old World Ermine. 

Other species of American Weasels are: the Yellow-cheeked, Black-footed Ferret, and 
Peruvian Weasel. Dr. Coues, in his ‘“‘ Fur-bearing Animals,’ assumes that the ‘‘ Ermines of 
Europe, Asia, and America are specifically identical. None of the supposed characters which 
have been relied upon to separate them have any existence in nature, excepting as peculiarities 
of individual specimens examined. The American Ermines are of two forms, according to size 


alone, which in the extremes stand widely apart, but which grade insensibly into each 
other.”’ 


296 THE GRISON. 


The Common Mink (Pwtorius vison) also belongs to the list, as well as the Little Black 
Mink (P. nigrescens). 

The former is, perhaps, better known to our people of the Northeastern States than any 
other. Its fur was at one time very much in request for wear. It is one of the most beautiful 
of American furs. 

The latter species is the one that furnishes the darker fur, which is*regarded as next to the 
Sable in beauty and worth. It is found in Massachusetts, and westward to Kansas. 


THE lively little animal which is known by the name of the Tayra is an inhabitant of 
tropical America, where it is found in moderate numbers, though not in very great profusion. 

The color of the Tayra is a uniform black, slightly tinged with brown, with the exception 
of a large white patch which covers the throat and upper portion of the chest. It is said to 
take up its residence in burrows, which it scoops for itself in the ground. In captivity it is 
extremely lively and amusing, performing every movement in a sharp, quick manner, and 
accompanying its actions with an odd little chuckle, something like that of a hen calling to 
her chicks. The eye of the Tayra is small, bright, and brownin color. It is sometimes known 
by the title of the Great Weasel, under which name it has been described by Azara, who has, 
unfortunately, not left any account of its habits in a wild state. Its nature, manners, and 
customs are, however, said to resemble those of the following animal. 

The size of the Tayra is nearly equal to that of the common Marten. 


THE Grison, or HuRON, is a native of the Brazils, and i is very common about the vicinity 
of Paraguay. 

In its natural disposition it is exceedingly fierce, and is a terrible foe to alos every 
animal that it chooses to attack. Even in a state of domestication the savage instinct cannot 
be eradicated, for even when the Grison is rendered sufficiently tame to suffer the touch of the 
human hand, and to return the caresses of those to whose presence it was accustomed, it has 
been known to break louse from its confinement, and to slaughter some unfortunate animal 
that happened to be within its reach. 

A Grison that belonged to Mr. Bell contrived to get out of a cage in ainidh it had been 
placed, and to attack a young alligator that had been omens into the same chamber. The 
alligators were, as the above-mentioned author quaintly remarks, ‘‘ stupidly tame, and had, 
on a certain evening, been laid before a fire in order to enjoy the welcome heat. In the morn- 
ing, when their owner entered the room, he found that the Grison had made its escape, and 
had attacked one of the alligators with such savage fury that it had torn a considerable hole 
under one of the fore-legs, just where the large nerves and blood-vessels run, and had inflicted 
so terrible an injury that the poor creature died from the effects of its wound. The other 
alligator, although unhurt, was in a strongly excited state, snapping angrily at every one who 
approached it. 

Another Grison, that was domesticated by M. F. Cuvier, committed a similarly fatal 
assault on a rather valuable animal. Although it was always well supplied with food, it 
became so excited at the presence of a lemur, that it broke the bars of its cage, and inflicted 
a mortal injury on the poor animal which had so unexpectedly called forth the innate ferocity 
of its character. 

Yet this animal was remarkable for its docility and gentle playfulness, and was always 
ready for a game with any one who would spend a few minutes in the mock combats in which 
it delighted. The play of all wild-natured animals is a mock fight, and is often rather prone 
to become a real battle, if their combative nature be too much excited. The Grison would, 
when challenged to play, turn on its back, seize the fingers of its human playfellow between 
its jaws, hold them to its mouth, and press them gently with its teeth. It never bit with 
sufficient force to cause pain, so that its ferocious onslaught on the lemur would not have 
been expected from an animal of so gentle a nature. It was possessed of a very retentive 
memory, and could recognize its friends by the touch of their fingers, without needing to see 
their owners, 


THE RATEL. 297 


It is a peculiarly impertinent creature in its demeanor, and has a curious habit of rearing 
its long neck, and bearing its head in a very snake-like fashion. When it assumes this atti- 
tude, its bright little black eyes have a curiously pert air, as they look out from under the 
white, wool-like, hairy covering with which the head is furnished. All its movements are 
brisk and cheerful, and while running about its cage it continually utters a faint, grasshopper- 
like chirp. 

The color of the Grison is very peculiar, and is remarkable as being of lighter color on the 
back than on the under portions of the body. This divergence from the usual rule is very 
uncommon, and is only seen in one or two animals. The muzzle, the under part of the neck, 
the abdomen, and legs are of a dullish black color ; while the entire upper surface of the body, 
from the space between the eyes to the tail, is covered with a pale. gray fur, each hair being 
diversified with black and white. The tinting of this lighter fur is rather variable ; in some 
individuals it is nearly white, while in others it has a decided tinge of yellow. 

The ears of this species are very small, and the tongue is rough. The hairs which give 


HONEY RATEL.—Ratelus capensis. 


the distinctive coloring to the upper parts of the body are longer than those which cover the 
remaining portions of the body and the limbs. In total length it measures about two feet, the 
tail being rather more than six inches in length. 

The odor which proceeds from the scent-glands of the Grison is peculiarly disgusting, and 
offends human nostrils even more than that of the stoat and polecat. 


In the clumsy-looking animal which is called the Ravrt, a beautiful adaptation of nature 
is manifested. Covered from the tip of the nose to the insertion of the claws with thick, 
coarse, and rough fur, and provided, moreover, with a skin that lies very loosely on the body, 
the Ratel is marvellously adapted to the peculiar life which it leads. 

Although the Ratel is in all probability indebted for its food to various sources, the diet 
which it best loves is composed of the combs and young of the honey-bee. So celebrated is 
the animal for its predilection for this sweet dainty, that it has earned for itself the title of 
Honey Ratel, or Honey Weasel. The reason for its extremely thick coating of fur is now 
evident. The animal is necessarily exposed to the attacks of the infuriated bees when it lays 
siege to their fastnesses, and if it were not defended by a coating which is impenetrable to 
their stings, it would soon fall a victim to the poisoned weapons of its myriad foes. 

In every way, the Ratel is well adapted to the circumstances in which it is placed. Not 
being a swift animal, it cannot escape from foes by its speed; but if it can gain but a few 


298 THE RATEL. 


minutes’ respite, it can sink itself into the ground by the vigorous action of its powerful paws, 
and thus can avoid the attacks of almost any antagonist. Should it be overtaken before it can 
reach its accustomed home, or dig a new one, it throws itself on its back, and uses its teeth 
and claws with such force that it will beat off any ordinary antagonist. The extreme loose- 
ness of its skin renders it a very formidable combatant, for when it is seized by any part of its 
body, it can turn round, as it were, in its skin, and fix its teeth most unexpectedly in the 
body of its foe. 

Partly for this reason, and partly from the singular endurance of its nature, the Ratel is 
most tenacious of life, and will be comparatively unhurt by attacks that would suffice to kill 
many an animal of ten times its size. 

During the daytime, the Ratel remains in its burrow ; but as evening begins to draw near, 
it emerges from its place of repose, and sets off on its bee-hunting expeditions. As the animal 
is unable to climb trees, a bees’ nest that is made in a hollow tree-limb is safe from its attacks. 
But the greater number of wild bees make their nests in the deserted mansions of the termite, 
or the forsaken burrows of various animals. It is said that the Ratel finds its way towards 
the bees’ nests by watching the direction in which the bees return towards their homes. 

The movements of the Ratel are not at all graceful, but the animal is lively enough in 
captivity, and always affords much amusement to the spectator by the grotesque character of 
its recreation. One of these creatures, which is familiar to every visitor of the Zoological 
Gardens, and is in possession of a tolerably large house, is in the habit of constantly going 
through the most extraordinary performances, and thereby attracting the attention of a 
numerous body of spectators. 

In the enclosure that has been allotted to this animal, the Ratel has, by dint of constantly 
running in the same direction, made for itself an oval path among the straw that is laid upon 
the ground. It proceeds over the course which it has worked out, in a quick active trot, and 
every time that it reaches either end of the course, it puts its head on the ground, turns a 
complete summersault, and resumes its course. At intervals, it walks into its bath, rolls 
about in the water fora second or two, and then addresses itself with renewed vigor to its 
curious antics. 

The color of the Ratel is black upon the muzzle, the limbs, and the whole of the under 
portions of the body ; but upon the upper part of the head, neck, back, ribs, and tail, the 
animal is furnished with a thick covering of long hairs, which are of an ashy-gray color. A 
bright gray stripe, about an inch in width, runs along each side and serves as a line of demar- 
cation between the light and the dark portions of the fur. The ears of the Ratel are extremely 
short. The lighter fur of the back is variously tinted in different individuals, some being of 
the whitish-gray which has been already mentioned, and others remarkable for a decided 
tinge of red. The length of the Cape Ratel is rather more than three feet, inclusive of the 
tail, which measures eight or nine inches in length. In its walk it is plantigrade, and has so 
much of the ursine character in its movements that it has been called the Indian or Honey 
Bear. It is sometimes known under the title of ‘‘ Bharsiah.”’ 

The animal which has just been described is an inhabitant of Southern Africa, being 
found in great profusion at the Cape of Good Hope. There is, however, an Indian species of 
Ratel, which very closely resembles the African animal, and in the opinion of some writers is 
identical with it. 

The Indian Ratel is said to be an extremely voracious animal, prowling about the vicinity 
of human habitations, and not unfrequently paying a visit to the burial-grounds in search of 
newly interred corpses. It is necessary for the friends of the deceased person to barricade the 
grave with thorny bushes, in order to defend it from the sharp and powerful claws of the 
Ratel, which can work their way through the earth with singular rapidity. It is very com- 
monly found along the course of the Ganges and Jumna, especially frequenting the lofty banks 
for which those rivers are noted. 

It is so expert a burrower that it is said to be able to bury itself beneath the surface in 
ten minutes, even though working in hard and stiff soil; while digging, it plies its limbs with 
such exceeding good-will that it flings the loosened soil to a distance of some yards. When 


THE WOLVERENE. 299 


taken young, it is easily tamed, and becomes a very amusing animal, diverting the spectators 
by the singular antics which it plays. But if an adult specimen should be captured, it cannot 
reconcile itself to the loss of its liberty, and struggles vainly to make its escape, until it dies 
from the mingled effects of hunger and excitement. 

Flesh of all kind is acceptable to the Indian Ratel, and it seems to have a great predilec- 
tion for rats, mice, and birds in a living state. It is generally drowsy by day, and only rouses 
itself from its slumbers at the approach of evening. The natives speak of it under the name 
of ‘‘ Beejoo.”’ 


THE WOLVERENE, more popularly known by the name of the GuurTon, has earned for 
itself a world-wide reputation for ferocity, and has given occasion to some of the older writers 
on natural history to indulge in the most unshackled liberty of description. 

Voracious it certainly is, having been known to consume thirteen pounds of meat in a 
single day, and it is probable that if the animal had been living in a wild state it could have 
eaten even a larger amount of food. It was said by the older naturalists to prey upon deer, 
which it killed by cunningly dropping on the ground a heap of the moss on which the deer 
feeds, and then climbing upon a branch which overhung the spot. As soon as the deer passed 
beneath the tree, the Glutton was said to leap upon its shoulders, and to cling there until 
it had brought the deer to the ground. This and similar tales, however, rest on no good 
foundation. . 

It is known that the Glutton feeds largely on the smaller quadrupeds, and that it is a 
most determined foe to the beaver in the summer months. During the winter it has little 
chance of catching a beaver, for the animals are quietly ensconced in their home, and their 
houses are rendered so strong by the intense cold that the Glutton is unable to break through 
their ice-hardened walls. 

The Wolverene is an inhabitant of Northern America, Siberia, and of a great part of 
Northern Europe. It was once thought that the Glutton and the Wolverene were distinct 
animals, but it is now ascertained that they both belong to the same species. 

The general aspect of this animal is not unlike that of a young bear, and probably on that 
account it was placed by Linnzeus among the bears under the title of Ursus luscus. The 
general color of the Wolverene is a brownish-black ; the muzzle is black as far as the eyebrows, 
and the space between the eyes of a browner hue. In some specimens, a few white spots are 
scattered upon the under jaw. The sides of the body are washed with a tint of a warmer hue. 
The paws are quite black, and the contrast between the jetty fur of the feet and the almost 
ivory whiteness of the claws is extremely curious. These white claws are much esteemed 
among the natives for the purpose of being manufactured into certain feminine adornments. 

The paws are very large in proportion to the size of the animal, and it is supposed that 
this modification of structure is intended to enable the Wolverene to pass in safety over the 
surface of the snow. Indeed, the feet are so large, that the marks which they leave on the 
snow are often mistaken for the footprints of a bear. As the tracks of the Wolverene are 
often mixed with those of the bear, it is evident that the latter animal must often fall a prey 
to the former during the winter months. When the animal which it kills is too large to form 
a single meal, the Wolverene is in the habit of carrying away the remains, and of concealing 
them in some secure hiding-place, in readiness for a second repast. 

The eyes of the Wolverene are small, and of a dark brown, and are not remarkable for 
their brilliancy. 

In its native country, the animal is detested by the hunters, whether they belong to 
Europe or America. For the Wolverene is in the habit of following the sable-hunters on their 
rounds, and of detaching the baits from the traps, thereby rendering the whole circuit useless. 
If a sable or marten should happen to be entrapped, the Wolverene does not eat the dead 
animal, but tears it out of the trap and carries it away. In America, it is specially obnoxious 
to the hunters, because its fine sense of smell enables it to discover the storehouses of provi- 
sions—‘‘ caches,”’ as they are technically termed—which the provident hunters lay by in order 
to fall back upon in case of bad success. If it should unfortunately discover one of these 


300 : THE SKUNK. 


repositories, it sets itself determinately to work, tears away all obstacles, and does extreme 
damage to the provisions, by eating all the meat, and scattering on every side all the 
vegetable food. 

In captivity, its greatest dainty is said to be the body of a cat, for which strange diet it 
will leave every other kind of food. 

The Wolverene is not a very prolific animal, as it seldom produces more than two ata 
birth. The maternal residence is generally placed in the crevice of a rock, or in some secluded 
situation, and the young Wolver- 
enes make their appearance about 
May. 


THE SkuNK has obtained the 
unenviable reputation of being liter- 
ally in worse odor than any other 
known animal. A1l the weasels are 
notable for a certain odor which 
emanates from their persons, but 
the Skunk is pre-eminent in the 
utter noisomeness of the stench 
which it exhales when annoyed or 
alarmed. To the animal itself, the 
possession of this horrid efluvium 
is a most valuable means of de- 
fence, for there is no enemy that 
will dare to attack a creature that 
has the power of overwhelming its 
foes with so offensive an odor that 
they are unable to shake off the 
pollution for many hours. 

There seems to be no animal 
that can withstand the influence of 
this abominable odor. Dogs are 
trained to hunt this creature, but 
until they have learned the right 
mode of attacking the fetid game, 
they are liable to be driven off in 
consternation. Dogs that have 
learned the proper mode of attack- 
ing the Skunk, do so by leaping 
suddenly upon the creature, and 
despatching it before it can emit the fetid secretion. The scent proceeds from a liquid 
secretion which is formed in some glands near the insertion of the tail, and which can be 
retained or ejected at will. When the Skunk is alarmed, it raises its bushy tail into a perpen- 
dicular attitude, turns its back on its enemy, and ejects the nauseous liquid with some force. 

Should a single drop of this horrid secretion fall on the dress or the skin, it is hardly 
possible to relieve the tainted object of its disgusting influence. A dog, whose coat had 
suffered from a discharge of a Skunk’s battery, retained the stench for so long a time that 
even after a week had elapsed it rendered a table useless by rubbing itself against one of the 
legs, although its fur had been repeatedly washed. The odor of this substance is so penetrating 
that it taints everything that may be near the spot on which it has fallen, and renders them 
quite useless: Provisions rapidly become uneatable, and clothes are so saturated with the 
vapor that they will retain the smell for several weeks, even though they are repeatedly washed. 
and dried. It is said that if a drop of the odorous fluid should fall upon the eyes, it will 
deprive them of sight. Several Indians were seen by Mr. Gresham who had lost the use of 
their eyes from this cause. 


SKUNK.—Wephitis varians. 


ze 


GLUTTON, OR WOLVERENE. 


THE TELEDU. 301 


On one occasion, a coach full of passengers was passing along the road, when a Skunk ran 
across the path and tried to push its way through a fence. Not succeeding in so doing, it. 
evidently seemed to think that the coach was the cause of its failure, and ceasing its attempt 
to escape, deliberately sent a shower of its vile effluence among the passengers. Secure in its 
means of defence, the Skunk is remarkably quiet and gentle of demeanor, and has more than 
once enticed an unwary passenger to approach it, and to attempt to seize so playful and 
attractive an animal. 

Mr. Audubon has recorded a curious adventure which befel him in his younger days. In 
one of his accustomed rambles, he suddenly came upon a curious little animal, decorated with 
a parti-colored coat and bushy tail, and so apparently gentle in demeanor that he was irresistibly 
impelled to seek a nearer acquaintance. As he approached, the creature did not attempt to 
run away, but awaited his coming with perfect equanimity. Deceived by its gentle aspect, he 
eagerly ran towards the tempting prize, and grasped it by its bushy tail, which it had raised 
perpendicularly as if for the purpose of tempting him to make the assault. He soon repented 
of his temerity, for he had hardly seized the animal when he was overwhelmed with so 
horrible a substance, that his eyes, mouth, and nostrils were equally offended, and he was 
fain to fling away the treacherous foe. After this adventure he became very cautious with 
respect to pretty little playful animals with white backs and bushy tails. 

There is a curious analogy between the mode of defence which is employed by the Skunk 
and that which is used by the cuttle-fish, and in both cases it seems to be the result of 
various emotions, of which fear and combativeness are the chief. 

In its fur, the Skunk is extremely variable, but the general markings of its coat are as 
follows. The fur is of a brown tint, washed with black, and variegated by white streaks along 
its back. The tail is long and extremely bushy, being covered with long hairs of a crcamy- 
white hue. Its habitation is commonly in burrows, which it scratches in the ground by means 
of its powerful claws. The creature is about the size of a cat, being about eighteen inches in 
length from the nose to the root of the tail, which measures fourteen or fifteen inches. The 
legs are short, and the animal is not endowed with any great activity by nature. It is an 
American ainmal, and is found towards the northern parts of the continent. 


ScARCELY less remarkable for its ill-odor than the skunk, the TELEDU is not brought 
so prominently before the public eye as the animal which has just been described. 

It is a native of Java, and seems to be confined to those portions of the country that are 
not less than seven thousand feet above the level of the sea. On certain portions of these 
elevated spots, the Teledu, or Stinkard, as it is popularly called, can always be found. 
The earth is lighter on these spots than in the valleys, and is better suited to the habits 
of the Teledu, which roots in the earth after the manner of hogs, in search of the worms 
and insects which constitute its chief food. This habit of turning up the soil renders it 
very obnoxious to the native agriculturists, as it pursues the worms in their subterraneous 
meanderings, and makes sad havoc among the freshly-planted seeds. It is also in the 
habit of doing much damage to the sprouting plants by eating off their roots. 

We are indebted to Mr. Horsfield for an elaborate and interesting account of the Teledu, 
an animal which he contrived to tame and to watch with singular success. The following 
passages are selected from his memoir. 


““The Mydaus forms its dwelling at a slight depth beneath the surface, in the black mould, 
with considerable ingenuity. Having selected a spot defended above by the roots of a large 
tree, it constructs a cell or chamber of a globular form, having a diameter of several feet, the 
sides of which it makes perfectly smooth and regular; this it provides with a subterraneous 
conduit or avenue, about six feet in length, the external entrance to which it conceals with 
twigs and dry leaves. During the day it remains concealed, like a badger in its hole ; at night 
it proceeds in search of its food, which consists of insects and other larvee, and of worms of 
every kind. It is particularly fond of the common lumbrici, or earth-worms, which abound in 


302 THE TELEDU. 


the fertile mould. These animals, agreeably to the information of the natives, live in pairs, 
and the female produces two or three young at a birth. 

‘“The motions of the Mydaus are slow, and it is easily taken by the natives, who by no 
means fear it. During my abode on the Mountain Prahu, I engaged them to procure me 
individuals for preparation ; and as they received a desirable reward, they brought them to me 
daily in greater numbers than I could employ. Whenever the natives surprise them suddenly, 
they prepare them for food ; the flesh is then scarcely impregnated with the offensive odor, 
and is described as very delicious. The animals are generally in excellent condition, as their 
food abounds in fertile mould. 

“On the Mountain Prahu, the natives who were most active in supplying me with 
specimens of the Mydaus, assured me that it could only propel the fluid to the distance 
of about two feet. The fetid matter itself is of a viscid nature: its effects depend on its 
great volatility, and they spread through a great extent. The entire neighborhood of a village 
is infected by the odor of an irritated Teledu, and in the immediate vicinity of the discharge 
it is so violent as in some persons to produce syncope. The various species of Mephitis in 
America differ from the Mydaus in the capacity of projecting the fetid matter to a greater 
distance. 

‘““The Mydaus is not ferocious in its manners, and, taken young, like the badger, it might 
be easily tamed. An individual which I kept some time in confinement afforded me an oppor- 
tunity of observing its disposition. It soon became gentle and reconciled to its situation, and 
did not at any time emit the offensive fluid. I carried it with me from Mountain Prahu to 
Bladeran, a village on the declivity of that mountain, where the temperature was more 
moderate. While a drawing was made, the animal was tied to a small stake. It moved about 
quietly, burrowing the ground with its snout and feet, as if in search of food, without taking 
notice of the bystanders, or making violent efforts to disengage itself; on earth-worms (lum- 
brici) being brought, it ate voraciously; holding one extremity of a worm with its claws, its 
teeth were employed in tearing the other. Having consumed about ten or twelve, it became 
drowsy, and making a small groove in the earth, in which it placed its snout, it composed 
itself deliberately, and was soon sound asleep.”’ 


The color of the Teledu is a blackish brown, with the exception of the fur upon the top of 
the head, a stripe along the back, and the tip of the short tail, which is a yellowish-white. 
The under surface of the body is of a lighter hue. The fur is long and of a silken texture at 
the base, and closely set together, so as to afford to the animal the warm covering which is 
needed in the elevated spots where it dwells. The hair is especially long on the sides of the 
neck, and curls slightly upwards and backwards, and on the top of the head there is a small 
transverse crest. The feet are large, and the claws of the fore limbs are nearly twice as long 
as those of the hinder paws. 

In the whole aspect of the Teledu there is a great resembance to the badger, and, indeed, 
the animal looks very like a miniature badger, of rather eccentric colors. 

The Wolverene is one of those secluded animals of which little is known by the larger 
portion of people. 

It is found in the northern parts of both continents, and is occasionally seen in the 
northern part of New York State, and not long since was seen in the Hoosac Mountains, in 
Massachusetts. The litter consists of from two to four; produced about May. 

Another group embraces a few most notorious creatures, the Skunks. The mephitic or bad 
odor, resulting from the secretion of peculiar glands in these animals, suggests the generic 
name. 

The American Skunk is the one par excellence of this group. To the average reader it 
were superfluous to call attention to the renowned attributes of this creature. To the rural 
denizen, it is one of the salient objects of his earlier memories: to him its possibilities are 
unutterable, its consequences ineffaceable. With all its demerits, however, the Skunk is not 
without some admirable qualities. It is handsome; its plumed and flowing tail is positively 
beautiful ; its black and white pelt is strikingly so. 


THE BADGER. 3058 


Several species are known in the various portions of North America, mostly in the South- 
western States, and in Mexico. The group is peculiar to the American Continent. 

Tue curious animal whose portrait is presented to the reader is known under several 
titles, among which the SaAnp-Brar is that by which it will be designated in these pages. It 
is also called the Indian Badger, and sometimes the Balisaur, a name which is corrupted 
from the Hindostanee word Balloo-soor, signifying Sand-Hog. There is a very great resem- 
blance between this animal and the well-known badger, from which creature, however, it 
may easily be distinguished by the greater comparative length of its legs, and the more hog- 
like snout. 

The general color of the fur of the Sand-Bear is a yellowish-white, diversified by two black 
bands that run on each side of the head, and unite by the muzzle. The upper of these bands 
includes the ear and eye in its course, and curves downwards at the shoulder, where it is 


SAND-BEAR, OR BALISAUR.—Arclonyx collaris. 


nearly met by the dark hue of the fore-limbs. The claws are slightly curved, extremely 
powerful, and well suited for digging in the ground, as the toes are united for their entire 
length. The tail is extremely short. 

In its wild state the Sand-Bear is said to be fierce in disposition, and sufficiently powerful 
to beat off a dog that would not hesitate to attack a wolf or a hyena. When attacked or irri- 
tated, the Sand-Bear raises itself on its hind legs, after the manner of the bears, and threatens 
its antagonist with its fore-limbs, in which it seems fully to trust. Its food is of a mixed 
character, but appears to be more of a vegetable than an animal nature. It is not a very com- 
mon animal, and is generally found in the hill country. 


ALTHOUGH one of the most quiet and inoffensive of our indigenous animals, the BADGER 
has been subjected to such cruel persecutions as could not be justified even if the creature 
were as destructive and noisome as it is harmless or innocuous. For the purposes of so-called 
‘‘sport,”’ the Badger was captured and kept in a cage ready to be tormented at the cruel will 
of every ruffian who might choose to risk his dog against the sharp teeth of the captive animal. 

Although the Badger is naturally as harmless an animal as can be imagined, it is a terrible 
antagonist when provoked to use the means of defence with which it is so well provided. Not 
only are the teeth long and sharp, but the jaws are so formed, that when the animal closes its 
mouth the jaws ‘lock’? together by a peculiar structure of their junction with the skull, and 
retain their hold without the need of any special effort on the part of the animal. 

Unlike the generality of the weasel tribe, the Badger is slow and clumsy in its actions, 


304 THE BADGER. 


and rolls along so awkwardly in its gait that it may easily be mistaken for a young pig in the 
dark of the evening, at which time it first issues from its burrow. The digging capacities of 
the Badger are very great, the animal being able to sink itself into the ground with marvellous 
rapidity. For this power the Badger is indebted to the long curved claws with which the 
fore-feet are armed, and to the great development of the muscles that work the fore-limbs. 
When the Badger is employed in digging a burrow, it makes use of its nose in order to 
push aside the earth, which is then scraped away by the fore-paws and flung as far back as 
possible. In a very short time, the accumulation of earth becomes so considerable that it 
impedes the animal’s movements, and if permitted to remain would soon choke up the tunnel 
which the miner is so industriously excavating. The hinder paws are now brought into play, 
and the earth is flung farther back by their action. As the excavation proceeds, the accumu- 


BADGER.—Meles taxus. 


lated earth becomes so inconvenient that the Badger is forced to remove it entirely out of the 
burrow, by retrograding from its position and pushing the loose earth away in its progress. 
Having thus cleared the tunnel from the impediment, the Badger proceeds to fling the earth as 
far away as possible, and until it has done so will not resume its labors. 

In this burrow the female Badger makes her nest and rears her young, which are generally 
three or four in number. The nest is made of well-dried grass, and stored with provisions in 
the shape of grass-balls, which are firmly rolled together, and laid up in a: kind of supple- 
mentary chamber that acts the part of a larder. There are also several ingeniously contrived 
sinks, wherein are deposited the remnants of the food and other offensive substances. 

The food of the Badger is of a mixed character, being partially vegetable and partly 
animal. Snails and worms are greedily devoured by this creature, and the wild bees, wasps, 
and other fossorial hymenoptera find a most destructive foe in the Badger, which scrapes away 
the protecting earth and devours honey, cells, and grubs together, without being deterred from 
its meal by the stings of the angry bees. The skin of the Badger is so tough, and lies so 
loosely on the body, that even if a bee or a wasp could find a bare spot wherein to plant its 
sting, the Badger would in all probability care little for the wound ; and as the covering of 
hair is so dense that no bee-sting can force its way through the furry mantle, the Badger is 
able to feast at its ease, undisturbed by the attacks of its winged antagonists. 

As is the case with the generality of weasels, the Badger is furnished with an apparatus 
which secretes a substance of an exceedingly offensive odor, to which circumstance is probably 
owing much of the popular prejudice against the ‘‘ stinking brock.” 


THE KALAN, Ok SHA OTTER. 305 


The Badger is very susceptible of human influence, and can be effectually tamed with but 
little trouble. It is generally set down as a stupid animal, but in reality is possessed of con- 
siderable powers of reasoning. One of these animals has been known to set at defiance all the 
traps that were intended for its capture, and to devour the baits without suffering for its 
temerity. On one occasion, the animal was watched out of its burrow, and a number of traps 
set round the orifice, so that its capture appeared to be tolerably certain. But when the Badger 
returned to its domicile, it set at nought all the devices of the enemy, and by dint of jumping 
over some of the traps and rolling over others, gained its home in safety. 

The colors of the Badger are gray, black, and white, which are rather curiously distributed. 
The head is white, with the exception of a rather broad and very definitely marked black line 


W)))/)) 
Hi} 


\ 


SEA OTTER, OR KALAN.—E£nhydris marina. 


on each side, commencing near the snout and ending at the neck, including the eye and the 
ear in its course. The body is of a reddish-gray, changing to a white-gray on the ribs and 
tail. The throat, chest, abdomen, legs and feet, are of deep blackish-brown. The average 
length of the Badger is two feet six inches, and its height at the shoulder eleven inches. 

The American Badger (7axidea americana) is widely distributed throughout the United 
States, ranging from Wisconsin to the Pacific, reaching far to the north. Though this anima! 
resembles in general features the European species, very considerable differences are known. 

A Mexican species replaces this Badger below latitude 35°. 


Upon the northern shores of the Pacific Ocean, and especially in those parts where the 
Asiatic and American continents approach nearest to each other, an extremely large species of 
Otter is found, which has the peculiarity of preferring the sea-coast to the fresh-water lakes 
and rivers for the greater part of the year.. 

The Kaan, or SHA OTTER, is very much larger than its fresh-water relations, being rather 
more than twice the size of the common Otter, and weighing as much as seventy or eighty 
pounds, During the colder months of the year, the Kalan dwells by the sea-shores, and can be 


306 THE COMMON OTTER. 


found upon the icy coasts of the Northern Pacific, where it is extremely active in the capture 
of marine fish. When the warmer months begin to loosen the icy bonds of winter, the Sea 
Otter leaves the coasts, and in company with its mate proceeds up the rivers until it reaches 
the fresh-water lakes of the interior. There it remains until the lessening warmth gives warn- 
ing for it to make its retreat seawards before the fierce frosts of those northern regions seal up 
the lakes and deprive it of its means of subsistence. 

It is rather a scarce animal, and is not so prolific as many of its relations. The fur of the 
Kalan is extremely beautiful, shining with a glossy velvet-like sheen, and very warm in 
character. It is in consequence valued at avery high price. The color of the fur is rather 
variable, but its general hue is a rich black, slightly tinged with brown on the upper portions 
of the body, while the under portions of the body and the limbs are of a lighter hue. In some 
specimens the head is nearly white, and in one or two instances the white tinge extends as far 
as the neck. Indeed, the proportions of dark and white fur differ in almost every indi- 
vidual. 

All the Otters are long of body and short of limb, but in the Kalan this peculiarity is 
more apparent than in the ordinary Otters, on account of the curious setting on of the hinder 
limbs and the comparative shortness of the tail, which is barely more than seven inches long, 
while the head and body measure three feet in length. The food of the Sea Otter is not 
restricted to fish, but is composed of various animal productions, such as crustacea and 
mollusks. Some writers assert that, in default of its more legitimate food, it varies its diet by 
sea-weeds and other vegetable substances. 

The North American Otter (Lutra canadensis) was formerly abundant in the New 
England States, but is now exceedingly scarce. A specimen was captured lately by Dr. Wood, 
of East Windsor Hill, in the Connecticut River. 

One of the most surprising habits known to animals is that of the Otter sliding down a 
declivity for pleasure. In winter they select a high bank of snow, and amuse themselves for 
hours in sliding down head-foremost. In summer they choose a steep bank by the side of a 
stream, which terminates in deep water. Here they indulge in the same recreation. This 
would seem wholly incredible, did not Audubon and other reliable observers give us the facts. 
They live in small families, like the beavers, and bring forth two young at a birth, in March. 
A California species is known, very closely resembling the Eastern. 

The Sea Otter suggests the seals, being so organized as to be fitted for almost continuous 
living in the sea; differing greatly in this respect from the Land Otters. 

ALTHOUGH by no means a large animal, the Common OTTER of Europe has attained a uni- 
versal reputation as a terrible and persevering foe to fish. Being possessed of a very discrimi- 
nating palate, and invariably choosing the finest fish that can be found in the locality, the 
Otter is the object of the profoundest hate to the proprietors of streams and by all human 
fishermen. It is so dainty an animal that it will frequently kill several fish, devouring only 
those portions which best please its palate, and leaving the remainder on the banks, to become 
the prey of rats, birds, or other fish-loving creatures. 

When the Otter is engaged in eating the fish which it has captured, it holds the slippery 
prey between its fore-paws, and, beginning with the back of the neck, eats away the flesh from 
the neck towards the tail, rejecting the head, tail, and other portions. In well-stocked rivers, 
the Otter is so extremely fastidious that it will catch and kill four or five good fish in a single 
day, and eat nothing but the fine, flaky meat which is found on the shoulders. The neigh- 
‘boring rustics take advantage of this epicurean propensity, and make many a meal upon the 
fish which have been discarded by the dainty Otter. Sometimes, as in the very dry or the very 
cold seasons, the Otter is forced to lay aside its fastidious notions, and is glad to find an oppor- 
tunity of appeasing, its hunger with any kind of animal food. Driven by hunger, the Otter 
has been known to travel overland for five or six miles, and is sometimes so hardly pressed 
that it will have recourse to vegetable substances in default of its usual animal food. In such 
trying seasons, the Otter is too apt to turn its attention to the farm-yard, and to become very 
destructive to poultry of all kinds, to young pigs, and lambs. One of these animals was cap- 


HABITS OF THE COMMON OTTER. 307 


tured in a rabbit-warren, whither it had evidently wandered with the intention of feeding on 
the rabbits. 

For the pursuit of its finny prey, the Otter is admirably adapted by nature. The body is 
lithe and serpentine ; the feet are furnished with a broad web that connects the toes, and is of 
infinite service in propelling the animal through the water; the tail is long, broad, and flat, 
proving a powerful and effectual rudder by which its movements are directed ; and the short, 
powerful legs are so loosely jointed that the animal can turn them in almost any direction. 
The hair which covers the body and limbs is of two kinds, the one a close, fine, and soft fur, 
which lies next the skin and serves to protect the animal from the extremes of heat and cold, 
and the other composed of long, shining, and coarser hairs, which permit the animal to glide 
easily through the water. The teeth are sharp and strong, and of great service in preventing 
the slippery prey from escaping. 

The color of the Common Otter also varies slightly according to the light in which it is 
viewed, but is generally of a rich brown tint, intermixed with whitish-gray. This color is 
lighter along the back and the outside of the legs than on the other parts of the body, which 
are of a paler grayish hue. Its habitation is made in the bank of the river which it frequents, 
and is rather inartificial in its character, as the creature is fonder of occupying some natural 
crevice or deserted excavation than of digging a burrow for itself. The nest of the Otter 
is composed of dry rushes, flags, or other aquatic plants, and is purposely placed as near the 
water as possible, so that in case of a sudden alarm the mother Otter may plunge into the 
stream together with her young family, and find a refuge among the vegetation that skirts the 
river banks. The number of the young is from three to five, and they make their appearance 
about March or April. 

Although at the present day the custom of Otter-hunting has in most parts of Europe 
necessarily fallen into disuse, it sometimes occurs that a stray Otter is discovered in some 
stream, and is in consequence the subject of continual annoyances until it finally falls under 
the hands of its persecutors. When attacked, the Otter is a fierce and desperate fighter, 
biting and snapping with the most deadly energy, and never yielding as long as life remains 
within the body. The bite of an angry Otter is extremely severe ; for the creature has a habit 
of biting most savagely, and then shaking its head violently, as if it were trying to kill a rat. 
There are few dogs which can conquer an Otter in fair fight, and the combat is generally ended 
by the spear of one of the hunters. Even when transfixed with the deadly weapon, the Otter 
gives no sign of yielding, but furiously bites the staff, sullen and silent to the last. 

The track which the Otter makes upon the bank is easily distinguishable from that of any 
other animal, on account of the ‘‘seal,’’ or impression, which is made by a certain round ball 
on the sole of the foot. On account of the powerfully-scented secretion with which the Otter 
is furnished by nature, it is readilly followed by dogs, who are always eager after the sport, 
although they may not be very willing to engage in single fight with so redoubtable an oppo- 
nent. An Otter has been known to turn savagely upon a dog that was urged to attack it, to 
drag it into the water, and to drown it. The best dogs for the purpose are said to be the 
Otterhounds, which have already been mentioned on page 237. Even human foes are resisted 
with equal violence. On one occasion, an Otter was hard pressed in the water, and endeavored 
to escape into an open drain, when it was prevented from carrying out its purpose by one of 
the hunters, who grasped it by the tail, and tried to force it into the water. The aggrieved 
animal twisted itself sharply round, and made so savage a snap at its antagonist’s hand that it 
severed the end of his thumb at a single bite. When the Otter has once fairly fixed its teeth, 
it cannot be forced to relinquish its grasp without the greatest difficulty ; and even when it is. 
dead its jaws are said to retain their hold with unremitting firmness. When the animal is 
hunted, it swims and dives with such singular agility that the only mode of effecting its cap- 
ture is by watching its progress below the surface by means of the train of air-bubbles which 
mark its course, and by forcing it to dive again before it has recovered its breath. By a 
repetition of this manceuvre the poor creature is wearied, and at last falls an unwilling prey. 

The fur of the Otter is so warm and handsome that it is in some request for commercial 
purposes. The entire length of the animal is rather under three feet and a half, of which the 


308 THE CHINESE OR INDIAN OTTER. 


tail occupies about fourteen or fifteen inches. On the average, it weighs about twenty-three 
pounds ; but there are examples which have far surpassed that weight. Mr. Bell records an 
instance of a gigantic Otter that was captured, which weighed forty pounds. 


ALTHOUGH so fierce and savage an animal when attacked, the Otter is singularly suscepti- 
ble of human influence, and can be taught to catch fish for the service of its masters rather 
than for the gratification of its own palate. The CHINESE or INDIAN OTTER affords an excel- 
lent instance of this capability ; for in every part of India the trained Otters are almost as 
common as our trained dogs. It seems odd that the proprietors of streams should not press 
the Otter into their service instead of destroying it, and should not convert into a faithful 
friend the animal which at present is considered but as a ruthless enemy. 

Even in France and England the Indian Otter has frequently been tamed and trained for 
the purposes of sport. An English sporting man was possessed of one of these animals, which 
had been trained with singular success. ‘*‘ When called, the Otter immediately answered to 
the appropriate name of Neptune. The animal, it appeared, was caught two years ago, being 
then only a few weeks old. It was actually suckled by a pointer, and, showing early signs of 
docility, was made over to the gamekeeper. In process of time, the animal increased in 
aptitude and sagacity, and was soon enabled to undertake the duty of an economical fisher- 
man, frequently procuring a dish of excellent burn trout at such seasons when the angler’s art, 
from adverse winds or foul streams, was in vain. 

‘In the morning after these fishing exploits, which sometimes occupied the greater part of 
the night, Neptune was always found at his post, and the stranger might be astonished to see 
him among several brace of pointers and greyhounds. No one understood better how to keep 
at his own side of the house. In fact, according to the gamekeeper, he was ‘the best cur that 
ever ran.’ 

‘‘ Neptune was an amiable creature. He would allow himself to be gently lifted by his tail, 
but invariably objected to any interference with his snout. As an angler, his reputation is 
advancing rapidly, and one or two of his master’s neighbors used to borrow him for a day or 
two in the spring, for the purpose of ascertaining the quality and size of the larger trout in the 
pools on their estates.”’ 

Another of these animals was accustomed to go to work in a very systematic manner. It 
always plunged into the water very quietly, and, keeping close by the bank, took its course 
up the stream, disturbing the fish by smart blows with its tail. Ifa fish remained by the bank, 
the Otter passed by and did not seem to notice it, but if the fish should dart in front of its 
pursuer, it was instantly seized and brought near the surface of the water—probably in order 
to lessen the force of its struggles. When the Otter had brought its prey to shore, it always 
discovered some reluctance in parting with the fish which it had caught, and signified its dis- 
approbation by a plaintive whine. 

Mr. Richardson gives a very interesting account of an Otter which he tamed, and which 
was accustomed to follow him in his walks like a dog, sporting by his side with graceful play- 
fulness, and swimming at perfect liberty in the stream. This animal, however, could never be 
induced to yield her prey to her master, but when she saw him approaching would quickly 
swim to the opposite bank of the river, lay down her fish, and eat it in peace. The animal was 
accustomed to wander at her own will in the house and garden, and would eat all kinds of 
garden pests, such as snails, worms, and grubs, detaching the snails from their shells with 
great dexterity. She would also leap upon the chairs as they stood by the windows and catch 
and eat flies as they fluttered on the window-panes. She struck up a warm friendship with 
an Angora cat, and on one occasion when her friend was attacked by a dog, she flew at the 
assailant, seized him by the jaw, and was so excited that her master was obliged to separate 
the combatants and to send the dog out of the room. 

The mode of instruction which is followed in the education of the Otter is sufficiently 
simple. The creature is by.degrees weaned from its usual fish diet, and taught to live almost 
wholly on bread and milk ; the only fish-like article which it is permitted to see being a leathern 
caricature of the finny race, with which the young Otter is habituated to play, asa kitten plays 


THE DESTRUCTIVE PRINCIPLE. - 3809 


with a crumpled paper or a cork, which does temporary duty fora mouse. When the animal 
has accustomed itself to chase and catch the artificial fish, and to give it into the hand of its 
master, the teacher extends his instructions by drawing the leathern image smartly into the 
water by means of a string, and encouraging his pupil to plunge into the stream after the lure 
and bring it ashore. As soon as the young Otter yields the leathern prey, it is rewarded by 
some dainty morsel which its teacher is careful to keep at hand, and soon learns to connect the 
two circumstances together. 

Having become proficient in the preliminary instructions, the pupil is further tested by 
the substitution of a veritable, but adead fish, in lieu of the manufactured article, and is tanght 
to chase, capture, and yield the fish at the command of its master. A living fish is then affixed 
to a line in order to be brought by the Otter from the water in which it is permitted to swim ; 
and lastly, the pupil is taught to pursue and capture living fish, which are thrown into the 
water before its eyes. The remaining point of instruction is to take the so-far trained animal 
to the water-side, and induce it to chase and bring to shore the inhabitants of the stream, as 
they rove free and unconstrained in their native element. 

In many parts of the world the Otter is admirably trained for this purpose, and is taught 
to aid its master, not only by capturing single fish, but by driving whole shoals of fishes into 
the ready nets. 

When in pursuit of its finny prey, the Otter displays a grace and power which cannot be 
appreciated without ocular investigation. The animal glides through the watery element with 
such consummate ease and swiftness, and bends its pliant body with such flexible undulations, 
that the quick and wary fish are worsted in their own art, and fall easy victims to the Otter’s 
superior aquatic powers. So easily does it glide into the water, that no sound is heard, and 
scarcely a ripple seen to mark the time or place of its entrance ; and when it emerges upon the 
shore, it withdraws its body from the stream with the same noiseless ease that characterizes its 
entrance. The Otter is a playful creature, and is very fond of engaging in mock aquatic 
combats, which display the extraordinary powers of the creature to the very best advantage. 
When on shore, the Otter can proceed at a considerable pace, and when in haste, employs a 
curious ‘‘loping’’ gallop as its means of progression. 


Durie the progress of this work, several allusions have been made to the destructive 
principle, as illustrated in the character of certain animals, and a few suggestions have been 
offered as to its origin, its manifestation, and its object. The subject is too deep in its purport 
and too wide in its bearings to be comprehended within the limits of a single article, and it 
must therefore be resumed from time to time, as its various phases are exemplitied by the 
nature of the various creatures which draw the breath of life. 

As in the animals which have already been mentioned the principle of terrestrial destruc- 
tion has been manifested, so we find a further development of the same idea in the Otter, the 
destroyer of the waters. In order that we may rightly appreciate the part which the Otter 
plays in the great and ever-changing drama of Nature, it needs that we should as far as possible 
place ourselves in the position of the creatures among whom its destructive mission is fulfilled. 

A shoal of fish is swimming quietly through the clear stream, thinking of nothing but 
themselves, their food, and their physical enjoyment of existence. Suddenly from some 
unknown sphere, of which they can form no true conception, comes flashing among them a 
strange and wondrous being, from whose presence they flee in instinctive terror. Flight is in 
vain from the dread pursuer, which seizes one of their companions in its deadly grasp, and in 
spite of the resistance of the struggling prey, bears it away into an unknown realm, whose 
wonders their dim sight cannot penetrate, and whose atmosphere is too ethereal for their imper- 
fect frames to breathe and live. Ever and anon the terrible pursuer is mysteriously among 
them, like the destroying angel among the Egyptians, and, as often as it is seen, snatches away 


310 DEATH AND PROGRESS. 


* one of their number in its fatal grasp, and vanishes, together with its victim, into the unseen 
realms above. 

To the fish the Otter must appear as a supernatural being, for it comes from a world 
which is above their comprehension, and returns thereto at will, a visible and incarnate Death. 
All animals, creations, and existences have some idea of a being that is superior to themselves, 
and that being which to their minds conveys the highest idea, is to them the Divinity. So 
that to the fish, the Otter may stand in the light of deity—a remarkable type of the heathen 
ideas of the Divine nature. 

As various races and individuals of mankind are endowed with greater or smaller capaci- 
ties, they must form an idea of a deity which is consonant with their own natures, and it 
therefore follows that the loftiest natures will worship the highest God. Therefore, we find 
in the history of the Israelitish nation, that the narrow-minded Jews copied the surrounding 
heathens in paying their fearful worship to the fiery Moloch, the cruel and murderous deity of 
wrath ; while the poets and prophets prostrated their spirits in loving adoration before Jeho- 
vah, the great Source of all, from whom, through whom, and by whom all things, beings, and 
essences came into existence. 

At the present day, and even in this country, the same contracted ideas are too evident, 
for there are many narrow-minded persons who are incapable of receiving a deity that is more 
loving than themselves, and can only appreciate one that is more powerful. Their form of 
praise is expressed by fear and trembling, and the amount of their reverence is measured by 
the amount of punishment which they think he can inflict upon them. So with the savage 
natives of the Southern seas, who consistently honor the representations of their deity by 
piteous deprecations of his anger, and lie trembling before him in slavish fear. Servile terror 
is the form of respect which they pay towards those whom they honor, and which they unscru- 
pulously exact from those by whom they desire to be honored. 

Still, there is a great truth in this power-worship of the savage and undeveloped nature, 
for it is a step in the improvement of the human race when they learn to acknowledge any 
being as superior to themselves, even though the ground on which they base that superiority 
may not be of the most elevated description. For all power, of whatever kind, is in its essence 
spiritual, however material and even revolting its outer manifestations may appear, and is 
therefore an attribute of the Supreme, although misunderstood and misapplied. 

In reality, the attribute which we call Destruction ought to be termed Conservation and 
Progression, for without its beneficent influence all things would be limited in their number 
and manifestation as soon as they first came into existence, and there would be no improve- 
ment in physical, moral, or spiritual natures. In such sad case, it would be possible to find a 
centre and circumference to creation, whereas it is truly as unlimited as the very being of its 
Creator. 

Suppose, for example, that the huge Saurians of the geological eras had been permitted to 
retain their place upon the earth, and that the land and water were overrun with megatheria, 
iguanodons, and other creatures of like nature. Suppose, to take our own island as a limited 
example, that the land was peopled with the naked and painted savages of its ancient times, 
unchanged in numbers, in habits, and in customs. It is evident that in either case the country 
would be unable to retain the higher animals and the loftier humanity of the present day, and 
that in order to escape absolute stagnation it is a necessity that old things should pass away 
and that the new should take their place. How limited would not the human race be were it 
not subject to physical death! But a very few years and the earth would be over-peopled, 
setting aside the question of bodily nourishment, which requires the destruction of other 
beings, either animal or vegetable. The same rule holds good with regard to moral as well as 
physical improvement, for it is necessary that all mental progress should be caused by a con- 
tinual destruction, a death of erroneous ideas, before the corresponding truths can obtain 
entrance into the mind. 

Apply the same principle to the entire creation, and it will become evident that the 
destructive attribute is essentially the preserver and the improver. Death, so-called, is the 
best guardian of the human race, and its preserver from the most terrible selfishness and the 


THE BEAR FAMILY. 311 


direst immorality. If men were unable to form any conception of a future state, and were 
forced to continue in the present phase of existence to all eternity, they would naturally turn 
their endeavors to collecting as much as possible of the things which afford sensual pleasure, 
and each would lead an individual and selfish life, with no future for which to hope, and no 
aim to which to aspire. 

The popular error respecting the destructive principle is, that it is supposed to be identical 
with annihilation, than which notion nothing can be more false in itself, or more libellous to 
the Supreme Creator of all things. Death is to every man a terror, an abasement, or an exalta- 
tion, as the case may be; but, in truth, to those who are capable of grasping this most beauti- 
ful subject, destruction is shown as transmutation, and death becomes birth. Nothing that is 
once brought into existence can ever be annihilated, for the simple reason that it is an emana- 
tion of the Deity, who is life itself, essential, eternal, and universal. The form is constantly 
liable to mutation, but the substance always remains. 

In every pebble that lies unheeded on the ground are pent sundry gaseous substances, 
which only await the delivering hand of the analyzer to be liberated and expanded ; possessing 
in their free and etherealized existence many powers and properties which they were debarred 
from exercising while imprisoned in their condensed and materialized form. To the ordi- 
nary observer, the stone thus transmuted in its form appears to be destroyed, but its appa- 
rent death is in reality the beginning of a new life, with extended powers and more ethereal 
substance. Thus it is that physical death acts upon mankind, and in that light is it regarded 
by the true and brave spirit, with whom to live is toil, and death is a new birth into life, of 
which he is conscious even here. Death is to such minds the greatest boon that could be 
conferred upon them, for just as the destruction or death of the pebble etherealizes and expands 
the elements of its being, so by the death or destruction of the body, the spirit is liberated 
from its material prison, and humanity is divinized through death. 


THE BEAR FAMILY: 


BEARS. 


Tue Bears and their allies form a family which is small in point of numbers, but is a 
very conspicuous one on account of the large size of the greater number of its members, and 
the curious habits of the entire family of the Urside, as these creatures are learnedly named, 
from the Latin word wrsws, which signifies a Bear. 

These animals are found in almost every portion of the earth’s surface, and are fitted by 
nature to inhabit the hottest and the coldest parts of the world. India, Borneo, and other 
burning lands are the homes of sundry members of this family, such as the Bruang and the 
Aswail, while the snowy regions of Northern Europe and the icebound coasts of the Arctic 
Ocean are inhabited by the Brown Bear and the Nennook or Polar Bear. The diet of the 
Ursidz is of a mixed character, and the creatures appear to be capable of sustaining existence 
upon a purely animal or purely vegetable diet, or to be carnivorous or vegetarian at will. 
Indeed, it is found that when Bears are kept in captivity, they may be restricted to vegetable 
food with the best result, both to themselves and their owners. With a few rare exceptions, 
the bears are singularly harmless animals when undisturbed, contenting themselves with fruit, 
honey, nuts, snails, roots, and other similar articles of diet, and rarely attacking the higher 
animals, except when driven by necessity. 

In their gait the Bears are all plantigrade, and on account of the large surface which is 
placed on the ground when they walk, they are capable of erecting themselves on their hinder 
limbs, and of supporting themselves in an erect position with the greatest ease. When 
attacked in close combat, they have a habit of rearing themselves upon their hinder feet, and 


312 CHARACTER OF THE BEAR. 


of striking terrific blows with their fore-paws, which, if they take effect upon their object, 
cause the most dreadful injuries. 

The paws of the Bears are armed with long and sharp talons, which are not capable of 
retraction, but which are most efficient weapons of offence when urged by the powerful muscles 
which give force to the Bear’s limbs. Should the adversary contrive to elude the quick and 
heavy blows of the paw, the Bear endeavors to seize the foe round the body, and by dint of 
sheer pressure to overcome its enemy. In guarding itself from the blows which are aimed at 
it by its adversary the Bear is singularly adroit, warding off the fiercest strokes with a dex- 
terity that might be envied by many a pretender to the pugilistic art. 

Few antagonists are so formidable to the experienced hunter as the Bear, whether it be 
the Brown Bear of Northern Europe, the Black or Grizzly Bear of America, the Aswail of 
India, or the Polar Bear of the Arctic regions ; and although there are a few instances where 
aman has conquered a Bear in fair hand-to-hand combat, there are a few animals whom a 
hunter would not rather oppose than the Bear, provided that he were deprived of fire-arms, 
and furnished only with a knife or hatchet. On one or two occasions, a foolhardy and igno- 
rant person has ventured to attack and to kill a Bear in single combat, but in such instances 
the victory has almost always been attributable to some accident which never could have been 
foreseen, and on which no real hunter would have calculated. In fact, the more experienced 
the hunter, the less will he venture himself against the beast, which, according to Seandi- 
navian aphorism, “has the strength of ten men and the sense of twelve.” 

With fearful ingenuity, the Bear, when engaged with a human foe, directs its attacks 
upon the head of its antagonist, and if one of its powerful strokes should take effect, has been 
known to strike the entire scalp from off the head ata single blow. Mr. Lloyd, who had the 
great misfortune to be struck down by a Bear, and the singular good fortune to escape from 
its fangs, says that when he was lying on the ground at the mercy of the angry beast, the 
animal, after biting him upon the arms and legs, deliberately settled itself upon his head, and 
began to scarify it in the most business-like manner, leaving wounds of eight and nine inches 
in length. The experience of this practiced Bear-hunter goes to show that the Bear does not 
make use of its claws when its opponent has been once struck down, but inflicts its subsequent 
injuries wholly with its teeth. It does not appear from Mr. Lloyd’s account that the senses 
of a person who is seized by a Bear are blunted in the manner which takes place when a lion 
or tiger is the assailant. 

All the Bears are the more terrible antagonists from their extreme tenacity of life, and the 
fearful energy which they compress into the last moment of existence when they are suffering 
from a mortal wound. Unless struck in the heart or brain, the mortally wounded Bear is more 
to be feared than if it had received no injury whatever, and contrives to wreak more harm in 
the few minutes that immediately precede its decease than it had achieved while still uninjured. 
Many a hunter has received mortal wounds by incautiously approaching a Bear which lay 
quiescent in apparent death, but was really only stunned for the moment by the shock of the 
injury which it had received, and which in a very few minutes would have deprived it of life. 


SEVERAL species of Bears are now recognized by systematic naturalists, the principal 
examples of which will be noticed in the following pages. 

The Brown Brar is a creature which is found rather plentifully in forests and the 
mountainous districts of many portions of Europe and Asia. As may be supposed from its 
title, the color of its fur is brown, slightly variable in tint in different individuals, and often 
in the same individual at various ages. In many specimens it is found that the neck is encir- 
cled with a white band when the animal is young, but that this curious mark is soon merged 
into the general brown tint of the fur as the animal increases in years and dimensions. This 
white neck-band was once supposed to be the mark of a male cub, but is now ascertained 
that it belongs equally to the male and female sex. In general it is merged into the brown fur 
after the second or third year, but in some instances it remains throughout the entire life of 
the animal, which is on that account termed a ‘‘ Ring Bear.”’ 

The size to which a well-fed and undisturbed Brown Bear will grow is really surprising, 


i 


\ Hh 


i i i 


BROWN BEAR. 


15 


co 


A GHNTLEMANLY BEAR. 


for although it loses its growing properties after its twentieth year, it seems permanently to 
retain the capability of enlargement, and when in a favorable situation will live to a very great 
age. The weight of an adult Brown Bear in good condition is very great, being some- 
times from seven to eight hundred pounds when the creature is remarkably fine, and from 
five to six hundred pounds in ordinary cases. Mr. Falk remarks that a Bear which he 
killed was so enormously heavy, that when slung on a pole it was a weighty burden for ten 
bearers. 

The Brown Bear is not so formidable a foe to cattle and flocks as might be supposed 
from the strength, courage, and voracity of the animal, as it has been often known to live for 
years in the near vicinity of farms without making any inroads upon the live stock. For- 
tunately for the farmers and cattle owners of Northern Europe, the Brown Bear is chiefly 
indebted for its food to roots and vegetable substances, or the sheds and folds would soon 
be depopulated. As a general fact, the Bear does not trouble itself to pursue the cattle, 
and in many cases owes its taste for blood to the absurd conduct of the cattle, which are 
apt to bellow and charge at the Bear as soon as it makes its appearance. The Bear is then 
provoked to retaliation, and in so doing, learns a taste for blood which never afterwards 
deserts it. = 

When a Bear has once taken up the business of cattle-stealing, there is no peace in the 
neighborhood until the country is freed from the presence-of the marauder. It is said that the 
Bear is more virulent in the destruction of cattle when the weather is wet and cloudy than 
when it is dry and clear. 

Ants form a favorite article of diet with the Bear, which scrapes their nests out of the earth 
with its powerful talons, and laps up the ants and their so-called ‘‘eggs’’ with its ready 
tongue. Bees and their sweet produce are greatly to the taste of the Bear, which is said to 
make occasional raids upon the bee-hives, and to plunder their contents. 

Vegetables of various kinds are favorite articles of diet with the Bear, and in the selection 
of these dainties the animal evinces considerable taste. According to Mr. Lloyd, ‘‘the Bear 
feeds on roots, and the leaves and small limbs of the aspen, mountain-ash, and other trees ; 
he is also fond of succulent plants, such as angelica, mountain-thistle, ete. ‘To berries he 
is likewise very partial, and during the autumnal months, when they are ripe, he devours vast 
quantities of cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, cloudberries, and other berries 
common to the Scandinavian forests. Ripe corn he also eats, and sometimes commits no- 
small havoc amongst it; for seating himself, as it is said, on his haunches in a field of it, he 
collects with his outstretched arms nearly a sheaf at a time, the ears of which he then de- 
vours.”’ 

Even in captivity the Bear retains this fruit-loving propensity. One of these animals, 
which was being maltreated by a cruel owner, was benevolently purchased by one of my 
friends, a military officer, who had no sooner concluded the bargain than he repented of his 
kindness, for the Bear was so demonstrative in its expressions of gratitude that he began to be 
rather uneasy, and having no possible locality wherein to lodge his new acquisition, he felt 
himself in some perplexity as to its lodging. However, he got the Bear into a post-chaise, and 
having taken the precaution to purchase a great many bottles of strawberries, he urged the 
post-boy to drive at his best speed, and set himself to propitiate his new acquaintance. The 
Bear took the strawberries in a very polished manner, and ate them deliberately, rejecting the 
green calices as fastidiously as if it had been accustomed to good society all its life. However, 
the fruit vanished so fast, that the unfortunate proprietor became alarmed for his own safety, 
and was not fairly relieved from his fears until he was deposited at the door of the barracks in 
which the headquarters of his regiment were at that time established. The Bear, on seeing so 
many blue-coated strangers, became alarmed in its turn, and fled for protection to the only 
person with whom it was acquainted. 

It so happened that the mess dinner was just served, and that the proprietor of the Bear 
had but time to make a hasty toilet, and gain the mess-room. On this occasion the command- 
ing officer was delayed for a few minutes, and while the assembled guests were awaiting his 
arrival, the Bear walked into the room, having sniffed its way after its master. The unex- 


314 HYBERNATION OF THE BEAR. 


pected intruder advanced to the table, and, mounting upon the colonel’s chair, began to 
inspect the festive arrangements. Just as the Bear had lifted’a dish-cover off the joint at the 
head of the table—a feat which it performed as dexterously as if it had been accustomed to 
wait at table all its life—the colonel entered the room, and when he saw the strange intruder 
who had taken such unceremonious possession of his seat, he demanded, with some irritation, 
‘who brought the animal there?” and was told he was only a friend of the officer. 

The Bear speedily became a favorite in the regiment, and was promoted to the office 
of sentinel over the property contained in a baggage-wagon. Unfortunately, the poor animal’s 
sense of justice was so acute that it executed its responsible office with too much zeal. On one 
occasion, a soldier had gone to the wagon with the intention of robbing it of some of the property 

-contained therein, and quietly inserted his arm under the coverings. His intended depredation 


BROWN BEAR—UO7rsus arctos. 


was, however, soon checked by the teeth of the watchful Bear, which bit his arm with such 
severity that the limb was rendered useless for the rest of the man’s life. Some little time 
after this occurrence, a child belonging to the regiment made a similar attempt upon the 
wagon, and was killed by the Bear in its anxiety to fulfil the trust that had been committed to 
its charge. As the animal was manifestly an unsafe one, and it was feared that the creature 
might gain a thirst for blood, it was condemned to be shot, although not without much regret 
on the part of judge and executioners. 

The various military adventures of this Bear are very curious, but would occupy too large 
a space for the present work. 

During the autumn, the Bear becomes extremely fat, in consequence of the ample feasts 
which it is able to enjoy, and makes its preparations for passing the cold and inhospitable 
months of winter. About the end of October the Bear has completed its winter house, and 
ceases feeding for the year. The saccharine-loving instinct of the Bear which leads it to dis- 
cover a bee’s nest, however carefully it may be concealed, and to undergo much toil and 
trouble for the sake of the sweet banquet, seems to be given to the animal for the purpose of 
enabling it to lay up within its own body a supply of fat which shall serve the double purpose 
of sustaining the creature in proper condition during its long fast, and of loading the body 
with carbon for the purpose of producing the state of lethargy, in which the animal passes 


ADVENTURES WITH THE BROWN BEAR. 315 


the winter. It is well known that sugar has the property of producing fat to a very great 
extent, and as it possesses more of the saccharine property than any other natural substance, 
the Bear is led by its instinct to search for and to devour this valuable food with untiring 
assiduity. 

Again, the excess of carbon, whether it be diffused in the atmosphere or concentrated, in 
the body, is always productive of sleep, or rather of lethargy, as is seen by the constant drow- 
siness of human beings when overloaded with this condensed carbon, or when they are placed 
in a room which is charged with the carbonic acid gas that has been exhaled from the lungs of 
its inhabitants. 

A curious phenomenon now takes place in the animal's digestive organs, which gives it 
the capability of remaining through the entire winter in a state of lethargy, without food, and 
yet without losing condition. As the stomach is no longer supplied with nourishment, it soon 
becomes quite empty, and, together with the intestines, is contracted into a very small space. 
No food can now pass through the system, for a mechanical obstruction—technically called 
the ‘‘tappen’’—blocks up the passage, and remains in its position until the spring. The 
“tappen’’ is almost entirely composed of pine-leaves, and the various substances which the 
Bear scratches out of the ants’ nests. 

From the end of October to the middle of April the Bear remains in his den, in a dull, 
lethargic state of existence ; and it is a curious fact that if a hybernating Bear be discovered 
and killed in its den it is quite as fat as if it had been slain before it retired to its resting- 
place. Experienced hunters say that even at the end of its five months’ sleep, the Bear is as 
fat as at its beginning. Sometimes it is said that the Bear loses the ‘‘ tappen”’ too soon, and 
in that case it immediately loses its sleek condition, and becomes extremely thin. During the 
winter, the Bear gains a new skin on the balls of the feet, and Mr. Lloyd suggests that the 
curious habit of sucking the paws, to which Bears are so prone, is in order to facilitate the growth 
of the new integument. 

The den in which the Bear passes a long period of its life is mostly found under the 
sheltering defence of rocks or tree-roots, but is sometimes composed of moss which the Bear 
gathers into a hillock, and into which it creeps. These moss-houses are not so easily discov- 
ered as might be supposed, for the habitation bears a very close resemblance to an ordinary 
hillock, and when the ground is covered with a uniform carpet of snow, might easily be passed 
without detection. 

Bears are nearly as careful of their comfort as cats, and take the greatest pains to prepare 
a soft and warm bed, in which they lie at ease during their long sleep. The flooring of their 
winter-house is thickly covered with dried leaves and all kinds of similar substances, the 
smaller branches of the pine-tree being in great request for this purpose. In the Swedish 
language this moss-house is known by the name of ‘‘ Korg.”’ ; 

Heavy and unwieldy as the Bear may seem to be, it is possessed of marvellous activity, 
and when disturbed in its den rushes out with such astonishing rapidity that it will baffle the 
aim of any but a cool and experienced hunter. One writer, who witnessed the sudden issuing 
of a Bear from its den and its escape from its pursuers, compares the animal to those children’s 
toys that are popularly called ‘‘skip-jacks,’’ and which execute somersaults by means of a 
twisted string, a wooden lever, and a little shoemakers’ wax. 

If captured when young, the Brown Bear is readily tamed, and is capable of mastering 
many accomplishments. It is a very playful animal, and seems to have a keen sense of the 
ludicrous, which sometimes causes it to overpass the bounds of good breeding. To its owner 
it displays a great affection, and can be trained to follow him about like a dog. Two of these 
animals belonging to Mr. Lloyd, and which he had tamed, were very gamesome in their dispo- 
sition, although, as they increased in size and strength, their frolicsome disposition became 
rather annoying. They were extremely fond of their master, and would seek him on every 
occasion. If he fastened the door of his room against his troublesome pets, they would clamber 
up the side of the house, and gain access by the window. 

It is said that if domesticated Bears be permitted to remain in a secluded place they will 
pass the winter in a torpid state. 


° 


316 ADVENTURES WITH THE BROWN BEAR. 


The affectionate nature of the Brown Bear is not only exercised towards human friends, 
but towards each other. Two of these animals which were born in captivity were exceed- 
ingly attached to each other. One of the two was sold and removed from its companion, 
which immediately became uneasy at the protracted absence of its playfellow. So deeply was 
its*affectionate heart wounded by the separation, that it became nearly mad, and at last con- 
trived to make its escape from its place of confinement, evidently with the intention of search- 
ing after its lost friend. It was captured and replaced in its cage, but its health became so 
seriously affected that its owners were obliged to repurchase its companion and restore it to its 
disconsolate relation. 

Savage as is the Bear when attacked, it is naturally of a kind and playful disposition, 
seldom inflicting injury except when urged by fear or hunger. Mr. Atkinson, in his valuable 
work on Siberia, relates a curious and interesting anecdote of the gentleness which naturally 
actuates the Brown Bear: 

Two children, of four and six years of age, had wandered away from their home, and were 
after a little time missed by their parents, who set out in search of their offspring. To their 
horror and astonishment they found their children engaged in play with a large Bear, which 
responded to their infantine advances in a most affectionate manner. One of the children was 
feeding its shaggy playfellow with fruit, while the other had mounted on its back and was 
seated on its strange steed strong in the fearlessness of childish ignorance. 

The parents gave a terrified scream on seeing the danger to which their children were 
exposed, and the Bear, on seeing their approach, quietly turned away from the children and 
went into the forest. 

The same writer records a curious adventure with a Bear, which partakes largely of the 
ludicrous. 

A woman had lost her donkey, and after a long and fatiguing search she at last came 
on the missing animal. Being very much irritated with the truant for his misconduct, she 
fell to scolding and beating him with the handle of a broom which she happened to be carry- 
ing. Her vituperation and castigation were, however, suddenly checked by the discovery 
that the animal which she was beating so unceremoniously was not her donkey, but a great 
Brown Bear. The astonishment of the two seems to have been mutual, for the Bear was 
evidently as much confused by the unwarranted assault as was the woman by the sight of her 
antagonist ; so that after looking at each other for a few moments, the Bear turned tail and 
ran away as fast as his legs would carry him. 

It is but seldom that the Bear will make an unprovoked attack on a human being, and 
when he does so, it is generally because he is rendered desperate by the pangs of hunger. In 
such a case, the Bear is greatly to be dreaded by the benighted traveller, especially if he hap- 
pen to be journeying alone and has no companion who may share his watch. 

That wild beasts of all kinds are scared away by fire is a well-known fact, but the hungry 
Bear is of so cunning a nature that it even sets at defiance the flaming circle which would at 
other times afford a secure protection to the sleeping traveller. It is true that the Bear does 
not venture to cross the fiery barrier, but it contrives to avoid the difficulty in a most ingenious 
manner. Going to the nearest stream, it immerses itself into the water so as to saturate its 
fur with moisture, and then, returning to the spot where the intended prey lies asleep, the. 
animal rolls over the flaming embers, quenching the glowing brands, and then makes its attack 
upon the sleeper. This curious fact is well known among the natives of Siberia, so that they 
have good grounds for the respect in which they hold the Bear’s intellectual powers. 

The Bear is possessed of several valuable accomplishments, being a wonderful climber of 
trees and rocks, an excellent swimmer, and a good digger. 

During the time when it is engaged in feeding, the Bear is constantly in the habit of 
climbing up all kinds of elevated spots, for the purpose of obtaining food, either vegetable or 
animal. Leaves of various trees are a favorite article of diet with the animal, as are also the 
nests of the wild bees and ants. Trusting to its powers of swimming, the Bear does not hesi- 
tate to cross considerable rivers in search of food or in order to escape from its enemies, and it 
is in the habit of taking frequent baths during the hotter months of the year, for the sake of 


x 


THE BLACK BEHAR. 317 


cooling its heated frame. Its digging capabilities are brought into use on many occasions, 
such as the demolition of an ants’ nest previous to swallowing the inhabitants, or in scraping 
for itself a,comfortable habitation for the winter. 

_ The number of cubs which the female Bear produces is from one to four, and they are very 
small during the first few days of their existence. They make their appearance at the end of 
January or the beginning of February, and it is a curious fact that, although the mother has 
at the time been deprived of food for nearly three months, and does not take any more food 
until the spring, she is able to afford ample nourishment to her young without suffering any 
apparent diminution in her condition. It is said by those who have had personal experience 
of the habits of the Bear, that the mother takes the greatest care of her offspring during the 
summer, but that when winter approaches, she does not suffer them to partake of her residence, 
but prepares winter-quarters for them in her immediate neighborhood. During the winter 
another little family is born, and when they issue forth from their home they are joined by 
the elder cubs, and the two families pass the next winter in the mother’s den. 


THE SYRIAN BEAR, which is otherwise known by the names of Duss, or Rirck, is doubly 
interesting to us, not only on account of its peculiarly gentle character, but from the fact that 
it is the animal which is so often mentioned in the Scriptural writings under the title of the 
Bear. The animals which are represented as issuing from the wood and avenging the insults 
offered to Elisha, and the Bear which David attacked and killed in defence of his flock, 
belonged to the species which is now known by the name of the Syrian Bear. 

Even at the present day, the precise number of species into which the members of 
the Bear tribe are resolvable is not very satisfactorily ascertained. It seems evident, how- 
ever, that the Ritck, Isabella Bear, or Syrian Bear, may fairly be considered as a separate 
species. 

The color of this animal is rather peculiar, and varies extremely during the different 
periods of its life. While it is in its earliest years, the color of its fur is a grayish-brown, but 
as the animal increases in years, the fur becomes gradually lighter in tint, and when the Bear 
has attained maturity, is nearly white. , 

The hair is long and slightly curled, and beneath the longer hair is a thick and warm 
covering of closely-set woolly fur, which seems to defend the animal from the extremes of 
heat or cold. Along the shoulders and front of the neck, the hair is so perpendicularly set, 
and projects so firmly, that it gives the appearance of a mane, somewhat resembling that of 
the hyena. 

At the present day, the Syrian Bear may be found in the mountainous parts of Palestine, 
and has been frequently seen upon the higher Lebanon mountains. The summit of the moun- 
tain itself is composed of two snow-clad peaks, and it is remarkable that the Bear has only 
been found on one of these peaks, ‘‘ Makmel,’’ as it is called, while the other—Gebel Sanin—is 
apparently free from these animals. The Bear appears to remain upon the upper portions 
of the mountains during the hours of daylight, but as soon as the evening draws near it 
descends from its rocky fastness in search of food, and often causes considerable alarm to the 
traveller. 


AMERICA furnishes several species of the Bear tribe, two of which, the Grizzly Bear and 
the Musquaw, or Buack Berar, are the most conspicuous. 


The Black Bear is found in many parts of Northern America, and was formerly seen in 
great plenty. But as the fur and the fat are articles of great commercial and social value, the 
hunters have exercised their craft with such determination that the Black Bears are sensibly 
diminishing in number. The fur of the Black Bear is not so roughly shaggy as that of the 
European or the Syrian Bear, but is smooth and glossy in its appearance, so that.it presents a 


318 THE BLACK BEAR. 


very handsome aspect to the eye, while its texture is as thick and warm as that of its rougher- 
furred relations. 

This creature is but little given to animal food, and will restrict itself to a vegetable diet 
unless pressed by hunger. It is, however, very fond of the little snails which come up to feed 
on the sweet prairie-grass as soon as it is sufficiently moistened by showers or dew to suit the 
locomotive capabilities of those wet-loving mollusks, and is extremely fond of honey, in search 
of which dainty it displays great acuteness and perseverance. 

Few trees afford so unstable a footing, that the Black Bear will not surmount them in 
order to reach a nest of wild bees, and there are few obstacles which his ready claws and teeth 


Si gery 
LLIN 


MUSQUAW, OR AMERICAN BLACK BEAR.—Ursus americanus. 


will not remove in order to enable him to reach the subjacent dainty. Even if the honey and 
comb be deeply concealed in the hollow of a tree, and the entrance by which the bees find 
ingress and egress to and from their habitation be too small for the insertion of a paw, the 
Bear will set steadily to work with his teeth, and deliberately gnaw his way through the solid 
wood until he has made a breach sufficiently wide to answer his purpose. When once he has 
succeeded in bringing the combs to light, he scrapes them together with his fore-paws, and 
devours comb, honey, and young, without troubling himself about the stings of the surviving 
bees. 

The hunters, who are equally fond of honey, find that if it is eaten in too great plenty it 
produces very unpleasant symptoms, which may be counteracted by mixing it with the oil 
which they extract from the fat of the Bear. This custom of eating mingled oil and honey 
affords a partial explanation of the prophecy, ‘‘ Butter and honey shall he eat,’? which was 
necessarily put forth in language which was in accordance with the popular ideas of the 
period. 

The flesh of the Bear is held in high esteem among the colonists and native hunters, and 
when properly prepared is considered a great delicacy by the denizens of civilized localities. 
The hams, when cured after the approved recipe, are greatly esteemed by epicures. The Brown 
Bear of Europe is also famed for the excellent quality of the meat which it furnishes. 

The Black Bear is the most familiar species in America, being pretty well known in all 
portions, In the season, many of our city markets are provided with Bears’ meat. It was 


BEARS GREASE. 319 


once so common in New York that Bear Market was the name given to one place that made a 
specialty of the meat. 

This Bear's habitat ranges from the northern portion of the Continent to Mexico. In 
California it is replaced by the Grizzly Bear. 

The fat of the Bear is, as is well known, considered as an infallible specific for increasing 
the growth of the hair and promoting its gloss, and is therefore a valuable article of commerce. 
The only portion of the fat that is legitimately employed for this purpose is the hard white 
fat which is found in the interior of the body. As might be expected from the enormous 
amount of titular ‘‘ Bear’s grease’? which is annually consumed, but a very small proportion 
of the substance which is called by that name has ever formed part of a Bear’s person. The 
pig steps in to make good the deficiency, and the greater portion of the material which is sold 
under the name of Bear’s grease, is in reality nothing more nor less than hog’s lard, colored and 
scented in order to charm the eye and nostrils of the purchaser. There is yet another use to 
which the fat of the Bear is put, which will be presently mentioned. 

The chase of the Musquaw, or Black Bear, is an extremely dangerous one, and there are 
but very few Bear-hunters, however dexterous they may be, who do not in the end succumb to 
the claws and teeth of one of these powerful animals. Although it is naturally a very quiet 
and retiring creature, keeping itself aloof from mankind, and never venturing near his haunts 
except when incited by the pangs of fierce hunger, it is a truly ferocious beast when hemmed 
in by its antagonists, and all hope of escape cut off. Seated erect, with its eyeballs darting fury, 
its ears laid closely upon its head, its tongue lolling out of its mouth, and every gesture glow- 
ing with fierce energy, it presents a sight that is sufficient to unnerve any but an experienced 
hunter, who has learned by long practice to preserve a cool demeanor under the most exciting 
circumstances. Horses are almost useless at such a juncture, for unless they have been most 
carefully trained to the task, they are seized with such mental terror at the sight and scent of 
the infuriate animal that they give way to their frantic fears, and become wholly unman- 
ageable by their rider. As the Bear stands, or rather sits at bay, it deals such terrible and 
tapid blows with its ready paws that it strikes down the attacking dogs as if they were so 
many rabbits, and ever and anon makes a furious charge at its enemies. Nothing but a rifle- 
ball seems to check the creature when it is wrought up to this pitch of fury, for even the 
severest wounds from a knife seem, unless they reach the heart, to have only the effect of 
exciting the animal to more furious rage. 

The Musquaw has a curious habit of treading frequently in the same path, so that after a 
little time it makes out for itself certain roads, which are easily detected by the practiced eye 
of the hunter, and often lead to the destruction of the animal which trod them. 

During the month of June the Bears are very thin, and their flesh is considered to be of no 
value whatever ; so that they enjoy a short period of unmolested ease. As they are especially 
fierce at this time of the year, the hunters have a double reason for keeping aloof from the 
animals which they persecute with a deadly pertinacity throughout the other portions of the 
year. Their peculiar ferocity at this time is attributable to the fact that the male Bears are 
engaged in seeking their mates, and when it happens, as is often the case, that two or more 
males take a fancy to the same female, they fight for the desired prize with unrelenting fury. 

As is the case with the Bears which have already been mentioned, the Black Bear is in the 
habit of passing the cold months of winter in some comfortable residence which it has prepared 
in the course of the summer. Practical hunters, however, remark that unless the Bear is 
exceedingly fat at the commencement of the cold season, it does not venture to betake itself to 
its winter home, but gets through the winter without hybernation. 

This species of Bear is remarkably prolific, the number of cubs which are produced at a 
birth being from one to four. When newly born they are very small, being only six or eight 
inches in length, and covered with gray hair. The month in which they make their entry into 
the world is either January or February, and they remain under strict maternal control until 
they are six months of age. For the first year of their existence the fur continues to retain 
‘the gray hue, but when they reach their second year the light-hued hair gives place to the 
glossy black coat which distinguishes the Musquaw. They shed their coat twice in the year; 


320 THE GRIZZLY BEAR. 


namely, in spring and autumn; so that when the winter arrives, they are defended from its 
rigors by a new and warm covering of thickly planted hair. On account of this change in the 
color of the fur, the juvenile Musquaw has been considered as a separate species, and admitted 
into systematic catalogues under the name of Yellow, or Cinnamon Bear. 


THERE are few animals which are so widely and deservedly dreaded as the GrizzLy BEAR. 
This terrible animal is an inhabitant of many portions of Northern America, and is the 
acknowledged superior of every animal that ranges over the same country. 

The other members of the ursine family are not given to attacking human beings, unless 
they are alarmed or wounded, but the Grizzly, or ‘‘ Ephraim,” as the creature is familiarly 


GRIZZLY BEAR.—Orsus feron. 


termed by the hunters, displays a most unpleasant readiness to assume the offensive as soon as 
it perceives a man, be he mounted or on foot, armed or otherwise. 

Yet the Bear is not entirely without the innate dread of humanity which is instinctively 
implanted in every known animal, for, although it will attack a man without hesitation, it will 
not venture to follow up his track, and even if it should come across the air which is tainted 
by his presence, the Grizzly Bear will escape as fast as he canrun. To this curious instinct 
the hunters have more than once owed their lives. 

One man, who was engaged in duck-shooting, and whose gun was only loaded with shot, 
was suddenly alarmed at seeing a Grizzly Bear cantering towards him, having clearly already 
made up his mind to attack him. For the moment, the old man was in despair, but his pres- 
ence of mind soon returned, and he made his escape in a very ingenious manner. Plucking 
some of the light fibres from his rough coat, he threw them in the air, in order to ascertain the 
direction of the wind, and then moved to one side, so as to cause the wind to blow from him- 
self towards the advancing foe. As soon as the Bear perceived the strange scent, it stopped, 
sat upon its hind legs, wavered, and finally made off, leaving its intended prey master of the 
field. 

If, however, the anger of this terrible animal should be aroused by the pain of a wound, it 
cares little for men or their scent, but rushes furiously wpon them, dealing the most fearful 


THE GRIZZLY BEAR. 321 


blows with its huge paws, armed with their array of trenchant talons, and holding its power- 
ful teeth in readiness for a close combat. So tenacious of life is the Grizzly Bear, that 
unless it receives a wound in the head or heart it will continue its furious struggles, even 
though it be riddled with bullets and its body pierced with many a gaping wound. 
These warlike capacities render the creature respected by the natives and colonists, and 
the slaughter of a Grizzly Bear in fair fight is considered an extremely high honor. 
Among the native tribes that dwell in the northern portions of America, the possession 
of a necklace formed from the claws of the Grizzly Bear is considered an enviable mark 
of distinction. No one is permitted to wear such an ornament unless the Bear had 
fallen under his hand; consequently, the value of the decoration is almost incalculable. 
So largely is this mark of distinction prized, that the Indian who has achieved such dignity 
can hardly be induced to part with his valued ornament by any remuneration that can be 
offered. 

Mr. Palliser, who was fortunate enough to kill five of these terrible creatures, without 
suffering from their teeth or claws, bears ample testimony to the fury with which they make 
their assaults, and the need of a cool determination in the hunter who matches himself against 
such a foe. Just as the Bear approaches within a few yards of its adversary, it sits up on its 
hind legs for a moment, and then rushes forward with almost inconceivable velocity. But the 
moment when the Bear remains quiescent affords sufficient time for a determined hunter to 
take a steady aim, and to lodge a bullet in the heart or brain of the savage foe. 

When the hunter is sufficiently confident in his powers of nerve to match himself against 
the Bear, he can generally come upon his game by searching among the lower lying grounds, 
which are filled with rugged timber and scrub fruit-trees. 

It is generally supposed that the Grizzly Bear is unable to ascend trees, but it is now 
ascertained that the animal is quite an adept in tree-climbing, and makes use of the scandent 
art for the purpose of supplying itself with a bountiful and leisurely repast. As the Bear is 
very fond of acorns, and does not choose to gather them separately from the branches on which 
they grow, it ascends the trees, and with its powerful fore-limbs administers such severe blows 
and shakings to the boughs that the ripe acorns shower down like hail to the earth, whither 
the ingenious animal speedily descends in order to reap the benefit of its exertions. Yet it is 
frequently found that a man who has been chased by a Grizzly Bear has succeeded in saving 
his life by ascending a tree which the Bear has made repeated but ineffectual efforts to climb. 
The two accounts may be reconciled by the supposition that while the Bear is young, and com- 
paratively agile in proportion to its weight, it is capable of ascending a perpendicular tree- 
trunk ; but that when it becomes large and unwieldy, its limbs are not sufficiently powerful to 
raise so great a weight from the earth by so slight a hold as that which is afforded by the claws 
as they affix themselves to the rough bark. 

The color of the Grizzly Bear is extremely variable, so much so, indeed, that some zoolo- 
gists have suggested the existence of two distinct species. Sometimes the color of the fur is a 
dullish brown, plentifully flecked with grizzled hairs, and in other specimens the entire fur is 
of a beautiful steely gray. In every case, however these grizzled hairs are very conspicuous, 
so that there appears to be a certain tendency to whiteness in the surface of the fur. From 
this peculiarity, the specific title of ‘‘candescens,”’ or whitish, has been affixed to the Grizzly 
Bear by Major Smith, and the creature has, in one or two hunters’ narratives, been erroneously 
described as the White Bear. 

The Grizzly Bear (Ursus horribilis), or ferox, as it has been called, is met with nearest east 
in the Missouri River region, above Fort Pierre, and is abundant on the Yellowstone. Along 
the Rocky Mountains and towards Mexico it finds its natural habitat. A variety having slight 
differences in color is found in Sonora, and the copper regions of New Mexico. 

Mr. Bell, our venerable taxidermist, accompanied Audubon in his tour over the Rocky 
Mountain country. They encountered a Grizzly Bear on several occasions, when the creature 
quickly turned and tried to escape. These and other similar instances caused Mr. Audubon 
to believe that the Grizzly does not voluntarily attack man. Instances of savage encounter are 
always preceded by great provocation. 


299 THE GRIZZLY BEAR. 


ons 


In its earlier years, the young Grizzly Bear may boast of a really beautiful fur, which, 
although very long, thick, and shaggy, is not of that coarse, wiry texture which is notable as 
belonging to the coat of the adult animal. The fur of the juvenile Bear is of a brown color, 
with a dark stripe along the spine, and is so enormously thick and long, that as the animal 
shuffles along, it shakes up and down with every step. The gait of this creature is rather 
peculiar, as it swings its body ina curious and exceedingly awkward manner, and rolls its 
head from side to side in unison with the movement of its body. 

The fore-limbs of this animal are enormously powerful, and the feet of a full-grown adult 
are eighteen inches in length, ana armed with claws of five inches long. These claws are 
extremely staED and when the animal delivers a blow with its paw, the sharp-edged talons cut 
the adversary’s frame as if they were so many chisels. A singular peculiarity is found in 
these claws. The animal possesses the power of using them separately, and has been repeatedly 
seen to grasp a dry clod of earth in its foot, and to crumble it to pieces by the mere movement 
of the claws upon each other. The head is extremely large in proportion to the body, and the 
tail is so short that it is entirely hidden beneath the heavy fur that covers the hinder quarters. 
The native Indians are in the habit of amusing themselves with the perplexity of persons who 
are not aware of this circumstance, and whom they persuade that the carcase of a dead Grizzly 
Bear is easily lifted if seized by the tail,—a proceeding which bears a strong analogy to the 
method of capturing a bird by covering its tail with salt. 

All animals stand in great fear of this formidable beast, and display the greatest terror 
even at the sight or the scent of a Bear-skin that has been stripped from the body. Even the 
powerful bison falls a victim to the Gr izzly Bear, which has been seen to spring upon the fore- 
most bull of a herd, dash it to the ground, and destroy it by a succession of tremendous blows 
with its armed paws. Another of these animals contrived to carry off a bison that had been 
shot by a hunter, and, after dragging it to some distance from the spot where it fell, to bury 
it in a pit which it had dug for the reception of its prey. It is said that the other predaceous 
animals hold the Grizzly Bear in such respect that they will not venture to touch a deer which 
has been killed by this powerful creature, and that the very imprint of the Bear’s feet upon 
the soil is a warning which not even a hungry wolf will disregard. 

As might be expected, this disinclination to meddle with the Grizzly Bear extends to the 
dead animal itself, and to its skin and carcass. One of these creatures had been shot, and its 
skin taken from the body, but as the hunter was not strong enough to carry the weighty hide, 
he was forced to leave it unguarded for fifteen hours, exposed to the attacks of the myriad 
nocturnal prowlers that swarm in those regions. Yet, when he came at daybreak next morning 
to secure his prize, he found that neither the skin nor the carcass had sustained the least 
damage from the teeth of the wolves, although any other animal would have been totally 
devoured in a very short time. Horses evince such terror at the sight and smell of the Grizzly 
Bear that they will not permit the skin to be laid on their backs until they have been carefully 
trained to the unwelcome task. 

They are not very easily tamed, except when captured at an extremely early age ; but even 
in that case, they are rather rough in their manners, and are but dangerous cetellecaet They 
are extremely playful creatures when young, and are very amusing in their habits. One of 
these animals, which was captured by Mr. Palliser, behaved in a very amusing manner during 
the voyage homewards, and caused much mirth by its absurd pranks. ‘‘ Indeed,’’ as the writer 
observed, ‘‘ the Bear proved to be the most entertaining member of the whole ship’s company. 
He ate, drank, and played with the sailors, and proved such a source of amusement to them, 
that the captain, whom I have since had the pleasure of meeting, told me that he would gladly 
engage always to take a Bear with him when he went to sea in future. 

On board of a passage-boat, a sudden shower of rain drove all the passengers, including 
the Bear, below deck, and Mr. Palliser’s attention was roused by peals of laughter over the 
dining cabin. ‘‘On going above, to discover the cause of the merriment, I saw that the Bear 
was gone and his chain broken. The pilot, who had been relieved a few minutes before, now 
led me forward to inspect his caboose, which was surrounded by the passengers and deck 
hands, all in fits of laughter, 


THE GRIZZLY BEAR. 325 


‘*T could not make out the reason of it at first, until one of the bystanders pulled a corner 
of the blanket of the pilot’s bed, when, to my surprise, the jerk was answered by an indolent 
erowl. My friend Bruin having got drenched by the shower, had broken his chain in disgust, 
and actually found his way to the pilot’s bed, clambered into it, and rolled himself carefully 
between the blankets.- The good-humored pilot was not in the least angry, but, on the con- 
trary, highly amused, replying to my apologies as I kicked out his strange bed-fellow, ‘Oh! 
never mind, mister; why, what’s the hindrance to the blankets being dried again ?’”’ 

The same animal had contracted a strong friendship with a little antelope which was a 
fellow-voyager with himself ; and on one occasion performed a most chivalrous service in 
behalf of its defenceless little friend. 

As the antelope was being led through the streets, towards the vessel, a large mastiff flew 
at it, and was with difficulty kept at bay by the voice and stick of the person who was leading 
the terrified little creature. Mr. Palliser, who was following with the Bear, rushed to the 
rescue, but was outrun by the Bear, who dashed boldly forward and closed with the assailant 
ina moment. A fierce combat ensued, in which the Bear refrained at first from using his 
teeth or claws, and contented himself with seizing the mastiff in his powerful arms, and flinging 
him on his back with such violence that it rolled over and over on the ground. The dog, 
cheered by the voice of its master, succeeded at last in giving the Bear a tolerably sharp grip 
between its teeth. Incensed by the pain, Bruin lost his temper, and seizing the dog in his 
arms, squeezed the breath nearly out of its body, and was preparing to use its teeth, when the 
dog, which was rapidly choking under the terrible pressure of the Bear’s arms, contrived to 
extricate itself by a sudden struggle, and ran away with piteous howls, leaving the Bear 
master of the field. 

The length of a well-grown adult male is rather more than eight feet six inches, and the 
girth round the body is equal to the length. The weight of such an animal is rather more 
than eight hundred pounds. Specimens still larger are sometimes killed, but the average 
weight and dimensions are as given above. 

The powerful claws of this animal are employed not only for combat, but in digging up 
the earth for various purposes, such as the search after various roots and bulbs, and the inter- 
ment of some large animal which they have killed. The instinct for burying their prey is so 
largely developed in these creatures that they have more than once been deceived by the craft 
of a hunter, who, when resistance or escape was impracticable, has simulated death in order to 
disarm the wrath of the terrible animal. Thinking the man to be dead, and not being irri- 
tated by wounds, the Bear proceeds to scratch a pit in the earth, and to drag the unresisting 
prey into the hollow, and to cover him carefully with grass and leaves, pressing them well 
down, so as to conceal him effectually. Satisfied with its ‘precaution, the Bear betakes itself 
to rest, and the buried hunter seizes the opportunity of slipping quietly away while the ani- 
mal is engaged in repose. 

Grizzly Bears kept in captivity have always attracted great attention by their amusing 
and playful habits. Two of these underwent once a surgical operation, while under the influ- 
ence of chloroform. Bears are subject to ophthalmia, especially when in confinement, and are 
often totally deprived of sight by this disease. Until the discovery of the anesthetic powers 
of chloroform, the poor animals were doomed to hopeless blindness, but at the present day the 
Bear is rendered as quiet and harmless as a guinea-pig under the influence of this potent vapor. 

In order to place the sponge that contained the chloroform fairly under the animal’s 
nostrils, it was necessary to bring its head close to the bars of the cage, an operation which 
was with difficulty effected by the united efforts of four strong men. The sponge was then 
affixed to its snout, and in avery short time the animal was lying on the floor of its cage, 
without sense or motion. The door was then opened, and the Bear’s head being laid on a 
plank outside the cage, the operator speedily removed the obstacle. The animal was then 
replaced in the cage, where it lay for five or six minutes without motion, and at last contrived 
to get on its legs, and walk very unsteadily into its den. The next morning saw the Bear sitting 
at its ease, restored to sight, and feeling no apparent inconvenience from the contrast between 
the morning’s light and the thick dullness that had for so long a time oppressed its vision. 


324 THE BRUANG. 


THE THIBETIAN SuN-BEAR is an example of a group of Bears which have received the 
title of Sun-Bears, from their habit of basking in the rays of the burning sun, instead of with- 
drawing to their dens, as is the custom with the generality of Bears, as long as the sun pours 
its meridian beams on the earth. The name Helarctos, by which the genus is designated, is 
composed of two Greek words, the former signifying the sun, and the latter a Bear. 

The country in which the Thibetian Bear resides is manifest by its name. It has also been 
discovered in the Nepaul range of mountains. The fur of this creature is tolerably thick and 
smooth, and is generally of a black color, with the exception of the lower lip and a large patch 
of white hairs on the breast, which is narrow at the lower part, and, widening as it approaches 
the chin, separates into two short horns, which partially extend towards the shoulders. The 
entire spot bears, therefore, some resemblance to the letter Y rather imperfectly delineated, and 
with its upright stem rather shortened. 

The body of the Thibetian Bear is heavily, but strongly made, and the limbs seem to be 
rather less agile than those of the American or Scandinavian Bears. The claws are not so 
powerful as those of the generality of Bears, the ears are comparatively large, and the neck is 
peculiarly thick. It seems chiefly to rely for its subsistence on fruit, roots, and various vege- 
table productions. It is not quite so large as the Bears which have already been mentioned. 


A VERY curious example of the Sun-Bears is found in the species which is known by the 
name of the BruaNnG, or MALAYAN Sun-Bear, and has been rendered famous by the spirited 
description of its appearance and habits which has been given by Sir Stamford Ratfiles. 

The fur of this animal is particularly fine and glossy, and the hair is shorter than in the 
generality of the Bear tribe. The color of its fur is a very deep black, with the exception of a 
large semi-lunar shaped patch of white on the breast, and a yellowish-white patch on the snout 
and upper jaw, which afford a striking and curious contrast to the uniformly black color of the 
fur. The lips and tongue of this Bear are extremely flexible, and are capable of being pro- 
longed to an almost incredible extent. It is supposed that the great length of its tongue, and 
the exceedingly flexible power of that organ, are intended for the purpose of enabling the 
animal to obtain the honey from the nest of the wild bee, by insinuating its lithe tongue into 
the apertures of the hive, and licking the sweet food from the waxen treasuries. 

The head of the Bruang is rather thick, and the neck is singularly powerful in comparison 
with the size of the head. The eyes are very small, and the iris is of a rather pale lilac color, 
and tolerably lively in its appearance. It is not a large animal, measuring when adult only 
four feet six inches in length, but it is extremely powerful in proportion to its size, being able 
to grasp and tear from the ground the strongly-rooted plantains of Borneo, which are so large 
that the Bear is hardly able to embrace them in its grasp. The claws of the Bruang are 
extremely long. 

When in its wild state, it is almost entirely a vegetable eater, preferring fruit before most 
articles of diet, and making great havoc-among the tender shoots of the cocoa-nut trees. In 
some parts of Sumatra, where the villages have been deserted, the cocoa-nut groves have been 
entirely destroyed by the insatiate appetite of the Bruang. 

As it is easily tamed, it is frequently seen in a state of domestication, and is a very amus- 
ing and gentle creature, associating freely with children, and earning by its uniformly quiet 
conduct the privilege of unrestricted liberty. Sir Stamford Raffles, who possessed one of 
these Bears, permitted it to live in the nursery, and never was obliged to chain, chastise, or 
otherwise punish the good-tempered animal. Being something of an epicure, and often 
admitted to his master’s table, the Bruang would refuse to eat any fruit except mongosteens, 
or to drink any wine except champagne. It may seem remarkable that a Bear should display 
any predilection for fermented liquids, and more so that it should be so fastidious as to select 
champagne as the wine which it honored with its preference. Such, however, was the case, 
and the animal was so fondly attached to the champagne-bottle, that the absence of his favorite 
liquid was the only circumstance that would make him lose his temper. His affectionate dis- 
position led him to extend his friendship to various of his acquaintances, and he was on such 
excellent terms with the entire household, that he would meet on equal footing the cat, the 


THE BORNEAN BRUANG. 325 


dog, and a small Lory, or Blue-mountain bird, and amicably feed with them from the same 
dish. 

One of these Bears that was successfully domesticated was able to eat animal as well as 
vegetable food, but was fed exclusively on bread and milk, of which it consumed rather more 
than ten pounds per diem. It is possessed of much flexibility of body, and is very fond of 
sitting on its hind legs, thrusting out its long tongue to an extraordinary distance, and ever 
and anon withdrawing it into the mouth with a peculiar snapping sound. While thus engaged, 
it makes the most grotesque and singular gestures with the fore-limbs, and rolls its body from 
side to side with unceasing assiduity. It seldom remains in one position for any length of 


BRUANG, OR MALAYAN SUN-BEAR.—Helarclos malayanus. 


time, and, although its movements are not characterized by much energy or rapidity, it is evi- 
dently possessed of much power over its limbs, and if it were disposed to enter into strife 
would probably use its long talons to good purpose. 

RESEMBLING the Malayan Bruang in general habits and disposition, the BoRNEAN Brv- 

d 5 fo) 

ANG, or SuN-BEAR, is acknowledged to belong to a different species from the animal which 
has just been described. The color of its fur is nearly as black as that of the Bruang; but the 
patch upon its breast is of an orange hue, instead of the grayish white which is so conspicuous 
in the Malayan Bruang. 


326 THE ASWAIL, OR SLOTH BEAR. 


Like that animal, it can sit or stand on its hinder limbs with the greatest ease, and pos- 
sesses nearly as much flexile power of lip and tongue as the Bruang. It has a curious habit 
of placing its superabundant food upon its hinder paws, as if to guard it from the defilement’ 
of sand or dust, and feeds itself by slow degrees with dainty Generales, 

It is extremely fond of fruits and various vegetables, and is, in its native country, a 
dreaded foe to the cocoa-nut trees and their fruit. The animal is so excellent a climber that 
it cannot be baffled by loftiness of trunk or smoothness of bark; and when the creature has 
attained the summit of the tree it frequently destroys the life of the tree by devouring the 
topmost shoot for the sake of its delicate succulence. The cocoa-nuts themselves are objects 
of interest to the Bornean Bruang, who is extremely fond of the peculiarly-flavored liquid 
that is found in the interior of the nut; and when he has reached a cluster of ripe nuts will 
tear them from the tree and fling them on the ground. 

In captivity it is gentle, playful, and amusing, and possesses very curious and almost 
ludicrous habits, which render it an object of interest to its visitors. Profoundly sensible of 
human sympathies, and almost as fond of notice as a cat, the Bornean Bruang will accept with 
evident delight the caresses of its visitors, and is pleased to be patted or stroked by kindly 
hands, provided that it does not happen to be in a bad humor at the time. Should the animal 
consider itself to be insulted—a matter of rather frequent occurrence—it will contumeliously 
reject all advances, and will not consent to receive any mark of attention until the offender 
is fairly out of sight. 


UNWIELDY in its movements, and grotesque in its form, the AswatIL, or SLorH BEAR, 
is one of the most curious members of this group of animals. It is found in the mountainous 
parts of India, and is equally dreaded and admired by the natives of the same country. 

Although a sufficiently harmless creature if permitted to roam unmolested among its 
congenial scenery of mountain and precipice, it is at the same time an extremely dangerous 
foe if its shumbering passions are aroused by wounds or bodily pain of any kind. It needs, 
however, that the wound be tolerably severe to induce the animal to turn upon the person 
that inflicted the injury ; for should it only be slightly wounded, it runs forward in a straight 
line, as if it were actuated by the one idea of getting as far as possible away from the object 
which had caused it so much bodily suffering, and can but seldom be finally captured. 

Asa general rule, the Aswail remains within its sheltered den during the hot hours of the 
day, as its feet seem to be extremely sensitive to heat, and suffer greatly from the bare rocks 
and stones which have been subjected to the burning rays of that glowing Indian sun. On 
one or two occasions, however, where the wounded Bear had been successfully tracked and 
killed, the soles of the poor animal’s feet were found to be horribly scorched and blistered by 
the effects of the heated rocks over which the creature had recklessly passed in its haste to 
escape from its enemies. 

On account of this extreme -sensitiveness of the Aswail’s foot, it is very seldom seen by 
daylight, and is generally captured and killed by hunters who track it to its sleeping-place, 
and then attack their drowsy prey. 

The Aswail is said. never to eat vertebrate animals except on very rare occasions, when it 
is severely pressed by hunger. Its usual diet consists of various roots, bees’ nests, together 
with their honey and young bees, grubs, snails, slugs, and ants, of which insects it is extremely 
fond, and which it eats in very great numbers. 

Probably on account of its mode of feeding, its flesh is in much favor as an article of diet, 
and though rather coarse in texture, is said by those who have had practical experience of its 
qualities to be extremely good. 

The fat of this Bear is very highly valued among the natives and the European residents, 
being used chiefly for the lubrication of the delicate steel work that is employed in the interior 
of gun-locks. For this purpose the fat is prepared in a similar manner to that of the tiger, 
pane cut into long strips, forced into closely stoppered bottles, and placed during the maine 
day in the blazing rays of the sun. The powerful sunbeams soon melt the fat into a homo- 
geneous mass, and when the evening begins to draw on, the contents of the bottle are found to 


SELMAR HESS, PUBLISHER, N. Y. 


ASWAIL, OR SLOTH BEAR, 


rt 


THE ASWAIL, OR SLOTH BEAR. 327 


settle into a firm and white substance, which has the property of remaining untainted even in 
that heated climate, where, if no such precaution were taken, it would ina very few hours 
become a mass of putrescent abomination. The prepared fat is especially valuable for gun- 
locks, as it preserves the bright steel from rust, and does not clog with constant service, as is 
the case with almost every other animal oil. 

In connection with this subject it may be as well to mention that the ordinary ‘‘ trotter 
oil,”’ or ‘‘ neats’-foot oil,’ may be prepared for the most delicate work in a similar manner. 
If a bottle of this oil be placed in the sun’s rays, and a few strips of lead dropped into the 
vessel, an extraordinarily heavy deposit begins to take place, and fills the lower part of the 
bottle. The upper part, however, remains bright and limpid as crystal, and by a repetition of 
the same process may be so effectually purified that it will never be liable to that annoying 
viscidity which detracts so much from the value of animal oils that have been for some time in 
use. It is in this manner that watch makers purify the oil for the lubrication of the delicate 
machinery of their trade. 

Very little is known of the habits of this Bear while in its wild state, but it would appear 
from the conduct of two young animals that inhabited the same cage in the Zoological Gar- 
dens, that it must be a gentle and affectionate creature. 

It is, at all events, known that the maternal Aswail is in the habit of carrying on her back 
those of her offspring that are not able to make full use of their own means of progression. 

The two animals that were kept in the Zoological Gardens were accustomed to lie close to 
each other, and while in that easy position used to suck their paws after the usual ursine 
fashion, uttering at the same time a kind of bearish purr, as an expression of contentment. 
This sound, although it partakes of the nature of a whine, admixed with the purr, is not with- 
out a musical intonation, and may be heard at some little distance. Indeed, it has not unfre- 
quently happened that the Bear has been betrayed to its pursuers by the continuous sound 
which it utters while lying half asleep within its den. 

The hair which covers the body and limbs is of singular length, especially upon the back 
of the neck and the head, imparting a strange and grotesque appearance to the animal. The 
color of the fur is of a deep black, interspersed here and there with hairs of a brownish hue. 
Upon the breast, a forked patch of whitish hairs is distinctly visible. When it walks, its 
fore-feet cross over each other, like those of an accomplished skater when accomplishing the 
“‘cross-roll,’’ but when it remains in a standing attitude its feet are planted at some distance 
from each other. - 

These Bears seem to be very liable to the loss of their incisor teeth, and even in the skulls 
of very young animals the teeth have been so long missing that their sockets have been filled 
up by nature as if no teeth had ever grown there. On account of this curious deficiency, a 
captured specimen was thought to be a gigantic sloth, and was classed among those animals 
under the name of Bradypus ursinus, or Ursine Sloth. In one work it was candidly described 
as the Anonymous Animal. Other names by which it is known are the Jungle Bear, and the 
Labiated or Lipped Bear. 

This last-mentioned title has been given to the animal in consequence of the extreme 
mobility of its long and flexible lips, which it can protrude or retract in a very singular 
manner, and with which it contorts its countenance into the strangest imaginable grimaces, 
especially when excited by the exhibition of a piece of bun, an apple, or other similar dainty. 
It is fond of sitting in a semi-erect position, and of twisting its nose and lips about in a pecu- 
liarly rapid manner, in order to attract the attention of the bystanders, and ever and anon, 
when it fails to attract the eyes of its visitors, it slaps the lips smartly together in hopes to 
strike their sense of hearing. 

‘ When captured young, it is easily tamed, and can be taught to perform many curious 
antics at the bid of its master. For this purpose it is often caught by the native mounte- 
banks, who earn an easy subsistence by leading their shaggy pupil through the country, and 
demanding small sums of money for the exhibition of its qualities. On account of its asso- 
ciation with these wandering exhibitors, it has been called by the French naturalists ‘* Ours 
Jongleur,’’ Whether owing to the natural docility of the animal, or to the superior powers 


328 THE NENNOOK, OR POLAR BEAR. 


of its instructor, it performs feats which are more curious and remarkable than the ordinary 
run of performances that are achieved by the Learned Bears of our streets. 

In either case, it is always a saddening sight, for, however ingenious may be the instructor, 
or however docile the pupil, the unnatural performances of the poor animal always seem to be 
out of place. We have no right to attempt to humanize a Bear or any other animal; for in so 
doing we are preventing it from working the task which it was placed in the world to fulfil. 

The Bear—as may be said of every animal—is the result of a divine idea in the mind of 
the Creator, and it ought to be our business to aid the creature in developing that idea as 
far as possible, and not to check its development by substituting some other idea of our 
own, which, with all we can do, must necessarily be a false one. Even the imprisoned 
Bears which mount a tall pole for the purpose of obtaining cakes and fruits from their 
visitors, are performing their mission much more truly than the most accomplished Bear 
that ever traversed the country, and are, in consequence, much more agreeable to the eye 
of any one who values the animal creation on account of the moral qualities which are 
implanted in them from their birth, for us to develop to their highest extent, and in which 
we may read an ever-living word proceeding from the ever-creating hand of God. 

Moreover, all those who in studying natural history desire to look deeper than the sur- 
face, and to direct their attention rather to the inward being of the various animals than to 
their outward forms, will find that every creature in which is the breath of life has a phys- 
ical, a moral, and sometimes a spiritual analogy with the more expanded organisms of 
humanity, and owes its position among created beings to that very analogy. 

In every human being are comprised all the mental characteristics that are outwardly 
embodied in the various members of the animal kingdom, and it is impossible to mark any 
attribute of the lower animals which does not find a further and a higher development in 
the human existence in one or other of its manifestations. 

This subject is too wide to receive even a cursory notice in the present article, but will 
be again taken up on future pages. 


THERE is generally an aquatic member of each group of animals throughout the vertebrate 
kingdom, and among the Bears this part is filled by the Nrnnoox, or PoLar BEAR, some- 
times called, on account of its beautifully silvery fur, the Wurrr Bear. As has already been 
mentioned, the Bears are good swimmers, and are able to cross channels of considerable 
width, but we have, in the person of the Nennook, an animal that is especially formed for 
traversing the waters and for passing its existence among the ice mountains of the northern 
regions. 

Probably in consequence of the extreme cold which prevails in the high latitudes where 
this creature is found, its food is almost entirely of an animal nature, and consists of seals and 
fish of various kinds. In order to capture the fish in their own element, or to make prey 
of the active and wary seals, it is necessary that the Nennook should be endowed with no 
ordinary powers of body and sense. Its capabilities of scent are extraordinarily fine, for it 
will perceive, by the exercise of that sense alone, the little breathing-holes which the seals 
have made through the ice, even though the icy plain and the breathing-holes are covered with 
a uniform coating of snow. Even the Esquimaux dog, which is specially trained for this very 
purpose, is sometimes baffled by the extreme difficulty of discovering so small an aperture 
under such difficult circumstances. 

So active is this Bear, and so admirable are its powers of aquatic locomotion, that it has 
been seen to plunge into the water in chase of a salmon, and to return to the surface with the 
captured fish in its mouth. And when it is engaged in the pursuit of seals, as they are lying 
sleeping on a rock or an ice-raft, it is said to employ a very ingenious mode of approach. 
Marking the position in which its intended prey lies, it quietly slips into the water, and diving 


POLAR BEAR. 


330 THE POLAR BEAR. 


Its powers of endurance are necessarily great, for its means of subsistence are always pre- 
carious, and in many cases are extremely small indeed. As the Bear is in the habit of passing 
so much time upon the ice, and generally devours upon its frozen surface the prey which has 
been captured, it is liable to be affected by the sudden and extraordinary changes that are 
constantly taking place in the vast ice-fields of these cold regions. Pieces of ice on which the 
Bears are quietly sleeping after their repast, become noiselessly dissevered from the main 
body, and are carried off to sea for a very great distance before the Bear is aware of its enforced 
voyage. Scoresby records such an instance, where he met with a Polar Bear upon a piece of 
drift ice that was floating at sea some two hundred miles distant from the land. As the ice 
nourishes no animals that could afford nutriment to the white-coated resident, the Bear is 
forced to depend for its entire subsistence upon the fish that it may be able to capture. Out 
at sea, however, the fishy tribe are not so easily procured as near the shore, and the hunger- 
endurent powers of the Bear are thoroughly tested before it can again place its shaggy foot on 
the welcome soil. 

Owing to these marine excursions the Polar Bear is forced to pay unwilling visits to civil- 
ized shores which it loves not, and where it is obliged to fall upon the sheep and cattle of the 
residents in order to appease its hunger. The ire of the owners is greatly excited by the loss 
of their cattle, and the unfortunate Bear—a thief in spite of itself—is soon destroyed by the” 
bereaved proprietors. Sometimes a whole party of Polar Bears is thus carried off, and for a 
while they inflict infinite damage on the country where they land. 

As the Nennook passes its life among the wintry regions of the north, its hybernation has 
been often discredited, and it has been said to make a partial migration southwards, so soon 
as the terrible frosts of the Arctic winter close up the pools whereto the seals and other animals 
which constitute its prey are in the habit of resorting. Other writers, again, assert that the 
Polar Bear ceases feeding in the winter, as do the other members of the same group, and that 
the young Nennooks are produced while the mother is safely housed in her den. There is a 
truth in both these opinions, for it is now ascertained that the female Polar Bear is in the 
habit of hybernating, but the male Nennook passes his winter in the active exercise of his 
faculties. 

The winter home of the Polar Bear is always made in some sheltered situation, such as 
the cleft of a rock, or the foot of a precipitous bank. Ina very short time after the animal 
has taken up her residence in her new abode, she is effectually concealed from observation by 
the heavy snow-drifts, which cover the whole country with such strangely-shaped hills and 
valleys that the Bear’s den is entirely undiscoverable by the eye. Sometimes the Bear will 
wait until a heavy fall of snow has taken place, and then will dig away the snow so as to form 
a cavern of the requisite size. In all cases, the snow appears to be a necessary element in the 
well-being of the animal during its long winter’s repose. If the female Bear should not be 
about to take upon herself the cares of maternity, she does not think herself bound to lie 
hidden during the winter, but traverses the ice-fields together with the male, and becomes 
very fat during the cold months of the year. These nomad individuals do not confine their 
peregrinations to the sea-shore, but extend their journeys inland to a considerable distance, 
being sometimes found.as far as thirty miles from the sea-coast. 

The young of the Nennook are generally two in number; and when they make their first 
appearance outside the snow-built nursery in which their few months of existence have been 
passed, are about the size of shepherds’ dogs, and in excellent condition. Their mother, 
however, is sadly reduced by her long fast and the calls which have been made upon her by 
her offspring ; so that she re-enters the world in a very poor condition of aspect and temper, 
as might be expected of so ravenous and hungry an animal. Watchful over the safety of her 
cubs, and unburdened by any superfluous flesh, she is a very dangerous personage to be 
casually met with; for she is so savage with hunger that her temper is in a constant state of 
irritation ; and she is so jealous of the safety of her offspring that she suspects every moving 
object to be an enemy. 

The flesh of the Polar Bear is eatable, and is highly esteemed by the Arctic voyagers, 
who eagerly welcome a supply of fresh and wholesome meat such as is furnished by the animal 


THE POLAR BEAR. 301 


in question. It is said, however, that the liver ought to be avoided as an article of diet, as it 
is apt to cause painful and even dangerous symptoms to those who have partaken of it. Yet 
the liver of the American Black Bear is said to be a peculiar luxury when dressed on skewers, 
kabob fashion, with alternate slices of fat. 

The Polar Bear is emphatically a marine animal, though not so in the sense of a whale, or 
like forms. The aspect of the White Bear is unmistakable. 

The Spectacled Bear (Ursus ornatus) is the only species found in South America, where it 
ranges over the Cordilleras. It is black, with the exception of two semicircular yellow marks 
above the eyes, which suggest the trivial name. 


Ir will be observed, after the perusal of the foregoing pages, that the Bears are found in 
almost every part of the world, with two notable exceptions, viz., Africa and Australia. With 
regard to the latter of these countries, it may be remembered that the entire creation, whether 
animal or vegetable, is of so strange a nature that it cannot be subjected to the rules which 
govern the rest of the world. There is, it is true, a tree-climbing creature in Australia, of a 
somewhat clumsy and ursine aspect, which is popularly called the Australian Bear, but which 
is in reality no Bear at all, but a member of the curious family of the Macropidee, which con- 
tains the kangaroos, bandicoots, and opossums, and will be shortly described in its proper 
place under the title of the Kaola. With regard to the African continent, the existence or 
non-existence of Bears is by no means decided. 

Many of the ancient historians make constant mention of African Bears. Juvenal, for 
instance, speaks of Numidian Bears, Virgil and Martial of Libyan Bears, while it is recorded 
in the annals of the Roman empire, that in the year B. c. 61, a hundred Numidian Bears were 
exhibited in the circus, each Bear led by a negro-hunter. None, however, of the later African 
travellers have clearly seen Bears in that country, and it is certain that from the days of Pliny 
up to the present time no true Bears have been found in Africa. Still, it is very possible that 
these animals may be yet discovered in that vast continent ; for there seems to be no reason 
why Bears should be unable to exist in some parts of so large a country, although they might 
not be able to find subsistence in those portions which have already been investigated. 


COAITI.—WNasua solialis. 


RACOONS, COAITI, 
ETC. 


RACOONS. 


PRESERVING somewhat of 
the ursine aspect and much of 
the ursine habits, the Racoon, 
or MAPAcH, as it is sometimes 
= \ named, is an active, spirited, and 
\\ amusing animal. As it is readily 
tamed, although rather subject 
to occasional infirmity of tem- 
per, and is inquisitive, quaint, 
and lively withal, it is a great 
favorite with such persons as 
have kept it in captivity. 

The color of this animal is rather peculiar, and not very easy to describe. 

The general tint of the body and limbs is an undecided blackish gray, the gray and black 
predominating according to the position of the observer and the arrangement of the fur. The 
hairs that form the coat of the Racoon are of two kinds, the one of a soft and woolly character, 
lying next to the skin, and the other composed of long and rather stiff hairs that project 
through the wool for some distance. The woolly fur is of a uniform gray, while the longer 
332 


WN 


THE RACOON. 333 


hairs are alternately marked with black and grayish white. Upon the top of the head and 
across the eyes the fur is of a very dark blackish brown; and upon the knee-joint of each leg 
the fur is of a darker tint than on the rest of the body. The tail is rather short and bushy in 
character, and is marked with five, or sometimes six blackish rings upon a ground of dark 
gray. In the British Museum is preserved a specimen of the Racoon, which is entirely white, 
its fur being of as pure a whiteness as that of the ermine itself. 

In its gait and general carriage is visible an admixture of the plantigrade with the 
digitigrade ; for when it stands or sits it plants the entire sole of its foot upon the ground, but 
when it runs in haste it only touches the earth with the tips of its toes. Generally, it is 
nocturnal in its habits, passing the whole of the daytime in sleep, snugly curled up in the warm 
blanket of its own rich fur, and slumbering heavily with its head sunk between its hinder limbs. 

As is indicated by the peculiar 
nature of its teeth, the Racoon is 
capable of feeding on animal or 
vegetable food, but seems to prefer 
the latter. Indeed, there seem to 
be few things which the Racoon will 
not eat. One of these animals ate a 
piece of cedar pencil which it 
snatched out of my hand, and tried 
very hard to eat the envelope of a 
letter on which I was making notes. 
Not succeeding in the attempt, it 
consoled itself by tearing the paper 
into minute morsels, employing 
teeth and paws in the attempt. It 
did its best to get a ring off my 
finger, by hitching one of its crooked 
claws into the ring and pulling with 
all its strength, which was very 
considerable in proportion to the 
size of the animal. Its brown eyes 
lighted up with animation when 
engaged in play, and it was very 
fond of pushing its paw through 
the bars of its cage, in order to 
attract attention. 

A Racoon that was kept in a 
barrack-yard in Canada, in com- 
pany with a bear, an owl, and 
various finned and feathered crea- 2 
tures, was considered to be the most ; RACOON.— Procyon lotor. 
interesting of all the little menagerie. It was extremely tame, but could not be trusted near 
poultry, as it had a bad habit of pouncing suddenly upon them, grasping them in its hand-like 
paws, and biting off their heads ina moment. It would then devour the head and afterwards 
the body in a leisurely manner. There were many bats in the neighborhood, and the soldiers 
were in the habit of capturing those nocturnal depredators, and throwing them on the ground 
within reach of the Racoon’s chain. Before the bat could flap its wings, the Racoon would 
leap upon it, roll it rapidly in its paws for a while, and then despatch it with a single bite. 

It was rather a vengeful animal, and possessed of a tenacious memory for an insult. The 
great owl that was partaker of the same residence had one day been irritated with the Racoon 
and had pecked it on the back. The Racoon treasured the insult in its heart, and waited a 
favorable time for revenge. The opportunity was not long delayed, for on the first occasion 
that the owl ventured within reach of the Racoon’s chain, the aggrieved animal crept slyly 
towards its foe, and adroitly snatched out all the feathers of the owl’s tail. 


334 THE RACOON. 


In its native state it is a great devourer of oysters, crabs, and other similar animals, 
displaying singular ingenuity in opening the stubborn shells of the oysters, or in despatching the 
crabs without suffering from their ready claws. Sometimes it is said to fall a victim to the 
oyster, and to be held so firmly by the closing shells that it cannot extricate itself, and perishes 
miserably by the rising tide. Its oyster-eating propensities have been questioned, but are now 
clearly proven. The sand and soil that fringe the oyster-beds are frequently seen to be covered 
with the footmarks of this animal. 

It is always fond of water, drinking largely, and immersing its food, so as to moisten it as 
much as possible. When engaged in this curious custom it grasps the food in both its fore- 

“paws, and shakes it violently backward and forward in the water. On account of this 
remarkable habit it has been dignified with the title of Lotor, a washer. The German 
naturalists term it Wasch-Bir, or Washing Bear. In captivity it is anything but abstemious, 
and rejects plain water, provided that it can be furnished with fermented liquids, strong and 
sweet. Referring to this propensity, Lawson, who was Surveyor-General of Carolina in the 
year 1714, says of the Racoon that, ‘‘if taken young, it is easily made tame, but is the drunkenest 
creature living if he can get any liquor that is sweet and strong.’ He furthermore relates that 
this animal is in the habit of catching crabs by putting its foot into their holes, and dragging 
out the crab as soon as it seizes the intruding limb. 

Roving at night through the woods, and being gifted with singular subtlety as well as 
agility, it is frequently chased by the residents, who think a ’Coon hunt to be one of the most 
exciting of sports. Certainly, to judge from the animated descriptions of such scenes, the 
whole affair must be marvellously picturesque to the eye as well as exciting to the mind. The 
usual plan of hunting the ’Coon, is to set an experienced dog on its trail, and to chase it until 
it takes refuge in a tree. A blazing fire of pine-chips is then built under the tree, which illu- 
minates its branches and renders the smallest leaf perceptible. A good climber then ascends 
the tree, and speedily dislodges the concealed animal. Audubon gives a very lively account 
of a Racoon hunt, ending as follows :— 


‘* Off we start again. The boys had got up with the dogs, which were baying at a Racoon 
in a small puddle. We soon joined them with a light. ‘Now, stranger! watch and see!’ 
The Racoon was all but swimming, and yet had hold of the bottom of the pool with his feet. 
The glare of the lighted torch was doubtless distressing to him; his coat was ruffled, and his 
rounded tail seemed thrice its ordinary size, his eyes shone like emeralds ; with foaming jaws 
he watched the dogs, ready to seize each by the snout if it came within reach. They kept him 
busy for several minutes ; the water became thick with mud ; his coat now hung dripping and 
his draggled tail lay floating on the surface. His guttural growlings, in place of intimidating 
his assailants, excited them the more; and they very unceremoniously closed upon him, curs 
as they were, and without the breeding of gentle dogs. One seized him by the rump, and 
tugged, but was soon forced to let go; another stuck to his side, but soon taking a better 
directed bite of his muzzle than another dog had just of his tail, *Coon made him yelp; and 
pitiful were the cries of luckless tyke. 

“The Racoon would not let go, but in the meantime the other dogs seized him fast, and 
worried him to death, yet to the last he held by his antagonist’s snout. Knocked on the head 
by an axe, he lay gasping his last breath, and the heaving of his chest was painful to see. The 
hunters stood gazing at him in the pool, while all around was by the flare of the torch rendered 
trebly dark and dismal. It was a good scene for a skillful painter.” 


In size, the Racoon equals a small fox, to which animal it bears a slight external resem- 
blance. The number of its young is usually two or three, and they make their appearance in 
the month of May. 


THE AGOUARA, or CRAB-EATING RAcooN, is a native of a warmer portion of America than 
the common Racoon, and has derived its name of Crab-eater from its habit of feeding on all 
kinds of crustaceas and mollusks, whether marine or terrestrial, although perhaps it is not 


ID 


THE COAITI-MONDI, OR RED COAITI. 335 


more addicted to cancricide than the animal which has just been described. In size it is larger 
than the common Racoon, and its color is not quite the same. 

The tail is short in proportion to the body, and is marked with six black rings upon a 
grayish or blackish-yellow ground. ‘The fur of the body is rather variable in different individ- 
uals, but is generally composed of a blackish-gray washed with a tinge of yellow, the darker 
and the lighter tints predominating on different parts of the body and limbs. On the head, 
neck, and along the spine, the black tinge prevails, while the rest of the body and the sides of 
the neck are almost wholly of the yellowish-gray hue. A very dark brown patch encloses each 
eye, and, passing backwards almost to the ears, is merged into a dark spot on the crown of the 
head. The Racoon has been mentioned by several travellers under different names, such as 
Raton, Mapach, Agouarapopé, Yllanraton, Maxile, Wasch-Bar, and Cioutlamacasque. 

The Racoon, an excellent figure of which is here given, is peculiar to the North American 
Continent. Its geographical range is very great, being found in every portion of North Amer- 
ica, as high as 60°. Paraguay is as far south as it has been observed. Its habits are nocturnal. 
Though it is carnivorous by nature, it prefers vegetable food at times,-as is the case with the 
Black Bear. F 

The Black-footed Racoon inhabits the Pacific coast from Puget’s Sound to the Rio Grande 
in Texas. It is like the preceding in general appearance, but excels it in size. 

The Psora, or California Coon (Procyon psora), was discovered on the Pacific coast just 
before the occupation of California by the United States. It is more dog-like in general 
appearance, standing higher, and having a slender tail. The Crab-eating Racoon is found in 
Central America and farther south. 


THE animals which compose the curious genus that is known by the name of Narica, are 
easily recognized on account of the singular length of the nose, which is prolonged so as to 
form a miniature and mobile proboscis. In their general habits and diet they very strongly 
resemble the racoons, and are as admirable climbers of trees as can be found in the animal 
kingdom. 

The extraordinary snout with which the Coaitis are gifted is very useful to the possessor, 
being employed for the purpose of rooting in the ground in search of worms and insects, 
together with other important uses. When they drink, the Coaitis lap the water after the 
manner of dogs, and when so engaged, turn up their flexible snouts, so as to keep that useful 
member from being wetted more than is necessary. They are inhabitants of Southern America, 
and are found in small companies upon the trees among which they reside, and on the thin 
branches of which they find the greater part of their food. Two examples of the Coaitis will 
be briefly described. 

The Coarri-MonpI, or Rep Coarrt, derives its name from the reddish-chestnut hue which 
prevails over the greater portion of the fur, and is only broken by the black ears and legs, the 
maroon-colored bands upon the tail, and the white hairs which edge the upper jaw, and entirely 
cover the lower. The texture of the fur is rather harsh and wiry, and of no very great impor- 
tance in commerce. Upon the paws are certain curious tubercles, which alone would serve to 
identify the animal were it entirely destroyed with the exception of a single foot. It is 
extremely active in the ascent and descent of trees, and pursues its prey among the limbs with 
great certainty. Its food consists of sundry vegetable and animal substances, but the creature 
seems to prefer the latter to the former. 

When the Coaiti descends a tree, it does so with its head downward, securing itself from 
falling by hitching the claws of the hinder feet into the inequalities of the bark, and display- 
ing by the act no small amount of flexibility in the jointing of the hinder limbs. It is a noc- 
turnal animal, and does not display its true liveliness until the shades of evening begin to 
draw on, but lies curled up in a curious but comfortable attitude, its long and bushy tail serv- 
ing for blanket and pillow. Towards evening, however, the Coaiti arouses itself from its 
lethargy, and becomes full of life and vigor, careering about the branches with extraordinary 
rapidity of movement and certainty of hold, and agitating its mobile nose with unceasing 
energy, as if for the purpose of discovering by the snout the presence of some welcome food. 


336 THE KINKAJOU, OR POTTO. 


It is a merciless robber of birds’ nests, and will eat parent, eggs, or young with equal 
appetite. 

Although possessed of a very irritable temper, the Coaiti is tamed without difficulty to a 
certain extent, but is always capricious in its affections, and cannot be trusted without danger. 
When attacked by men or dogs, the Coaiti fights desperately, and can inflict such dangerous 
wounds with its double-edged canine teeth, that it is, although so small an animal, no despi- 
cable antagonist. 


THE singular creature which is known under the title of KinKasov, or Porro, has been 
the means of perplexing systematic naturalists in their laudable attempts to place each animal 
in its proper position. , 

On account of its external aspect and 
its general habits, it has been considered as 
one of the Lemurine family, and was termed 
in consequence the Yellow Macauco, or. the 
Yellow Lemur (Lemur flavus). As, how- 
ever, the structure of its teeth and limbs 
is entirely different from that of the lemurs, 
and very closely approaches the carnivorous 
type, it has been placed among the flesh- 
eating animals, under the name of Mexican 
Weasel ( Viverra caudivolvula). But the 
flat surfaces of its under teeth, and its curi- 
ously prehensile tail, are characteristics of 
sufficient importance to remove it from the 
‘pure carnivora, and place it among the ani- 
mals which are capable of eating both ani- 
mal and vegetable food, so that it has at 
present found a resting-place at the end of 
the ursine animals. 

It is an inhabitant of Southern Amer- 
ica, and is spread over a very large extent 
of country, so that it is known in different 
places under different appellations, such 
as Honey Bear, Manaviri, or Guchumbi. 
When full grown, the Kinkajou is equal to 
a large cat in size, but is very much stronger 
in proportion to the dimensions of its body. 
The color of the animal is a very light dun, 
obscurely traversed by narrow darker bands, that run over the back towards the ribs, and 
partly follow their course. Another darker band is observable round the neck, but all these 
marks are so very indistinct, that they can only be seen in a favorable light. 

The most remarkable point in this animal is the extreme length and flexibility of the 
tongue, which the creature is able to protrude to a marvellous extent, and which it can insin- 
uate into the smallest crevices in search of the insects which have taken shelter therein. It is 
said that the animal employs its long tongue for the purpose of thrusting that organ into the 
bee-cells, and licking out the sweet contents of the waxen treasury. With its tongue it can 
perform many of the offices of an elephant’s trunk, and will frequently seize and draw towards 
its mouth the articles of food which may be beyond the reach of its lips. It has also been seen 
to use its tail for the same purpose. 

Assisted by its prehensile tail, the Kinkajou is an admirable and fearless climber, possess- 
ing the capability of suspending its body by the hinder feet and the tail, and remaining in this 
inverted attitude for a considerable space of time. 

It is eminently nocturnal in its habits, being sadly distressed by the effect of daylight 


KINKAJOU, OR POTTO.— Cercoleptes caudivoloulus. 


THE WAH, OR PANDA. 337 


upon its eyes. The pupils of the eyes are capable of great dilatation, and when the unwel- 
come light of day falls upon them, they contract to a singularly small size, and their owner 
testifies by its uneasy movements the inconvenience which it feels. Not even the owl appears 
to be more disconcerted by the glare of the noontide light than does the Kinkajou. During 
the day, the animal lies buried in profound repose, from which it can with difficulty be aroused ; 
but when the unwelcome light has passed away, the Kinkajou becomes extremely lively, and 
exhibits considerable activity of limb and playfulness of character, and runs up and down the 
branches with great skill, uttering at intervals a low, bleating kind of sound, and descending 
every now and then to drink. In descending, it makes use of its hinder claws in the same 
manner as has been related of the coaitis. In its native state, its food is of a mixed nature, 
consisting of fruits, insects, honey, small 
birds, eggs, and other similar substances. 

It is easily tamed, and when domesticated 
is of a sportful nature, delighting to play 
with those persons whom it knows and trusts, 
and making pretence to bite, after the man- 
ner of puppies and kittens. It is very sus- 
ceptible to kindness, and is fond of the 
caresses which are offered by its friends. In 
its wild state, however, it is a rather fierce 
animal, and when assaulted, offers such a 
spirited resistance even to human foes, that 
it will beat off any but a determined man, 
supposing him to be unarmed and unassisted. 


THERE are few of the Mammalia which 
are decorated with such refulgently beautiful 
fur as that which decks the body of the Wu, 
or PANDA, as it is also called. 

This beautiful creature is a native of Ne- 
pal, where it is known under the different 
names of Panda, Chitwa, and Wah,—the 
last-mentioned name being given to it on 
account of its peculiar cry. The fur of the 
Panda is of a bright rich chestnut-brown, 
which rapidly darkens into a peculiarly rich 
black upon the ribs and the outside of the 
legs. The head is of a whitish-fawn color, 
with a ruddy chestnut spot under each eye. PANDA, OR WAH.—Ailurus fuigens. 

The tail is of the same chestnut hue as the 
body, and is marked with a series of dark rings. The head is very short, and thick muzzled, 
presenting a curious contrast to the coaitis and racoons. 

It is generally found among the trees that grow near rivers and mountain torrents, but does 
not seem to occur in sufficient numbers to render its beautiful fur an object of commercial 
value. This is the more to be regretted, as the coat of the Panda is not only handsome in 
appearance, but is very thick, fine, and warm in texture, being composed of a double set of 
hairs, the one forming a thick woolly covering to the skin, and the other composed of long 
glistening hairs that pierce through the wool and give the exquisitely rich coloring to the 
surface of the fur. The soles of the feet are not merely defended by nailed and thickened 
cuticles, but are furnished with a heavy covering of woolly hair, which in some species is of a 
light gray color, and in others of a snowy white, that contrasts strangely with the deep rich 
black of the legs and paws. 

The food of the Panda is usually of an animal character, and consists chiefly of birds, 
their eggs, and the smaller Mammalia and insects, many of which it discovers on the trees 
whereon it is generally found, 


INSECTIVORA; 


OR, INSECT-EATING ANIMALS. 


MONG the animals which are comprised in the Insect-eating group, we find the 
Mole, the various Shrews, and the Hedgehog, as examples of the TALPID&, or 
the family of the Moles. 

As the food of these creatures is almost exclusively composed of insects, 
snail, worms, and similar animals, it is necessary that their teeth should be 
formed in a manner suitable to seizing and retaining their prey. Accordingly, 
on opening the mouth of a mole, a shrew, ora hedgehog, we find that none of the 

teeth are provided with flattened surfaces for the purpose of grinding the food, but that even 
the molar teeth are covered with sharp points, which are admirably suited for piercing and 
retaining their active prey, or for tearing 
it to pieces when it has been killed. All 
the insectivorous animals are plantigrade 
in their walk. 

Some of these creatures, such as the 
shrew, present so close an external resem- 
blance to the common mice, that they are 
popularly supposed to belong to the same 
class, and are called by the same general 
name. Many species live beneath the sur- 
face of the earth, and seek in that dark 
hunting-ground the prey which cannot be 
enticed to the surface in sufficient numbers 
to supply adequate nourishment for the 
ever hungry worm-devourers. 


OF all the insect-eating animals there 
is none which is better known by name 
than the common Monn, and very few 
which are less known by their true char- 
acter. 

On inspecting a living Mole that has 
been captured on the surface of the earth, 
and comparing it with the multitudinous 
creatures that find their subsistence on the 
earth’s surface, rejoicing in the full light 
of day, and free to wander as they please, 
we cannot but feel some emotions of surprise at the sight of a creature which is naturally 
debarred from all these sources of gratification, and which passes its life in darkness below 
the surface of the ground. 

Yet this pity, natural though it be, will be entirely thrown away, for there is scarcely 
any creature that lives which is better fitted for enjoyment, or which is urged by more fiery 
passions. Dull and harmless as it may appear to be, it is in reality one of the most ferocious 
animals in existence, and will engage in the fiercest combats upon very slight provocation, 


MOLE.— Valpa europaea. 


THE MOLE. 339 


While thus employed, its whole faculties are so entirely absorbed in its thirst for revenge, 
that it will leave the subterraneous shafts which it has been excavating, and join battle with 
its foe in the full light of day. Should one of the combatants overpower and ki'l the other, 
the victorious Mole springs upon the enemy, tears its body open, and plunging its nose into 
the wound, drinks the blood of its foe, and feasts richly on the sanguine banquet. 

Such a combat was lately witnessed by one of my friends, who kindly wrote the account 
of the proceeding, and of the fate of one of the combatants. 


‘During a fine autumn afternoon, I was taking a walk in some woods, and had reached a 
very retired part of the path, when I suddenly heard a considerable scrambling amongst the 
dried leaves and underwood. Upon stooping to obtain a view of whatever might be causing 
the disturbance, I caught sight of two little black creatures engaged in fierce combat. They 
tumbled over one another, and were so much concealed by the leaves that they could not be 
easily distinguished. 

‘““Searcely had I obtained this view of the combatants than one of them began to retreat, 
and was quickly followed by his opponent. Seeing the direction in which they were running, 
I made way through the briars as quickly as possible, and placed myself directly in the path 
of the creatures. They came on quite unconscious of my presence, and dodged about within 
a few feet of me. I could now perceive that the creatures were either Moles or rats, and 
determined, whichever they might be, to capture one or both. 

‘‘Disregarding the thorns and thistles, I jumped through the underwood, and was then 
close to the animals, which immediately ceased their personal quarrel, and began sinking in 
a most ghost-like manner into the soil. This proceeding showed me that they were Moles. 

‘“Not being particularly acquainted with the arrangement of the Mole’s teeth, or with 
its disposition, I did not venture to take hold of either creature with my hand, but being 
anxious to effect a capture, I caught hold of the tail of one of the little fellows, and with 
the help of a sharp tug I pulled him out of the ground, and gave him an aérial voyage. 

‘He came to the ground without any apparent injury, and again began busily sinking a 
shaft. This time the back looked so very inviting, that I seized him by the short fur upon 
that portion of his body, and then found that I had him quite secure. He appeared very 
philosophical under the circumstances, and did not perform any unnecessary contortions, 
having very soon discovered that he was a safe prisoner. The next proceeding was to place 
him in my handkerchief, and to discover whether he could, either by his teeth or claws, make 
his way through the silk. No sooner was he suspended in this impromptu prison than he 
tried his utmost to work his way through the walls, but the silk yielded to him and would 
not open. A minute’s exertion appeared to satisfy him, after which he laid himself calmly 
down. Having been occupied for some little time with this creature, I then sought after his 
companion, which had, however, effected his subterranean retreat, and was probably two feet 
beneath the surface. 

‘“‘ My prisoner was conveyed in safety to my domicile, and was placed in a large tub, over 
which for security a board was placed, and in which was some earth. The little gentleman 
was quite at home in his tub, and enjoyed himself amazingly with a ‘ Diet of Worms.’ To 
supply him, however, with this luxury was not an easy task; half an hour’s digging in a 
yielding soil brought to light scarcely a sufficient quantity of food for one day’s consumption. 
Small worms of about two inches in length were quickly disposed of ; whilst fine long ones 
were put out of sight in two meals. After feasting upon half a dozen or so, the Mole would 
look very much like a boy full of pudding, and appeared to take a little doze. No sooner, 
however, did a worm give him a flap on the nose with its tail than he awoke, and, with 
renewed vigor and appetite, demolished half a dozen more victims, when he would again sub- 
side into a quiet slumber. 

‘“‘He lived in great ease and luxury during three days, at the end of which time he met 
an untimely end. The board upon his tub was accidentally knocked off by an awkward man, 
who forgot or neglected to replace it. A sly old tom-cat saw the Mole, and impelled by his 
own organ of destructiveness, killed, but would not eat our hero.” 


340 THE MOLE. 


o 

The cause of this curious combat was probably at no great distance, in the shape of a 
female Mole, for whose favor the two animals were so fiercely fighting. The Mole pursues its 
intended mate with extraordinary zeal and perseverance ; and as the number of males is con- 
siderably greater than that of females, it seldom happens that a Mole succeeds in winning his 
bride until he has gained her in battle. So furious are all the passions of the Mole, that we 
may think ourselves fortunate that the creature is so small; for if it were as large as a tiger 
it would be by far the more formidable animal. 

Even with its limited capability, it has more than once proved itself a dangerous creature ; 
for on one occasion, a Mole that had been made prisoner turned fiercely on its captor, and 
fixed its teeth into his hand with such pertinacious courage that it would not loosen its hold 
until it had been squeezed nearly to death between the teeth of its antagonist, who was 
obliged to have resort to that unpleasant mode of defence in order to free himself from the 
infuriated little animal. Another of these creatures flung itself upon a young lady’s neck, and 
inflicted a severe wound before its purpose could be comprehended or its movements arrested. 

With the exception of sight, the senses of the Mole seem to be remarkably developed. 

The sense of scent is singularly acute, and enables the animal to discover the presence of 
the earthworms on which it feeds, and to chase them successfully through their subterranean 
meanderings,—a kind of terrestrial otter. So acute is the sense of smell, that the experiencd 
Mole-catchers are in the habit of keeping a dead Mole at hand when they are engaged in their 
destructive avocation ; and after setting their traps, draw the dead Mole over every part of 
the trap or adjoining soil which their hands have touched, so as to overpower the taint of 
human contact. This is an effectual precaution, as the Mole is endowed with a powerful, very 
peculiar, and very unpleasant scent, that adheres pertinaciously to the hand, and cannot be 
entirely removed without repeated lavation. 

The hearing of the Mole is proverbially excellent; and it is probable that the animal is 
aided in its pursuit of worms by the sense of hearing as well as that of smell. Much of the 
Mole’s safety is probably owing to its exquisite hearing, which gives it timely notice of the 
approach of any living being, and enables it to secure itself by rapidly sinking below the sur- 
face of the earth. To tread so softly that the blind Mole may not hear a footfall, is an expres- 
sion which has become a household word. 

The sense of touch is peculiarly delicate, and seems to be chiefly resident in the long and 
flexible nose, which is employed by the Mole for other purposes than those of scent. When 
the creature is placed upon the surface of the ground, and is about to sink one of its far- 
famed tunnels, it employs its nose for that purpose almost as effectually as its armed fore-paws. 
T have often seen the animal engaged in the process of sinking a pit, and have observed that it 
always begins by running about very rapidly, wriggling its snout backwards and forwards upon 
the ground, as if to discover a soft spot. When it has fixed upon a suitable locality, it begins 
its excavation by rooting in the ground with its nose, and making a shallow groove in the earth 
by way of a commencement. Not until it has formed this preliminary trench does it bring its 
digging claws into action ; and even while employing its natural spades in the actual digging 
and casting up of loose earth, it still makes use of its nose as a pioneer, so to speak, and seems 
to learn, by means of the delicate sense of touch with which that organ is gifted, the nature of 
the soil through which the animal intends to make its way. 

It seldom happens that all the senses of an animal are developed to an equal extent, so 
that where one or two are singularly acute it is generally at the expense of the others. Such 
is the case with the Mole ; for although the scent, touch, and hearing are remarkable for their 
excellence, the sight is so extremely defective that it may almost be considered as a nullity. 

It is true that the Mole possesses eyes; but those organs of vision are so small, and so 
deeply hidden in the fur, that they can be but of little use to their owner, except to mark the _ 
distinctions between light and darkness. The eyes are so exceedingly small that their very 
existence has been denied, and it is only by a careful search that they can be seen at all. 

The simplest mode of observing the Mole’s eyes in perfection is to immerse the living ani- 
mal in water. It fancies that it is in danger of drowning, and therefore exerts its power of 
protruding the eyes from the furry coat, in order to employ every means for escaping from the 


THE MOLE. 341 


deadly peril. Its eyes are then perceptible, as little, black, beady objects that glitter through 
the fur, but do not appear to enjoy any great powers of vision. This power of protruding and 
withdrawing the eyes is rendered necessary by the subterranean habits of the animal, which 
is thus able to protect its eyes from the loose mould through which it is constantly passing. 

In order to adapt the Mole to the peculiar life which it leads, the entire framework of its 
body is very wonderfully constructed. As its chief employment consists in digging, the entire 
strength of the animal seems to be concentrated in the fore-quarters, where the bones and 
muscles are developed to a marvellous extent. If the Mole be stripped of its skin, the muscles 
of the fore-limbs will be found to be so powerful that they roll between the fingers, hard, 
slippery. and almost incompressible. These enormous muscles give power and motion to the 
very efficient digging apparatus with which the Mole is endowed. 

The fore-paws are extremely large, and furnished with strong and flattened nails. They 
are turned rather obliquely, as seen in the figure, in order to give free scope to their exertions. 
The bones of the fore-arm are of very great thickness, and bowed in that peculiar manner which 
always indicates enormous strength in the possessor. But the most striking and curious 
peculiarity in the structure of the Mole is the singularly long shoulder-blade, which, by its 
great length and strength, affords attachment to the powerful muscles which alone could give 
the requisite force to the broad, spade-like paws. The paws are devoid of the soft fur that 
shields the rest of the body, and are covered with a thick but naked skin. It is chiefly to these 
paws that any mould is found adherent when the Mole is captured, for the soft and velvet-like 
fur permits no earthy stain to defile its glossy smoothness. 

The Mole’s fur is remarkably fine in its texture, and is affixed to the skin in such a man- 
ner that it has no particular ‘“‘ grain,’’ and lies smoothly in every direction. This peculiarity 
enables the Mole to proceed along its galleries with the necessary celerity. 

The skin of the Mole is remarkably tough and thick, and is often used by the peasantry 
for the purpose of making purses. The process of manufacture is simple enough, consisting 
merely in cutting the animal across, just behind the shoulders, stripping the skin from the 
hinder portions, drying it carefully, and closing it by means of a string run round the edge. 

The Mole is said to be an excellent swimmer, and to be able to cross rivers, when led 
to such an act by any adequately powerful motive. How far true this assertion may be, I can- 
not prove by personal experience ; but I think that it is likely to be possible, for I have seen a 
Mole swim across the bend of a brook—a distance of some few yards—and perform its 
natatory achievement with great ease. I was not near enough to ascertain the mode of its 
progression, but it seemed to use its fore-paws as the principal instruments of locomotion. 

From all accounts, the Mole seems to be a thirsty animal, and to stand in constant need 
of water, drinking every few hours in the course of the day. In order to supply this want it 
is in the habit of sinking well-like pits in different parts of its ‘‘runs,’’ so that it may never be 
without the means of quenching its thirst. Everything that the Mole does is marked with 
that air of desperate energy which is so characteristic of the animal. The laborers in different 
parts of Europe all unite in the same story, that the Mole works for three hours ‘‘ like a 
horse,”’? and then rests for three hours, laboring and resting alternately through the day, and 
with admirable perception of time. 

The well-known ‘“‘mole-hills”’ which stud certain lands, and which disfigure them so sadly, 
however much their unsightliness may be compensated by their real usefulness, are of various 
kinds, according to the sex and age of the miner. The small hillocks which follow each other 
in rapid succession are generally made by the female Mole before she has produced her little 
family, and when she is not able to undergo the great labor of digging in the harder soil. 
Sometimes the ‘‘run”’ is so shallow as to permit the superincumbent earth to fall in, so that 
the course which the Mole has followed is little more than a trench. This is said to be pro- 
duced by the little coquetries that take place between the Mole and his future mate, when the 
one flies in simulated terror, and the other follows with undisguised determination. 

Deeper in the soil is often found a very large burrow, sufficiently wide to permit two 
Moles to pass each other. This is one of the high-roads which lead from one feeding-ground 
to another, and from which the different shafts radiate. 


342 THE SHREW MOLE. 


But the finest efforts of talpine architecture are to be found in the central fortress, from 
which the various roads diverge, and the nest which the maternal Mole forms for the security 
of her young. 

The fortress is of a very peculiar construction, and is calculated to permit the ingress or 
egress of the Mole from almost any direction, so that when its acute senses give notice of the 
approach of an enemy, it can make its retreat without difficulty. 

The first operation is to build a tolerably large hill of compact and well-trodden earth. 
Near the summit of this mound the excavator runs a circular gallery, and another near the 
bottom, connecting the two galleries with five short passages. It then burrows into the centre 
of the mound, and digs a moderately large spherical hole, which it connects with the lower 
gallery by three passages. A very large passage, which is a continuation of the high-road, is 
then driven into the spherical chamber by dipping under the lower gallery, and is connected 
with the circular chamber from below. Lastly, the Mole drives a great number of runs, which 
radiate from the rest in all directions, and which all open into the lower circular gallery. It 

_will be seen from this short description, that if a Mole should be surprised in its nest it can 
withdraw through its central chamber and so reach the high-road at once, or can slip through 
either of the short connecting galleries and escape into any of the numerous radiatory runs. 

In the central or middle chamber of the edifice the Mole places a quantity of dried grass 
or leaves, upon which it sleeps during its hours of repose. This complicated room is seldom 
used during the summer months, as at that time the Mole prefers to live in one of the ordinary 
hillocks. 

The nest which the female contrives is not so complicated as the fortress, but is well 
adapted for its purpose. The hillock in which the nest is made is always a very large one, and 
is generally placed at some distance from the fortress. Its interior is very large, and is gener- 
ally filled with dried grass, moss, or other similar substances, and it is said that in some of 
these nests have been found certain roots on which the young Moles can feed during the first 
weeks of their existence. 

The young are usually born about April, but their appearance in the world is not so 
determinately settled as that of many animals, as young Moles are found continually from 
March until August. The average of their number is four or five, although as many as seven 
young have been found in one nest. There is but one brood in a year. 

The color of the Mole is usually of a blackish-gray, but it is extremely variable in the 
tinting of its fur, and it is not uncommon to find ina single locality specimens of every hue 
from brown to white. There are specimens in the museums of almost every tint, and I have 
long had in my possession a cream-colored Mole-skin. 

The fur is so beautifully smooth and soft that it has sometimes, though rarely, been employed 
as an article of wearing apparel, or used as a light and delicate coverlet. The fur, or ‘‘ felt,” 
is best and most glossy if the animal is taken in the winter. 

Whether the Mole is more useful or hurtful to the agricultural interest is at present a 
mooted point, and seems likely to continue so. It cannot be denied, however, that the subter- 
raneous passages of the Mole, added to those of the earthworms, form a very complete system 
of subsoil drainage, and that the creature is continually enriching the surface of the ground 
by bringing fresh earth from a considerable depth, and thus involuntarily performing the office 
of a plough or a spade. 


OnE of the animals which forms a link between the Moles and the Shrews, and seems to 
possess some of the peculiar habits of each, is the curiously formed ScaLops, or SHREW-MOLE. 

This creature seems to be peculiar to Northern America, and is generally found near the 
banks of rivers, being very water-loving in its habits. Like the ordinary mole, the Scalops 
passes the greater portion of its existence below the surface of the ground, and finds a sub- 
sistence among the worms and other creatures which it captures during its subterraneous 
meanderings. The muzzle of the Scalops is even more remarkable than that of the common 
mole, being much longer in proportion to the size of the animal, and is cartilaginous at its - 
extremity. The claws of the fore-feet are very long and flattened, and are arranged in such a 


CAPE CHRYSOCHLORE, OR CHANGEABLE MOLE. 343 


manner as to present a sharp point to the earth when the creature exercises them in the act for 
which they were intended. The hinder feet and legs are extremely small, and the tail is but 
short. There is no apparent outward vestige of an ear, and the eyes are almost invisible. In 
size it equals the common European Mole, being about seven inches in total length. 

Another similar animal, the Desman of Russia, has been frequently mistaken for the 
Shrew-Mole, but it can be easily distinguished at a casual glance by the greater length of its 
tail and its superior size ; its total length being sixteen or seventeen inches. 


The CHRYSOCHLORE, or SHINING MoLE, or CHANGEABLE MOLE, has derived its various 
names from the very peculiar character of 
its fur. 

The color of the Chrysochlore’s coat is 
of a character that resembles ‘‘shot’’ silk, 
or the peculiar changeable metallic radiance 
which is thrown from the feathers of many 
birds. According to the light in which the 
animal is viewed, the fur is in some parts of 
a golden or bronzed green, and in others of a 
bronzed red, these brilliant hues interchang- 
ing among themstlves as the animal moves, 
or as the light falls at different angles upon 
the fur. The name Chrysochlore is derived 
from two Greek words, signifying gold-green, 
and is happily applicable to the very singular 
coloring of the animal. The term holosericea 
is also Greek, and signifying ‘‘ wholly silken,”’ 
in reference to the lustrous surface of the 
hairs. 

Even putting aside the strange chroma- 
tism of the fur, the creature is a very remark- 
able one in many respects, and especially 
deserving of notice on account of its teeth 
and its feet. 

The teeth of the Changeable Mole are 
arranged in a very peculiar mode, being sepa- 
rated from each other by an interval that is 
equal to their thickness, so that when the 
jaws are closed, the teeth of either jaw fit exactly into the interstices that are left between those 
of the opposite jaw, like the iron serrations of a steel-trap. It has been well remarked that 
‘*the Chrysochlore affords, it is believed, the only example in the animal world of teeth being 
opposed by their anterior and posterior faces. The skeleton is altogether a singular one, for 
there are no less than nineteen pairs of ribs, and in one species twenty pairs have been made 
out. The first rib is thick and broad in proportion to the others. 

The fore-feet are furnished with four toes, the fourth toe being very small, and tipped 
with a nail of ordinary size. The other three toes are armed with most formidable claws, by 
means of which the animal is enabled to dig into the earth. The middle toe carries a claw of 
surprising dimensions, as may be seen on reference to the engraving. The hinder feet are five- 
toed, and of no very great proportional size. The eye is externally invisible, being covered 
with skin, so that the animal appears to be practically blind. There are no ears, and no tail. 
The size of the creature is rather less than that of the common European Mole. 

As may be perceived from its title, it is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, although it 
was formerly thought to inhabit Siberia. It is also known by the name of the Hottentot 
‘Chrysochlore ; and the French name is Taupe dorée, or Gilded Mole. Its food consists, like 
that of the other Moles, of worms and various insects. 


CAPE CHRYSOCHLORE, OR CHANGEABLE MOLE.— Chrysochloris 
holosericea. 


b44 THE RADIATED MOLE. 


EVEN ina stuffed specimen, or in an uncolored engraving, the aspect of the RADIATED 
MOoLe is a most grotesque and singular one ; but its quaint uniqueness is much more striking 
when the animal is alive and in full health. | 

The most remarkable point in this animal is the muzzle, which is produced into a long, 
slender proboscis, round the extremity of which are arranged a number of soft, fleshy rays, of 
a bright rose-color, radiating like the petals of a daisy, or the tentacles of a sea-anemone. 
These curious rays, or caruncles, as they are more scientifically termed, can be spread or closed 
at pleasure, and present a strange spectacle when in movement. Their probable object is that 
they may serve as a delicate organ of touch, to aid the animal in procuring the worms and 
insects on which it feeds. The openings of the nostrils are situated in the centre of the radiated 
disc. The number of the caruncles is about twenty. 

On account of the proportionately length- 
ened tail, the animal is sometimes called the 
Long-tailed Mole; for the tail is two inches 
and a half in length, while the head and body 
only measure four inches anda half. Another 
name by which it is known is the Condylure, 
or “knotty tail,’ an epithet which has been 
applied to it because, when a specimen is dried, 
the skin of the tail contracts so firmly over the 
vertebree that the separate bones exhibit their 
form through the skin, and give to the tail a 
knotted aspect. The color of the fur is much 
like that of the common Mole, being a vel- 
vety blackish-gray on the upper portions of 
the body, and paler on the under parts. The 
eyes are extremely small, and there is no ex- 
ternal indication of ears. It is an inhabitant 
of Canada and the United States. 

The Mole (Zu/pa) is peculiar to European 
countries, while the American animal, so called 
(Scalops), is equally characteristic of this coun- 
try. They have a strong resemblance to each 
other, and are equal in size. 

The Silver or Prairie Mole (Scalops argen- 
tatus) is very similar to the preceding, small 
specimens being with difficulty distinguished 
from it. It inhabits Mexico and Texas. 

A dark purplish-black species (S. townsendi) is found in the West, and called the 
Oregon Mole. Another is called S. breweri, or Hairy-tailed Mole. 

The Star-nose Mole, a very common and familiar species, is here well represented. The 
curious star-like appendage on its nose is not clearly understood. 

In the family Soricida, the Shrews, a large number of species are enumerated. They are 
mouse-like in appearance, with an elongated muzzle. Of the sub-family Soricine, we have 
three genera belonging to North America. These are spread over the whole of the northern 
hemisphere ; some being found very far north. The region of the Rio Grande is their south- 
ernmost limit. 

As an Order, known as Jnsectivora, or Insect-eaters, these animals are not largely repre- 
sented in America. They are not found in South America, nor in Australia. It is an inter- 
esting fact that the regions forming the exception are those having Marsupial animals; the 
latter being found in no other lands. 


———— 


RADIATED MOLE, OR STAR-NOSED MOLE—Condylura cristata. 


Tue insect-eating animals which have already been described are in the habit of searching 
for their prey under the surface of the earth, and are furnished with extremely imperfect 


THE PEN-TAIL. 345 


means of sight. But the curious examples of Insectivora which are collected into the single 
genus Tupaia are of a very different nature, living in the full light of day, and seeking their 
insect prey among the branches of the trees on which they dwell. It needs, therefore, that 
animals which obtain their food in such a manner should be endowed with excellent powers 
of vision; and we find accordingly that the Tupaias—which animals will be represented by 
two examples—are furnished with good eyes and quick sight. Indeed, the entire aspect of 
these creatures reminds the observer more of the squirrels than of the moles. The Tupaias 
are inhabitants of Sumatra and parts of India. 

The head of this animal is very singular in its shape, which is well represented in the 
engraving. The upper jaw is slightly longer than the lower, and the muzzle considerably 
elongated, so that the head has a strangely 
dragon-like aspect, which is heightened by 
the position of the ears, which are set very 
far back, and by the long sharp rows of teeth 
which arm each jaw. The long bushy tail of 
the Tupaia gives it a kind of resemblance to 
the squirrel, a resemblance which is appre- 
ciated by the native Sumatrans, who call the 
squirrels and the Tupaias by the same name. 
The feet are plantigrade, and terminated by 
five toes on each foot, armed with small, but 
sharp nails, which assist the animal in climb- 
ing, and are sufficiently elevated to be spared 
from friction against the ground. In the 
hinder feet the fourth toe is the longest. 
The hair is of a silky texture, and tinged 
with brown and yellow by reason of the alter- 
nate colored rings with which each hair is 
marked. On the tail the hair is long and 
bushy, and hangs equally on each side, after 
the manner that is learnedly termed ‘‘dis- 
tichous.”’ 

These animals are variously named by 
different zoological writers, and the genus in 
which they are placed is by some termed 
Tupaia, after the native name, by some Hylo- UPATACTANACE CIRIAO noo 
gale, and by others Cladobates. The last 
mentioned term seems to be in greatest favor, and is a very appropriate one, signifying 
““branch-traverser.”’ 


THE extraordinary animal which has been recently brought before the notice of zoologists, 
under the characteristic name of PrN-ratrt, is a native of Borneo, from which country it was 
brought by Mr. Hugh Low. 

It is about the size of a small rat, but appears to be of greater dimensions on account of 
its extremely long tail with the remarkable appendage at its extremity. The tail is of extra- 
ordinary length when compared with the size of the body, and is devoid of hair except at its 
extremity, where it is furnished with a double row of stiff hairs on each side, which stand 
boldly out, like the barbs of a quill pen, or the feathers of an arrow. The remainder of the 
tail is covered with scales, which are square in their form, like those of the long-tailed rats, 
and of considerable size. The color of the tail is black, and the bristly barbs are white, so 
that this member presents a peculiarly quaint aspect. 

The fur which covers the body of the Pen-tail is extremely soft in texture, and is of a 
blackish-brown tint above, fading into a yellowish-gray beneath. As the tips of the hairs are 
tinged with a yellow hue, the precise tint of the fur is rather indeterminate, and is changeable, 


346 ELEPHANT SHREW AND SONDELT. 


according to the position of the hairs which are exposed to view. The specimen which is 
preserved in the British Museum was captured by Mr. Low in the house of Sir James Brooke, 
the celebrated Rajah of Saréwak. 

It is presumed that the long tail of the Pen-tail is used for the purpose of balancing itself 
in its progress among the branches of trees; but this conjecture is only problematical, as the 
habits of the animal are not yet known. By the arrangement and form of the teeth, it is sup- 
posed to be allied to the Tupaias. 


THE elongation of the nose, which has already been noticed in the Tupaias of Sumatra, 
seems to have reached its utmost limit in those curious inhabitants of the Cape that are called, 
from their elephantine elongation of nose, the 
- ELEPHANT SHREWS. Several species of Ele- 
phant Shrews are known to exist, all of 
which, with one exception, are inhabitants of 
Southern Africa. The solitary exception, 
Macroscelides Roretti, is found in Algeria. 

The peculiarly long nose of the Elephant 
Shrew is perforated at its extremity by the 
nostrils, which are rather obliquely placed, 
and is supposed to aid the animal in its 
search after the insects and other creatures on 
which it feeds. The eyes are rather large in 
proportion to the size of the animal. 

The tail is long and slender, much re- 
sembling the same organ in the common 
mouse, and in some specimens, probably 
males, is furnished at the base with glandu- 
lar follicles, or little sacs. The legs are 
nearly of equal size, but the hinder limbs are 
much longer than the fore-legs, on account of 
the very great length of the feet, which are 
capable of affording support to the creature as 
it sits in an upright position. As might be 
presumed from the great length of the hinder 

limbs, the Elephant Shrew is possessed of 

ELEPHANT SHREW.—Macroscelides typicus. great locomotive powers, and when alarmed, 

can skim over the ground with such celerity 

that its form becomes quite obscured by the rapidity of its movement through the air. Its 
food consists of insects, which it captures in open day. 

Although the Elephant Shrew is a diurnal animal, seeking its prey in broad daylight, its 
habitation is made below the surface of the ground, and consists of a deep and tortuous bur- 
row, the entrance to which is a perpendicularly-sunk shaft of some little depth. To this place 
of refuge the creature always flies when alarmed, and as it is so exceedingly swift in its move- 
ments, it is not readily captured or intercepted. 

The color of the fur is a dark and rather cloudy brown, which is warmed with a reddish 
tinge upon the sides and flanks, and fades on the abdomen and inner portions of the limbs 
into a grayish-white. The generic name, Macroscelides, is of Greek origin, in allusion to the 
great length of its hinder limbs, and signifies ‘“‘long-legged.’’ It is but a small animal, as the 
length of the head and body is not quite four inches in measurement, and the tail is about 
three inches and a quarter. 


Passtne in a regular gradation from the moles to the shrews and hedgehogs, we pause 
for a while at the powerfully scented animal that is called, by virtue of its perfumed person, 
the Musk-Rar of India, and is also known by the titles of Monsourou, and SONDELI. 


ERD SHREW AND SONDELI. 347 


This animal is a native of various parts of India, and is very well known on account of the 
extremely powerful scent which exudes from certain glands that are situated in the under 
parts of the body and on the flanks. 

The odoriferous substance, which is secreted by the above-mentioned glands, is of a 
musky nature, and possesses the property of penetrating and adhering to every substance over 
which the Musk-Rat has passed. The musky odor clings so pertinaciously to the objects 
which are impregnated with its tainting contact, that in many cases they become entirely 
useless. Provisions of all kinds are frequently spoiled by the evil odor with which they are 
saturated ; and of so penetrating a nature is the musky scent, that the combined powers of 
glass and cork are unable to preserve the contents of bottles from its unpleasant influence. 
Let but a Sondeli run over a bottle of wine, and the contained liquid will be so powerfully 
scented with a musky savor that it will be rendered unfit for civilized palates, and must be 


ERD SHREW.—Corsira vulgaris. SONDELI.—Sorex murinus. 


removed from the neighborhood of other wines, lest the contaminating influence should extend 
to them also. 

In color it is not unlike the common shrew, having a slight chestnut, or reddish tinge, 
upon a mouse-colored ground, fading into gray on the under parts of the body. In size, 
however, it is much the superior of that animal ; being nearly as large as the common brown or 
‘Hanoverian’ rat. The hair is very short, and the peculiar reddish-brown hue of the fur is 
caused by the different tintings of the upper and under fur. 


Durine the autumnal’months of the year, the country roads and by-paths are frequently 
rendered remarkable by the presence of little mouse-like animals, with long snouts and 
peculiarly squared tails, that lie dead upon the ground, without mark of external injury to 
account for the manner of their decease. 

There are probably many other such corpses upon the wide and grassy meadow lands, but, 
owing to the nature of the ground, they are not so conspicuous as those upon the smoothly 
trodden paths. The presence of these deceased creatures is the more remarkable, because 
there are so many predatory animals and birds, such as cats, weasels, stoats, owls, and hawks, 
which would be very likely to kill such small prey, but, having slain them, would be almost 
sure to eat them. These unsepultured remains are the bodies of the Sarew-mouse of England, 
otherwise known by the name of Erp Surew. Another title by which this little animal is 
known, in some parts of England, is the Fetid Shrew; a name which has been given to it on 


348 THE ERD SHREW, OR SHREW-MOUSE. 


account of the powerful scent which it exudes; and the creature is called in Scotland the 
Ranny, a name which is evidently modified from the Latin term, araneus, or spider-like, which 
has been applied to this animal by several writers, because it was said to bite poisonously like 
a spider. 

The teeth of the true Shrew are very peculiar, so much so, indeed, that they cannot be 
mistaken for those of any other animal. Their peculiarities are mostly remarkable in the 
incisor teeth, which are extremely long; those of the upper jaw being curved and notched at 
their base, while those of the lower jaw project almost horizontally. There are no canines, and 
the molars differ slightly in arrangement, according to the species. In the Erd Shrew the tips 
of the teeth are tinged with a blood-colored brown. 

The head of the Shrew is rather long, and its apparent length is increased by the long and 
flexible nose which gives so peculiar an aspect to the animal, and serves to distinguish it at a 
glance from the common mouse, which it so nearly resembles in general shape and color. The 
object of this elongated nose is supposed to be for the purpose of enabling the animal to root 
in the ground after the various creatures on which it feeds, or to thrust its head among the 
densest and closest herbage. Many insects and their larve are found in such localities, and it 
is upon such food that the Shrew chiefly subsists. Worms are also captured and eaten by the 
Shrew, which in many of its habits is not unlike the mole. 

The habitation of the Shrew is in certain little subterraneous tunnels, which it excavates 
in the soil, and which serve as a hunting-ground as well asa home. Like the mole, the Shrew 
is very impatient of hunger, and cannot endure a protracted fast, although it may not be so 
inordinately voracious as that velvet-coated animal, which it is said will die of hunger if it be 
kept without food for six hours. It has been suggested, that the many dead Shrews which 
are found in the autumn owe their deaths: to starvation, the worms having descended too 
deeply into the ground for them to follow, and the insects, being pinched with the cold, having 
concealed themselves in their wintry hiding-places. 

If this be the case, the curious phenomenon of dead Shrews lying uninjured on the ground 
will be readily cleared up, although it will not account for the singular fact that the dead ani- 
mals are not carried off by cat, weasel, or owl. For this portion of the phenomenon another 
reason must be found ; which probably exists in the rank and powerful scent which saturates 
the body of the Shrew, and which is sufficiently unpleasant to deter cats and other animals 
from eating its flesh. 

Owls, however, will eat the Shrew, as has been found by examination of the pellets which 
are ejected by owls and other birds of prey, and which contain the skin, feathers, bones, and 
other indigestible portions of the creatures on which they prey. Twenty such pellets, or casts, 
as they are technically termed, were examined for the purpose of ascertaining their component 
parts, and no less than seven Shrew skeletons: were discovered in the débris. Moles are said to 
be among the number of the Shrew’s enemies, and to make occasional havoc among the pretty 
little creatures. 

Sometimes the Shrews mutually kill each other, for they are most pugnacious little beings, 
and on small ground of quarrel enter into persevering and deadly combats ; which, if they took 
place between larger animals, would be terrifically grand, but in such little creatures, appear 
almost ludicrous. They hold with their rows of bristling teeth with the pertinacity of bull- 
dogs, and, heedless of everything but the paroxysm of their blind ‘fury, roll over each other 
on the ground, locked in spiteful embrace, and uttering a rapid succession of shrill cries, which 
pierce the ears like needles of sound. 

It is a most fortunate circumstance that the larger animals are not so eancicnigels pugna- 
cious as the moles and the Shrews; for it would be a very hard case if we were unable to put 
two horses or two cows in the same field without the certainty of immediate fight, and the 
probability that one of the combatants would lose its life in the struggle. Such, however, is 
the case with the Shrews; for if two of these little quadrupeds be confined in the same box, 
they are sure to fight to the death, and the consummation of the combat is, generally, that 
the vanquished foe is eaten by the victor. 

However great may be the damage which the bite of such tiny teeth may inflict upon each 


THE ERD SHREW, OR SHREW-MOUSE. 349 


other, yet the bite of a Shrew is so insignificant as to make hardly any impress even on the 
delicate skin of the human hand. 

Popular prejudice, however, here steps in, and attributes to the bite of the Shrew such 
venomous properties that in many parts of the world the viper is less feared than the little 
harmless Shrew. The very touch of the Shrew’s foot is considered as a certain herald of evil, 
and animals or men which had been ‘‘ Shrew-struck’’ were supposed to labor under a malady 
which was incurable except by a rather singular remedy, which partakes somewhat of the 
homeceopathic principle, that ‘‘similia similibus curantur.”’ 

The curative power which alone could heal the Shrew-stroke lay in the branches of a 
Shrew ash, or an ash-tree which had been imbued with the shrewish nature by a very simple 
process. A living Shrew was captured and carried to the ash-tree which was intended to 
receive the healing virtues. An auger-hole was made into the trunk, the poor Shrew was 
introduced into the cavity, and the auger-hole closed by a wooden plug. Fortunately for the 
wretched little prisoner, the entire want of air would almost immediately cause its death. 
But were its little life to linger for ever so long a time in the ash-trunk, its incarceration would 
still have taken place, for where superstition raises its cruel head, humanity is banished. 

The popular ideas respecting the Shrew’s bite, which once reigned even over the scien- 
tific world, and are still in full force throughout many portions of the rural districts, may 
be gathered from the following extract from a curious old zoological author named Topsel, 
in his ‘‘ History of Four-tooted Beasts and Serpents,’? published in London in the year 
A.D. 1658, p. 406 :— 


“Tt is a ravening beast, feigning itself gentle and tame, but being touched, it biteth 
deep, and poysoneth deadly. It beareth a cruel minde, desiring to hurt anything, neither is 
there any creature that it loveth, or it loveth him, because it is feared of all. The cats, as 
we have said, do hunt it, and kill it, but they eat not them, for if they do, they consume 
away and die. They annoy vines, and are seldom taken, except in cold; they frequent 
ox-dung, and in the winter time repair to houses, gardens, and stables, where they are taken 
and killed. 

‘““Tf they fall into a cart-road, they die, and cannot get forth again, as Marcellus, Nicander, 
and Pliny affirm. And the reason is given by Philes, for being in the same, it is so amazed, 
and trembleth, as if it were in bands. And for this cause some of the ancients have prescribed 
the earth of a cart-road to be laid to the biting of this mouse as a remedy thereof. They go 
very slowly ; they are fraudulent, and take their prey by deceit. Many times they gnaw the 
oxes hoofs in the stable. 

““They love the rotten flesh of ravens; and therefore in /rance, when they have killed 
a raven, they keep it till it stinketh, and then cast it in the places where the Shrew-mice 
haunt, whereunto they gather in so great a number, that you may kill them with shovels. 
The Zgyptians, wpon the former opinion of holiness, do bury them when they die. And thus 
much for the description of this beast. The succeeding discourse toucheth the medecines 
arising out of this beast ; also the cure of her venomous bitings. 

“The Shrew, which by falling by chance into a cart-rode or track, doth die upon the same, 
being burned, and afterwards beaten, or dissolved into dust, and mingled with goose-grease, 
being rubbed or anointed upon those which are troubled with the swelling coming by the 
cause of some inflammation, doth bring into them a wonderful and most admirable cure and 
remedy. The Shrew being slain or killed, hanging so that neither then nor afterwards she 
may touch the ground, doth help those which are grieved and pained in their bodies, with 
sores called fellons or biles, which doth pain them with a great inflammation, so that it be 
three times environed or compassed about the party so troubled. 

“The Shrew which dyeth in the furrow of a cart-wheel, being found and rowled in potter’s 
clay or a linnen cloth, or in crimson, or in scarlet woollen cloth, and three times marked about 
the impostrumes, which will suddenly swell in any man’s body, will very speedily and effect- 
ually help and cure the same. 

**The tail of a Shrew being cut off and burned, and afterwards beaten into dust, and 


350 THE WATER SHREW. 


applyed or anointed upon the sore of any man, which came by the bite of a greedy and 
ravenous dog, will in very short space make them both whole and sound, so that the tail 
be cut from the Shrew when she is alive, not when she is dead, for then it hath neither good 
operation, nor efficacy in it.” 


It is probable that this virulent hatred of the Shrew, and this groundless terror of its bite, 
was caused by the rank scent which exudes from the creature, and the acknowledged fact that 
the Shrew is frequently seen in the close vicinity of reposing cattle. But as the Shrew is an 
insectivorous animal, it has been well suggested that its habit of frequenting the neighborhood 
of cattle may be in consequence of the flies and other insects which are always found in such 
localities, and on which the Shrew hopes to make a meal. 

It has already been mentioned that the Shrew will eat one of its own species if slain 
in battle, and it is therefore evident that its food does not wholly consist of insects and 
worms, but is occasionally varied by other and more generous diet. One of these little 
creatures has been discovered and killed while grasping a frog by the hind-leg; and so firmly 
did it maintain its grasp, that even after its death the sharp teeth still clung to the limb of 
the frog. 

Whether the creature intended to eat the frog, or whether it was urged to this act by 
revenge or other motive, is uncertain. 

The nest of the Shrew is not made in the burrow, as might be supposed, but is built in a 
suitable depression in the ground, or in a hole in a bank. It is made of leaves and other 
similar substances, and is entered through a hole at the side. In this nest are produced the 
young Shrews, from five to seven in number, and, as may be imagined, Siege diminutive 
in size. They are generally born in the spring. 

The total length of the adult Shrew is not quite four inches, of which the tail occupies 
very nearly the moiety. The tail is remarkable for being square in form instead of cylindrical, 
and on account of that circumstance it has received from some authors the specific name of 
tetragontrus, or Square-tail. 


SrmiLar to the erd Shrew in general aspect, but easily to be distinguished from that 
animal by its color and other peculiarities, the WATER SHREw stands next on our list. 

This little creature was for many years supposed to be identical with the erd Shrew, and 
its aquatic propensities thought to be the ebullition of joyous existence, which was not content 
with disporting itself upon the earth, but must needs seek a further vent for its happiness 
among the waters. 

However, the Water Shrew is now acknowledged to be a separate species, and may be 
dignnenished from the erd Shrew by the following characteristics. 

The fur of the Water Shrew is nearly black upon the upper portions of the body, instead 
of the reddish-brown color which tints the fur of the erd Shrew. The under parts of the body 
are beautifully white, and the line of demarcation between the two colors is very distinctly 
drawn. The fur is very soft and silken in texture, and, when the animal is submerged under 
the surface of the water, possesses the useful property of repelling moisture, and preserving 
the body of the animal from the injurious effects of the water. 

When the Water Shrew is engaged in swimming, those parts of the fur which are 
submerged below the surface appear to be studded with an infinite number of tiny silvern 
beadlets, that give to the whole animal a very singular aspect. This phenomenon is pro- 
duced by the minute air-bubbles that cling to the fur, and which exude from the space 
that is left between the hairs. This curious appearance is well shown in our engravings of 
Shrews. 

A further distinction, and one which is more valuable than that which is furnished by the 
color of the fur, is the fringe of stiff white hairs which edges the tail and the toes, and which 
is evidently of great use in the natatory movements of the animal. 

The Water Shrew finds its food in various ways. Sometimes it burrows in the muddy river 
banks, rooting in the soft earth with its elongated nose, and dislodging the larvee of certain 


THE OARED SHREW. 351 


insects that pass that stage of their existence in the mud. It also chases and captures 
various aquatic insects as they move through the water, and will not disdain to feed upon 
moths and other similar creatures which have fallen or have been blown into the water and 
then drowned. 

In all its movements, the Water Shrew is extremely graceful and active, displaying equal 
agility, whether its movements be terrestrial or aquatic. As the sphere of its vision does not 
appear to be very extended, it can easily be approached while it is engaged in its little gambols, 
and can be watched without much difficulty. 

I have repeatedly observed the proceedings of a little colony of these creatures, and wés 
able to sit within a yard or two of their haunts without their cognizance of my person. They 
are most sportive little creatures, and seem to enjoy a game of play with thorough appreciation, 
chasing each other over the ground and through the water, running up the stems of aquatic 
plants, and tumbling off the leaves into the water, scrambling hastily over the stones around 
which the stream ripples, and playing a thousand little pranks with the most evident enjoy- 
ment. Then they will suddenly cease their play, and begin to search after insects with the 
utmost gravity, rooting in the banks, and picking up stray flies, as if they never had any other 
business in view. 

As it is in the habit of repeatedly passing over the same ground in these mutual chases, it 
soon treads a kind of path or road upon the land, which, although very obscurely marked, is 
yet sufficiently well defined to attract the attention of any one who is conversant with the habits 
of these little creatures. ; 

Being an excellent diver, and fond of submerging itself wholly beneath the surface, the 
Water Shrew would suffer great inconvenience were its ears to be constantly filled with the 
liquid element in which it moves; and in order to avert such an inconvenience, a special pro- 
vision of nature is needed. For this purpose the ears are peculiarly formed, so that as soon as 
the animal is wholly submerged, the pressure of the water acts upon three small valves, which 
fold together and effectually prevent the entrance of a single drop of water into the cavity of 
the ear. As soon as the animal rises to the surface, the pressure is removed, and the ears 
unfold like the petals of a flower, when the sun shines warmly on them. 

From repeated observations, it seems that the Water Shrew is not entirely confined to the 
neighborhood of water, neither is it totally dependent for its subsistance on aquatic insects, for 
it has been frequently seen at some distance from any stream or pond. 

It must be remarked, however, that a very small rivulet is amply sufficient for the pur- 
poses of the Water Shrew, which will take up its residence for several years in succession on 
the banks of a little artificial channel that is only used for the purpose of carrying water for 
the irrigation of low-lying fields. 

It is believed that the Water Shrew is a more prolific animal than the erd Shrew, 
for whereas the latter creature produces from five to seven young at a litter, the former 
is blessed with a family of seven, eight, or nine in number, six or seven being the ordinary 
average. 

The total length of the Water Shrew is not quite four inches and a half, the length of the 
head and body being a little more than three inches, and that of the tail being about two 
inches. Its snout, although long, is not quite so narrow and pointed as that of the erd Shrew, 
and its ears are remarkably small. When it swims, it has a curious habit of spreading out its 
sides, so as to flatten the body as it floats upon the water. 


THE largest of the European Shrews is that species which is called the OARED SHREW, on 
account of the oar-like formation of the feet and tail; which are edged with even longer and 
stiffer hairs than those which decorate the same parts in the water Shrew. 

_ As may be imagined from this structure, the habits of the animal are aquatic in 
their nature, and its manners are so closely similar to those of the preceding species, 
that it may easily be mistaken for that animal, when seen at a little distance, so as to render 
the difference in size less conspicuous, and the color of the under portions of the body less 
apparent. 


352 THE AGOUTA, OR SOLENODON. 


Tt has already been stated that the back of the water Shrew is of a velvety black, and the 
abdomen and under portions of the body of a beautiful and clearly defined white. In the 
Oared Shrew, however, the back is profusely sprinkled with white hairs, and the fur of the 
abdomen and flanks is blackish-gray instead of pure white. The middle of the abdomen, how- 
ever, together with that of the throat, is strongly tinged with yellow; the throat being more 
of an ashy yellow than the abdomen. 

Although not so common as the erd and the water Shrew, it is of more frequent occurrence 
than is generally supposed, and has been found in many parts of Europe, where it was for- 
merly supposed to be wanting. 

The total length of the Oared Shrew is about five inches and a quarter, the head and body 
measuring rather more than three inches, and the tail being about two inches in length. Its 
nose is not quite so sharp or narrow as that of the water Shrew, and the ears are decorated 
with a slight fringe of white hair. The latter third of the tail is flattened, as if for swimming, 


L_LLSSS= 


AGOUTA, OR SOLENODON.—Solenodon paradoxum. 


while the remaining two-thirds are nearly cylindrical, but are slightly squared, as has been 
already mentioned of the common Shrew. 

On account of the general darkness of its fur, it is sometimes called the Black Water 
Shrew, and is catalogued in some museums under that title. The generic name, Crossopus, 
is of Greek origin, and signifies ‘‘ fringed-feet.”’ 

There is another Shrew, called the Rustic Shrew (Corsira ristica), which is very com- 
mon throughout Ireland, and is also found in many parts of Northern Europe. Among the 
Shrews is found the smallest known mammalian animal of the present day ; being even smaller 
than the tiny harvest-mouse, which has been made so famous by Mr. White’s elegant descrip- 
tion of itself and its habits in his ‘‘ Natural History of Selborne.’? This most minute quadru- 
ped is only one inch and a half in length, exclusive of the tail, which measures about an inch. 
The name of this minikin among mammals is the Etruscan Shrew, and its habitation is in 
Italy. Specimens are said to have been discovered in Algeria. 


Tue specific title of Paradoxus, or puzzling, has very appropriately been given to the 
Agoura; a little animal which is peculiar to Hayti, and which combines in its own person 
several characteristics that properly belong to different families of animals. 

Were the observer to pay regard only to the external peculiarity of fur, ears, and tail, he 
would be inclined to place it among the opossums; but if he were to lay the greatest stress 
upon the teeth, he would probably assign it to a place among the shrews. 


THE DAESMAN. 353 


It seems, however, that it is really allied to the latter group of animals, and it is therefore 
placed in the position which it at present holds in zoological catalogues. The fur of the Agouta 
is long, harsh, and coarse in texture, and its color is an undecided red, tinged with yellow. 
The nose-is extremely elongated, like that of the shrews, and strengthened at its base by a 
slender bone, so that it appears to be intended for the purpose of digging in the earth like 
those animals. The nostrils. are placed at the extremity of the snout, and are divided from 
each other by a distinct furrow. The cheeks and lips are decorated with whisker-hairs of 
very great length ; the eyes are very small; the ears are moderate in size, and rounded, and 
almost devoid of hairy covering. All the feet are terminated with five toes, and the long claws 
are curved, rather-compressed, and evidently fitted for the purpose of scraping at the soil. 

The tail is moderately long, measuring about nine inches in length, and is rounded through- 
out its length, remainder of the head and body being rather more than a foot long. It is not 
covered with hair, but is rather naked, 
and for the greater part of its length is 
scaly. The lower jaw is rather shorter 
than the upper. 

The teeth of the Agouta are very 
remarkable, both for their arrangement 
and their form, but are very difficult to 
describe. The two middle incisors of the 
upper jaw are extremely large, almost 
triangular in form, and are separated 
from the small lateral incisors by a con- 
siderable interval. The most singular 
part of the dentition is, however, found 
in the incisors of the lower jaw, of which 
Van der Hoeven speaks as follows :— 
“The two middle incisors of the lower 
jaw are small, narrow, placed between 
two long conical, hollowed on the inside 
by a deep groove; the second grooved 
incisor of the lower jaw distinguishes this 
genus from all the others of which the 
dental system is known hitherto.’’— 
Handbook of Zoology, vol. ii. p. 727. 

The dentition of the Agouta would : 
seem to indicate that the creature was Ra eee 
insectivorous in its diet, but Mr. Hearne, 
who possessed one of these animals in a living state, remarks that its food is chiefly grain, 
although it isalso capable of eating animal food. In-general appearance the Agouta somewhat 
resembles the barn-rat of England, and might easily be mistaken for that animal if seen 
while in motion, and for a short time only. There is supposed to be but one species of this 
curious genus. The generic name, Solenodon, is of Greek origin, and signifies channel- 
toothed. 


AurHoucH the water shrew has earned for itself its aquatic title, it is not nearly so 
constant an inhabitant of the water as the DAESMAN or DESMAN, an animal whose very form is 
sufficient to stamp it as a creature that lives almost exclusively in the water. A casual glance 
at the external formation of the Daesman will at once pronounce the animal to be made for 
swimming and diving, and its admirable adaptation for aquatic evolutions is more evident as 
the structure of the creature is more closely examined. 


A verry remarkable animal now comes before us, the BuLAv, T1kus, or GYMNURA, as it is 
indifferently termed. 


BdA4 THE HEDGEHOG. 


This creature, which is an inhabitant of Malacca and Sumatra, bears no slight external 
resemblance to the opossum of America, the similarity being increased by its long and harsh 
hair, and the long scaly tail, sparely furnished with very short hairs. The generic name, 
Gymnira, is derived from two Greek words signifying naked tail, and is, therefore, very 
appropriately applied to this animal. All the feet are terminated by five toes, the three 
middle toes being longer than the others. The muzzle is much lengthened, but is cut off 
rather abruptly at its termination. The eyes are small in proportion to the dimensions of 
their owner, and the ears are small, rounded, and devoid of hairy covering. 

One distinguishing peculiarity of the animal is, that the fur which covers the body and 
head is pierced by a number of very long bristling hairs, that project for a considerable dis- 


HEDGEHOG.—Zrinaceus europaeus. 


tance from the body, and are much longer on the neck and shoulders than on any other portion 
of the body. The color of the creature is a rather peculiar mixture of black and white, which 
are arranged as follows: the greater part of the body, the upper portion of the legs, and the 
beginning of the tail, are black ; while the head, the neck, and flanks, and the remainder of 
the tail, are white. There is also a black stripe over each eye, which forms a bold contrast 
with the white fur of the head. 

Like the preceding animals, the Bulau is possessed of glands which secrete a substance of 
a powerful musky smell. For the introduction of this animal to science we are indebted to 
Sir Stamford Raffles, who brought it from Sumatra, and, taking it for one of the viverrine 
animals, described it under the name of Viverra gymnura. 


Tk HepeEnoe finds representatives in many parts of the world, which seem to be pos- 
sessed of the same propensities, whether they are found in England, in India, or in Africa. 


THE HEDGEHOG. 355 


There are several species of this curious animal, which are remarkable for two or three pecu- 
liarities of form and habit. 

The external characteristic which immediately strikes the attention of the beholder is the 
formidable array of bristling spines with which the back is more or less covered, and which 
offers a chevaux-defrise of sharp spikes towards any animal that may present itself as an 
enemy. Another peculiarity is the power possessed by these creatures of rolling themselves 
into a round ball, by placing the head on the breast, drawing up the legs, and curling the body 
firmly round these members. By this posture, the Hedgehogs render themselves invulnerable 
to almost every animal that may attack them, and defend the legs, abdomen, and other por- 
tions of the body that are left unprotected by nature. When in this curious attitude, the 
Hedgehog cannot be unrolled by main force, as long as any life remains in the body, for there 
is an enormously developed muscle, with a very thick margin, which spreads over the back 
and round the sides, and which, when contracted, holds the creature in so firm an embrace 
that it will be torn in pieces rather than yield its point. 

The technical name of this muscle is panniculus carnosus, and it is by means of this 
muscle that bears and other animals are able to shake their skins when they are irritated by 
any substance that clings to the hair, and which they cannot reach with their teeth. 

The Hedgehogs are plantigrade in their gait, and, like the generality of plantigrade ani- 
mals, are not particularly active or rapid in their movements. Although they generally prefer 
a deliberate pace when they are not alarmed or hurried, they can get over the ground with no 
small speed when they feel themselves called upon to make such an exertion. 

The feet of the Hedgehog are furnished with five toes, those of the fore-feet terminated 
with tolerably strong claws, which, although not so evidently fossorial as those of the moles 
and other insectivorous animals, are yet very capable of digging, and are used effectually for 
that purpose. The soles of the feet are naked. The limbs and the entire under surface of the 
body are undefended by the stiff prickles which are so thickly set upon the back, and are 
clothed with hair of a more or less dense character, according to the particular species. In 
every species, however, the hair is of a peculiar character, and is intermixed with a goodly 
number of tolerably stiff hairs of a bristly character. 

The food of the Hedgehog consists chiefly of insects, worms, snails, and similar creatures, 
but itis of essentially carnivorous taste, and is in no wise particular what the kind of food 
which it eats, provided that it be of an animal character. 

These details of form and habit are common to all the Hedgehogs; and the other pecu- 
liarities of the Erinacea, as these animals are learnedly named, will be mentioned in connection 
with the two species that will be figured and described in these pages. 

Tur LONG-EARED Hrp@EnHoe derives its name from the exceeding dimensions of its ears, 
which project from its head in such a manner as to give to the animal a very porcine aspect. 
This species is found in Siberia and in all the eastern regions of Asiatic Russia, and has also 
been captured in Egypt. It is a smaller animal than the common Hedgehog of Europe, but is 
very variable in its dimensions, according to the locality in which it is found. The limbs are 
comparatively long and slender, and the long hair that clothes the lower portions of the body 
is extremely fine in its texture. The array of prickly spines that guard its back does not 
extend so far as in the European species, and are of a rather peculiar coloring. At the base, 
each spine is marked with a whitish ring, the centre is brown, and the tip is tinted with yellow. 
The color of the eye is bluish-gray. 


THE common HEDGEHOG, HEDGE PIG, or URCHIN, is one of the most familiar of mam- 
malia, being found wherever the country is capable of affording food and shelter to him. 

The hard, round spines which cover the upper part of its body are about an inch in 
length, and of a rather peculiar shape. This-form is wonderfully adapted to meet the 
peculiar objects which the spine is intended to fulfil, as will be seen in the following 
account. 

The spines lie nearly horizontally upon the back of the animal, a position which they 


356 THE HEDGEHOG. 


assume whenever the Hedgehog chooses to relax the peculiar muscle which governs the 
spines, and which seems to retain the creature in its coiled attitude. The point of the quill 
or spine is directed towards the tail. The quill is not unlike a large pin, being sharply pointed 
at one extremity, and furnished at the other with a round, bead-like head, and rather abruptly 
bent near the head. If the skin be removed from the Hedgehog, the quills are seen to be 
pinned, as it were, through the skin, being retained by their round heads, which are acted 
upon by the peculiar muscle which has already been mentioned. 

It is evident, therefore, that whenever the head of the quill is drawn backward by the 
contraction of the muscle, the point of the quill is erected in proportion to the force which is 
exerted upon the head, so that when the animal is rolled up, and the greatest tension is 
employed, the quills stand boldly out from the body, and present the bayonet-like array of 
points in every direction. 

These curiously formed spines are useful to the Hedgehog for other purposes than the 
very obvious use of protecting the creature from the attacks of its foe. They are extremely 
elastic, as is found to be the case with hairs and quills of all descriptions, and the natural 
elasticity is increased by the sharp curve into which they are bent at their insertion into the 
skin. Protected by this defence, the Hedgehog is enabled to throw itself from considerable 
heights, to curl itself into a ball as it descends, and to reach the ground without suffering any 
harm from its fall. A Hedgehog has been seen repeatedly to throw itself from a wall some 
twelve or fourteen feet in height, and to fall upon the hard ground without appearing even to 
be inconvenienced by its tumble. On reaching the ground, it would unroll itself, and trot off 
with perfect unconcern. 

The thorn-studded skin of this animal is not without its use even to mankind, and is still 
employed for various useful purposes. 

In some parts of the country it is used in weaning calves, and is an infallible mode of 
effecting that object. When the farmer desires to wean the young calf, he fixes a Hedgehog’s 
skin upon the calf’s muzzle, so that when it goes to suckle its mother it causes such irrita- 
tion that she will not permit her offspring to approach, and drives it away as often as it 
attempts to effect its purpose. It is also used in order to cure carriage-horses of the trouble- 
some habit of ‘‘boring’’ to one side while being driven, for when fixed on the pole or the 
traces it gives the animal such effectual reminders whenever it begins to ‘‘bore,’’ that it soon 
learns to pull straight, and thus to avoid the unpleasant aids to memory that bristle at its 
side. Even to scientific pursuits the Hedgehog’s quills are made to render its services, being 
used as pins whereby certain anatomical preparations are displayed in spirits of wine, and 
which are not liable to that provoking rust which is so apt to attack metallic pins when 
immersed in spirits, and which often render the most elaborate dissections perfectly useless. 

Another purpose to which the Hedgehog’s skin was formerly applied was the hackling of 
hemp before it was made up into coarse cloth. This custom was followed by the ancient 
Romans, but is now obsolete, being superseded by artificial instead of natural combs. 

The under surface of the body, together with the limbs, is covered with long bristles and 
undulating soft hair, which passes rather abruptly into the stiff quills that defend the back, 
and is so long that it almost conceals the limbs when the animal is walking on level ground. 
In the adult animal the quills are hard and shining, they thickly cover the entire back and top 
of the head, and are of a grayish-white color, diversified with a blackish-brown ring near the 
middle. In the young animal, however, the spines are comparatively few in number, very 
soft in texture, and nearly white in color, so that for the first few days of their life the little 
creatures look like balls of white hair. 

The tail of the adult Hedgehog is scarcely visible, being hidden by the bristling quills, 
which exceed its length by nearly one-fourth. In the young animal, however, the tail is 
apparent enough, as there are, as yet, no quills to conceal it, and it is carried nearly in a line 
with the length of the body. The total length of a full-grown Hedgehog is rather more than 
ten inches, the length of the tail being only three-quarters of an inch, and that of the head 
three inches. The ears are moderately long in their dimensions, being about an inch in 
length. 


THE HEDGEHOG. 357 


The young of the Hedgehog are born about May, and are so unlike the parents that they 
have been mistaken for young birds by inexperienced observers. It is a very singular fact, and 
one which is almost if not entirely unique, that not only are they born with their eyes closed, 
as is the case with kittens, puppies, and many other animals, but with their ears closed also. 
The soft white quills, which present so curious an appearance as they lie upon the transparent 
pink skin, very soon begin to deepen in their color, and to increase in number, so that about 
the end of August the little animals resemble their parents in everything but size. The number 
of young which are produced at a birth is from three to four. 

The nest in which the little Hedgehogs are produced and nurtured is most ingenious in its 
structure, being so admirably woven of moss and similar substances, and so well thatched with 
leaves, that it will resist the effects of the violent showers that generally fall during the spring, 
remaining perfectly dry in the midst of the sharpest rain. 

Marching securely under the guardianship of its thorn-spiked armor, the Hedgehog recks 
little of any foe save man. For, with this single exception, there are, in our land at least, no 
enemies that need be dreaded by so well-protected an animal. Dogs, foxes, and cats are the only 
creatures which possess the capability of killing and eating the Hedgehog, and of these foes it 
is very little afraid. For dogs are but seldom abroad at night while the Hedgehog is engaged 
in its nocturnal quests after food ; and the fox would not be foolish enough to waste its time 
and prick its nose in weary endeavors to force its intended prey out of its defences. Cats, too, 
are even less adapted to such a proceeding than dogs and foxes. 

It is indeed said that the native cunning of the fox enables it to overreach the Hedgehog, 
and to induce it to unroll itself by an ingenious, but, I fear, apocryphal process. Reynard is 
said, whenever he finds a coiled-up Hedgehog, to roll it over and over with his paw towards 
some runnel, pond, or puddle, and then to souse it unexpectedly into the water. The Hedgehog 
fearing that it is going to be drowned, straightway unrolls itself, and is inmediately pounced 
on by the cunning fox, which crushes its head with a single bite, and eats it afterwards at 
leisure. The puma is said to eat the Hedgehog in a very curious manner. Seizing the animal 
by the head, it gradually draws the animal through its teeth, swallowing the body and strip- 
ping off the skin. 

Man, however, troubles himself very little about the Hedgehog’s prickles, and when dis- 
posed to such a diet, kills, cooks, and eats it without hesitation. 

The legitimate mode of proceeding is to kill the animal by a blow on the head, and then to 
envelop it, without removing the skin, in a thick layer of well-kneaded clay. The enwrapped 
Hedgehog is then placed on the fire, being carefully turned by the cook at proper intervals, 
and there remains until the clay is perfectly dry and begins to crack. When this event has 
taken place, the cooking is considered to be complete, and the animal is removed from the 
fire. The clay covering is then broken off, and carries away with it the whole of the skin, 
which is adherent by means of the prickles. By this mode of cookery the juices are preserved, 
and the result is pronounced to be supremely excellent. 

This primitive but admirable form of cookery is almost entirely confined to gipsies and 
other wanderers, as in these days there are few civilized persons who would condescend to par- 
take of such a diet. Utilitarians, however, can render the creature subservient to their pur- 
poses by using it as a guardian to their kitchens. Its insect-devouring powers are of such a 
nature that it can be made a most useful inhabitant of the house, and set in charge of the 
‘“black beetles.”’ 

It is domesticated without the least difficulty, and speedily makes itself at home, if it be 
only supplied with a warm bed of rags or hay in some dark crevice. The rapidity with which 
it extirpates the cockroaches is most marvellous, for their speed and wariness are so great that 
the Hedgehog must possess no small amount of both qualities in order to destroy them so 
easily.- A Hedgehog which resided for some years in our house was accustomed to pass a 
somewhat nomad existence, for as soon as it had eaten all the cockroaches in our kitchen it 
used to be lent to a friend, to whom it performed the same valuable service. In a few months 
those tiresome insects had again multiplied, and the Hedgehog was restored to its former 
habitation. 


358 HABITS OF THE HEDGEHOG. 


The creature was marvellously tame, and would come at any time toa saucer of milk in 
broad daylight. Sometimes it took a fancy to promenading the garden, when it would trot 
along in its own quaint style, poking its sharp nose into every crevice, and turning over every 
fallen leaf that lay in its path. If it heard a strange step, it would immediately curl itself 
into a ball, and lie in that posture for a few minutes until its alarm had passed away, when it 
would cautiously unroll itself, peer about with its little bead-like eyes for a moment or two, 
and then resume its progress. 

From all appearances, it might have lived for many years had it not come by its death in 
a rather singular manner. There was a wood-shed in thé kitchen-garden, where the bean and 
pea-sticks were laid up in ordinary during the greater part of the year, and it seemed, for some 
unknown reason, to afford a marvellous attraction to the Hedgehog. So partial to this locality 
was the creature, that whenever it was missing we were nearly sure to find it among the bean- 
sticks in the wood-shed. One morning, however, on searching for the animal, in consequence 
of having missed its presence for some days, we found it hanging by its neck in the fork of a 
stick, and quite dead. The poor creature had probably slipped while climbing among the 
sticks, and had been caught by the neck in the bifurcation. 

It has just been mentioned that the Hedgehog was in the habit of drinking milk from a 
saucer, and this fact leads to the prevalent idea that the Hedgehogs are accustomed to suck 
cows while they are lying on the ground. Naturalists have generally denied this statement, 
saying, as is true enough, that the little mouth of the Hedgehog is so small that it would not 
be capable of sucking the cow, and that, even if it could do so, its needle-pointed teeth would 
be so painful to the cow that she would drive away the robber as soon as she felt its teeth. So 
far they are quite correct, for both their propositions are undoubtedly true. But, nathless, 
there is great truth in the assertion that the Hedgehog drinks the milk of cows. I have 
received several communications on this subject, where my correspondents assert that they 
have seen the creature engaged in that pursuit, and I have been told by several credible wit- 
nesses that they have been spectators of the same circumstance. But in neither case was it 
asserted that the animal was really sucking the cow, but that it was lying on the ground, lap- 
ping up the milk as it oozed from the over-filled udder of the animal before the hour of milk- 
ing had arrived. Granting this to be a fact, the creature can yet do no real injury to the 
farmer or the dairyman, as the amount of milk which it thus consumes is very small, and would 
have been wasted, had it not been lapped up by the Hedgehog’s greedy tongue. 

The Hedgehog is also accused of stealing and breaking eggs, to which indictment it can 
but plead guilty. 

It is very ingenious in its method of opening and eating eggs; a feat which it performs 
without losing any of the golden contents. Instead of breaking the shell, and running the 
chance of permitting the contents to roll out, the clever animal lays the egg on the ground, 
holds it firmly between its fore-feet, bites a hole in the upper portion of the shell, and, insert- 
ing its tongue into the orifice, licks out the contents daintily. 

Not contenting itself with such comparatively meagre diet as eggs, the Hedgehog is a great 
destroyer of snakes, frogs, and other animals, crunching them together with their bones as 
easily as a horse will eat a carrot. Even the thick bone of a mutton-chop, or the big bone of 
a fish, is splintered by the Hedgehog’s teeth with marvellous ease. On one account it is rather 
a valuable animal, for it will attack a viper as readily as a grass-snake, being apparently proof 
against the venom of the serpent’s fangs. Experiments have been tried in order to prove the 
poison-resisting power of this strange animal, which seems to be invulnerable to every kind of 
poison, whether taken internally or mixed with the blood by insertion into a wound. 

On one occasion, a Hedgehog was placed in a box together with a viper, and, after a while, 
began to attack it. The snake, being irritated, rose up, and bit its assailant smartly on the 
lip. The Hedgehog took but little notice of the incident, but, after licking the wounded spot 
once or twice, returned to the charge. At last it succeeded in killing the viper, and, after 
having done so, ate its vanquished enemy, beginning at the tail, and so working upwards. The 
animal always seems to eat a snake in this fashion, and on one occasion was known to pro- 
ceed with its banquet while the poor snake was still living. 


a 


POISON-RESISTING POWER OF THE HEDGEHOG. 359 


Poisons of all kinds have been tried upon the Hedgehog without the least effect. Prussic 
acid, arsenic, and other deadly substances have been unsuccessfully administered, and the 
animal has been known to make a very satisfactory meal on cantharides without experiencing 
any ill effects from these cauterizing insects. How it is that the constitution of the creature 
can resist the effects of such powerful substances is not, as yet, Known. It is, however, a 
subject of much interest, and, if it could be elucidated, would probably be of incalculable 
service to mankind. 

On one occasion, when a Hedgehog was employed in the demolition of a snake, it pro- 
ceeded in a remarkably cautious manner, as if it had been a practised combatant, and had 
learned how to inflict injury on its foe without suffering in return. On being roused by the 
touch of the snake, the Hedgehog—which had been coiled up—unrolled itself, bit the snake 
sharply, and immediately resumed its coiled attitude. Three times it repeated this proceed- 
ing, and when after the third bite the snake’s back was bitten through, the Hedgehog stood 

_by the side of its victim, and deliberately crushed the snake’s body throughout its entire 
length by biting it at intervals of about half an inch. Having thus placed itself beyond the 
reach of retaliation, it took the tip of the snake’s tail in its mouth, began to eat it, and finished 
the reptile in the course of twenty-four hours. 

The exploits of the Hedgehog in serpent-killing are useful enough in their way, but it too 
often happens that the carnivorous propensities of the animal are exercised upon less harmful 
creatures than vipers or other ‘‘vermin.’? Indeed, the poultry-fancier and the game-preserver 
have too much reason for ranking the Hedgehog itself under that expressive and somewhat 
comprehensive epithet. Many are the instances on record where the creature has been detected 
in the act of destroying rabbits, poultry, and various kinds of game, and has been unexpectedly 
discovered to have been the perpetrator of sundry acts of robbery which had been laid upon 
the shoulders of the fox, the weasel, or the polecat. 

On one occasion, the proprietor of a fine bantam cock was renee by a great disturbance 
in the place where the fowl was kept, and on going down to see what might be the matter, 
found his feathered favorite struggling in the jaws of a Hedgehog, which had caught it by the 
leg and would speedily have devoured it had not its owner come, happily, to the rescue. 
Again, no less than fifteen turkey poults had been destroyed in the course of a single night, 
three having been abstracted and the others killed. A number of steel-traps were laid around 
the scene of devastation, and on the following morning three male Hedgehogs were found in 
the traps, having evidently returned for the purpose of bringing away the victims of their 
previous raid. 

All kinds of game fall occasional victims to the Hedgehog’s appetite, and the partridge, 
the hare, and the pheasant seem to suffer equally from the voracity of this strange animal. A 
Hedgehog has been seen in the act of destroying a hare, and had inflicted such injuries that 
the poor creature died ina very short time after it had been rescued from the jaws of its 
assailant. Rabbits, too, are frequently eaten by this animal, and Hedgehogs have several 
times been taken in traps that have been set for other ‘‘ vermin,’’ and baited with portions of 
dead rabbits. 

That hares, rabbits, and other terrestrial animals should be captured by so apparently 
clumsy an animal as the Hedgehog is sufficiently remarkable, but that the wary pheasant and 
the well-winged partridge should fall victims to the creature is more than singular. Yet there 
are many accredited instances where the Hedgehog has been captured in the very act of killing 
and eating partridges, and has even been killed while the head of a young partridge still pro- 
truded from its mouth. One of these creatures has been detected in the act of eating a hen- 
pheasant which had been placed in a cage, to which it had gained access by squeezing itself 
through a marvellously small aperture. Another pheasant had been killed on the previous 
day, but its death had been laid at the door of the stoat. Earth and air thus seem to furnish 
their quota of nourishment for the Hedgehog, which extends its depredations to the aqueous 
element, and displays a cultivated taste for fish. So fond is this carnivorous creature of the 
finny tribe, that it has been frequently caught in traps which have been baited with fish for 
the express purpose of decoying the Hedgehog into their treacherous jaws. 


. 


360 CHARACTER OF THE HEDGEHOG. 


Whether in its wild state it is able to capture the little birds, is not accurately known, but 
in captivity it eats finches and other little birds with great voracity. One of these animals, 
that was kept in a state of domestication, ate no less than seven sparrows in the course of a 
single night, and another of these creatures crushed and ate in the course of twenty-four honrs 
more than as many sparrow-heads, eating bones, bill, and neck with equal ease. 

Its legitimate prey is found among the insect tribe, of which it consumes vast numbers, 
being able, not only to chase and capture those which run upon the ground, but even to dig in 
the earth and feed upon the grubs, worms and various larvee which pass their lives beneath the 
surface of the ground. A Hedgehog has been seen to exhume the nest of the humblebee, 
which had been placed in a sloping bank, as is often the case with the habitation of these 
insects, and to eat bees, grubs, and honey, unmindful of the anger of the survivors, who, how- 
ever, appeared to be but little affected by the inroads which the Hedgehog was making upon 
their offspring and their stores. 

According to the generality of writers, among whom we may reckon Mr. White, the 
immortalizer of Selborne, the food of the Hedgehog is not entirely animal, but is varied 
with sundry vegetable substances, such as roots, haws, crabs, and other wild ‘tna, Others 
deny the vegetable diet of the Hedgehog. In the ‘‘Natural History of Selborne,”’ how- 
ever, we find a very interesting account of the manner in which the Hedgehog devours the 
roots of the plantain without injuring the leaves, by grubbing with its snout, and biting off the 
stems, so delicately that the leaves fall untouched. The roots of grasses are also said to form 
part of the Hedgehog’s food. 

As might be supposed from the destructive tendency which is, on certain occasions, so 
strongly developed in the Hedgehog, the animal is a determined fighter whenever it engages in 
battle, and is capable of inflicting severe wounds with its sharp teeth and powerful jaws. 
Should several Hedgehogs be confined in one spot, and a stranger be admitted among them, 
the new-comer will assuredly be forced to fight for his position, and, in all probability, will 
either kill one of his opponents, or will fall by the teeth of his adversary. In either case the 
victor becomes a quadrupedal cannibal, and, not satisfied with having destroyed his foe, pro- 
ceeds to eat him. In such a case, the slain combatant is totally devoured, with the exception 
of the skin and its prickles, which remain as a token of battle and a trophy of victory. 

All Hedgehogs are, however, not endowed with an equal amount of combativeness, but 
are extremely different in their dispositions. Some are most gentle and retiring in their 
habits, while others are savage and ferocious to a degree, and seem to be totally devoid of 
fear, so that they will attack boldly any object which annoys them, perfectly regardless of its 
character or its size. 

The Hedgehog has generally been considered as a dull and stupid animal, incapable of 
being tamed, and mindful only of its own comfort. Such, however, is really not the case, for 
when the animal meets with a kind and thoughtful owner, who will try to develop the best 
feelings of the creature, it proves to be quite affectionate in its character, and will display no 
small amount of fearless attachment to its master. It would, in all probability, have been 
better appreciated had it not been, unfortunately, the object of terror or detestation to those 
who are unacquainted with its habits, and who are either alarmed at its prickly array of quills, 
or have imbibed certain prejudicial notions concerning its harmful qualities. 

It has already been mentioned that the Hedgehog is fond of milk, but it would Rely be 
imagined that the animal would condescend to partake of strong drink, and that to such a 
degree that it would be reduced to a state of helpless intoxication. Such, however, is the case, 
as has been recorded by Dr. Ball of a Hedgehog which he possessed, and to which he admis- 
tered a strong potation of sweetened whiskey. The experiment was not made with any 
intention of injuring the animal, but for the purpose of testing the popular assertion that the 
creature would thereby be rendered tame. After saying that the intoxicating draught soon 
showed its power on the animal, Dr. Ball proceeds as follows :— 

‘Like the beasts that so indulge, he was anything but himself, and his lack-lustre, leaden 
eye was rendered still less pleasing by its inane, drunken expression. He staggered towards 
us in a ridiculous, get-out-of-my-way sort of manner ; however, he had not gone far before his 


THE TANREC. 361 


potation produced all its effects—he tottered, then fell on his side; he was drunk in the full 
sense of the word, for he could not even hold by the ground. We could then pull him about, 
open his mouth, twitch his whiskers, ete.—he was unresisting. There was a strange expres- 
sion in his face of that self-confidence which we see in cowards when inspired by drinking. 

“We put him away, and in some twelve hours afterwards found him running about, and, as 
was predicted, quite tame, his spines lying so smoothly and regularly that he could be stroked 
down the back and handled freely. We turned him into the kitchen to kill cockroaches, and 
know nothing further of him.” 

The home of the Hedgehog is made in some retired and well-protected spot, such as a 
crevice in rocky ground, or under the stones of some old ruin. It greatly affects hollow trees, 
wherever the decayed wood permits it to find an easy entrance, and not unfrequently is found 
coiled up in a warm nest which it has made under the large gnarled roots of some old tree, 
where the rains have washed away the earth and left the roots projecting occasionally from 
the ground. Beside these legitimate habitations, the Hedgehog’is frequently found to intrude 
itself upon the homes of other animals, and has been often captured within rabbit-burrows. 
Perhaps it may be led to these localities by the double motive of obtaining shelter from weather 
and enemies and of making prey of an occasional young rabbit. 

In its retreat the Hedgehog usually passes the winter in that semi-animate condition 
which is known by the name of hibernation. It, however, lays up no stores, nor, indeed, could 
it do so, for, as has already been mentioned, its food is almost entirely of an animal nature. 

The hibernation of the Hedgehog has lately been denied, because Hedgehogs are occasion- 
ally found at large during the winter months. Yet this is no-proof to the contrary, for it has 
already been noticed that the bears are occasionally in the habit of roaming about during the 
winter, instead of lying motionless in their dens, as is the general custom, yet no one denies 
the hibernation of the bear in consequence. The subject of hibernation has been most elab- 
orately worked out by Dr. Marshall Hall, who has published the result of his experiments 
in ‘‘Todd’s Cyclopedia of Anatomy,’? and has made many curious observations on the 
hibernating qualities of the animal which is now under consideration. 

In this able dissertation, Dr. Hall warns observers against confounding together the torpor 
which is produced by excessive cold and that peculiar torpid state which is called hibernation. 
Indeed, it is always found that although a Hedgehog, or other hibernating animal, will pass 
into its semi-animate condition at a moderately low temperature, it will be roused at once by 
severe cold, and will not again resume its lethargy until the temperature be somewhat moder- 
ated. ‘‘ All hibernating animals,’’ he observes, ‘‘ avoid exposure to extreme cold. They seek 
some secure retreat, make themselves nests or houses, or congregate in clusters, and if the 
season prove unusually severe, or if their retreat be not well chosen, and they be exposed in 
consequence to excessive cold, many become benumbed, stiff, and die.” 

Those who experiment upon so delicate a subject as hibernation must bear this in mind, 
and remember also that the least disquieting of the animal will injure the condition under 
which it sustains its torpidity, even though it should be of so slight a nature as touching the 
table on which it is placed, or walking with a heavy step across the room. One experimenter, 
who thought that intense cold was the cause of the torpidity, surrounded a hibernating Hedge- 
hog with a freezing mixture, in the hope of plunging the animal into a more profound sleep. 
The result, however, was entirely different from his expectation, for the excess of cold first 
awoke the sleeping animal and afterwards froze it to death. 

If the sleeping Hedgehog be touched, or otherwise disturbed, it rouses itself from its 
lethargy, walks about a little, takes some food, if there should be any at hand, and. soon 
returns to its somnolent condition. 


AuTHouGH unable to contract itself into a ball, after the manner of the true Hedgehogs, 
the TANREC, or MADAGASCAR HEDGEHOG, as it is sometimes called, is closely allied to these 
animals, and in many respects bears some resemblance to them. 

In size, this animal is about the equal of the European Hedgehog, but is rather more 
elongated in its form, and furnished with longer legs, so that when it walks it does not carry 


362 THE TANREC. 


its abdomen so close to the ground, as is the case with the preceding animal. The muzzle of 
the Tanrec, or Tenrec, as the name is sometimes written, is extremely elongated, rather sharply 
pointed, and brown in color; the ears are small and rounded, and the tail is absent, a pecu- 
liarity which has earned for the animal its specific title of ecawdatus, or tailless. The generic 
name, Centétes, or more correctly Aentétes, is of Greek origin, and signifies ‘‘ thorny,” in 
allusion to the short and thorn-like spines with which the body is covered. 

The color of the Tanrec is rather variable at different times, on account of the variegated 
tints which bedeck the array of quills that adorn and defend its back. These quills are black 
towards their tips, and yellowish towards their bases, so that either tint predominates, accord- 
ing to the arrangement of the quills. In length they are inferior to those of the Hedgehog, the 


TANREC.— Centetes ecaudatus. 


largest not exceeding an inch. The throat, abdomen, and inside faces of the limbs are covered 
with rather coarse yellowish hairs, and the sides and flanks are decorated with long silken 
hairs of the same color as the spines. 

Like the Hedgehog, the Tanrec is a hibernating animal, sleeping for at least three months 
of the year, secure in the burrow which it has excavated by means of the powerful and crooked 
claws which are attached to its feet. 

Some writers assert that its period of torpidity is during the heat of summer, while others, 
who have had practical knowledge of the animal and its habits, say that its periodic somnolence 
takes place during the cold and wintry months. These contradictory accounts can be recon- 
ciled by the fact, that the Mauritian winter is from June to November, and that the months 
which in that island are reckoned as summer months, are winter months with ourselves. 

It is not very commonly seen, even in the localities which it most frequents, as it is a 
nocturnal animal, and, except when under the protection of the shades of night, very seldom 
leaves the burrow in which it has taken up its residence. The locality which it chooses for its 
subterranean residence is generally well chosen for the purpose of security, being usually 
among the old roots of clumps of bamboos, which defend and conceal the entrance, and offer 
an almost insurmountable obstacle to any foe that might desire to dig the animal out of its den. 

The natural food of the Tanrec consists of worms, insects, snails, reptiles, and various 
similar substances, but the creature will condescend to feed for a time on more sophisticated 
dainties, such as boiled rice. It is supposed that an unmixed vegetable diet would be very 
hurtful to the animal’s well-being. 

Possessed of a most overpowering and unpleasant smell of musk, the Tanrec is not an 


THE KANGAROO. 363 


animal which would be supposed to furnish an agreeable article of diet to any one, except to a 
starving man in the last extremity of hunger. Yet the natives of Madagascar esteem it among 
their rarest luxuries, and are so tenacious of this very powerful food, that they can hardly be 
induced to part with a specimen which they have captured, and which they have already 
dedicated, in anticipation, to the composition of some wonderful specimen of the cook’s art. 

- The Tanrec is an inhabitant of Madagascar, as may be deduced from its popular title of 
Madagascar Hedgehog, but has been taken to the Mauritius and there naturalized. 


THERE are other species of the Madagascar Hedgehog, besides the tanrec, among which 
are recognized the TENDRAC, or Spiny TENREC (Centétes spinosus), and the BANDED TENREC 
(Centétes madagascarensis). 

The former of these animals is inferior in size to the tanrec, being only five or six inches 
in length. The color of this animal is rather rich and varied, owing to the deep tinting of the 
quills and the soft hues of the long and flexible hairs which stud the body intermixed with 
the quills. The hair is of pale yellow, and the quills are of a deep red or mahogany tint 
towards their points, and white towards their bases. The long coarse hairs which cover the 
abdomen and the legs are annulated. This animal is said to be generally found in the 
neighborhood of water, whether fresh or salt, and to make deep burrows near the bank. The 
natives esteem it highly as an article of food. 


Tur BANDED TENREC, or VARIED TENREC, as the name is sometimes given, is also a native 
of Madagascar, and has derived its title of Banded, or Varied, from the bold coloring of the 
quills and hair. 

The general color of the back is a blackish-brown, diversified with three bold stripes of 
yellowish-white, that afford a strong contrast with the dark ground-hues of the back. The 
centre one of these stripes extends along the entire length of the animal, and the two others 
commence by the ear and terminate by the flank. The hair that covers the under portions of 
the body is of a yellowish-white color. 


KANGAROOS, OPOSSUMS, ETC. 


THE EXTRAORDINARY animals which are grouped together under the title of Macropide, 
are, with the exception of the well-known opossum of Virginia, inhabitants of Australasia and 
the islands of the Indian Archipelago. 

Many of these creatures, such as the kangaroo, some of the opossums, and the petau- 
ristes, are of such singular formation, and so remarkable in their habits of life, that if they 
had not been made familiar to us through the mediumship of menageries, museums, and the 
writings of accredited travellers, we should feel rather inclined to consider them and their 
habits to be but emanations from the fertile brain of some imaginative voyager, who was taking 
full advantage of the proverbial traveller’s licence. Even at the present day, our familiarity 
with these animals in no way derogates from our wonder at their strange conformation ; and 
the structure of many of them is so complicated, and involves so many considerations, that 
the study of the Macropide and their habits is as yet but little advanced. Anatomists such as 
Owen, Meckel, John Hunter, and scientific travellers such as Gould, have done much towards 
clearing up many dubious points in the history of these animals, but the subject is yet com- 
paratively in obscurity, and much remains to be achieved by future zoologists. 

Many acknowledged species are known but as “‘specimens,”’ no accounts of their mode of 
‘life, the localities which they most frequent, their food, or their habits, having as yet been 
given to the world ; while it is more than suspected that in many of the vast unexplored por- 
tions of Australasia may yet be found numerous species of these animals which are as yet 


364 MARSUPIALS. 


unknown to science, and which will supply many of the links which are needed to complete 
the system of nature. 

There is hardly any practical writer on zoology who does not lament the very incomplete 
state of our knowledge on this subject ; and those who have thrown themselves most zealously 
into the work, and have achieved the greatest success, have been the most ready to acknow]l- 
edge the enormous gap that has yet to be filled, and to urge others to prosecute their researches 
in regions which have as yet been untraversed by the foot of civilized man, and which are the 
most likely to be the dwelling-places of creatures on which, as yet, an educated white man has 
never set his eye. Several genera are known to be extinct, and there are interesting accounts 
of fossil discoveries in Australia, which bring to light the remains of gigantic animals of the 
same kind as those which now inhabit that country. 

So distinct are many of the animals of Australia from those of the Old World, that more 
than one zoologist has confessed that they seem to be the result of another and a later creation 
than that by which the animals of the northern hemisphere received their being. 

The peculiarity which gives the greatest interest to this group of animals, is that wonder- 
ful modification of the nutritient organs, which has gained for them the title of MARSUPIALIA, 
or pouched animals—a name which is derived from the Latin word marsupiwm, which signifies 
a purse or pouch. This singular structure is only found in the female Marsupials, and in 
them is variously developed according to the character of the animal and the mode of life for 
which it is intended. 

The more minute details concerning the marsupium, or pouch, will be found in the course 
of the work in connection with the.particular species to which it belongs, but the general idea 
of that structure is much as follows :— 

The lower part of the abdomen is furnished with a tolerably large pouch, in the interior 
of which the mamme, or teats, are placed. When the young, even of so large an animal as 
the kangaroo, make their appearance in the world, they are exceedingly minute—the young 
kangaroo being only an inch in length—and entirely unable to endure the rough treatment which 
they would meet with were they to be nurtured according to the manner in which the young 
of all other animals are nourished. Accordingly, as soon as they are born, they are transferred 
by the mother into the pouch, when they instinctively attach themselves to the teats, and 
there hang until they have attained considerable dimensions. By degrees, as they grow older 
and stronger, they loosen their hold, and put their little heads out of the living cradle, in order 
to survey the world at leisure. In a few weeks more they gain sufficient strength to leave the 
pouch entirely, and to frisk about under the guardianship of their mother, who, however, is 
always ready to receive them again into their cradle if there is any rumor of danger ; and if 
any necessity for flight should present itself, flies from the dangerous locality, carrying her 
young with her. 

In some of the Marsupials the pouch is hardly deserving of the name, being modified into 
two folds of skin, so that the mother is obliged to find other means of carrying her young from 
place to place. In the structure of the animal there is an admirable provision for sustaining 
the pouch and its contents, and preventing it from exerting too painful a ‘‘drag’’ upon the 
skin and walls of the abdomen. Two supplementary bones, called, from their position in the 
pouch, the marsupial bones, issue from the pelvis, and are directed forward almost parallel to 
the spine. On account, however, of the method in which certain muscles wind round the 
marsupial bones, and taking into consideration the fact that these structures are found in both 
sexes, Mr. Owen considers that their chief aim is not so much in affording support to the 
pouch as in compressing the numerous glands, so as to aid the feeble young in gaining 
nourishment. 

We will now leave their general consideration, and proceed to examine some of the prin- 
cipal species which are contained in this wonderful group of animals. 


Ar the head of the Macropidee are placed a small but interesting band of marsupial ani- 
mals, which are called Phalangistines, on account of the curious manner in which two of the 
toes belonging to the hinder feet are joined together as far as the ‘‘ phalanges.’’ The feet are all 


‘ THE SUGAR SQUIRREL. 365 


formed with great powers of grasp, and their structure is intended to fit them for procuring 
their food among the branches of the trees, on which they pass the greater portion of their 
existence. 

These creatures fall naturally into three subdivisions—namely, the Petaurists, or those 
which are furnished with a parachute-like expansion of the skin along the flanks, much 
resembling a similar structure in the colugo, or flying lemur, which has been already described ; 
the Phalangists, or those which are devoid of the parachute, and are furnished with a long 
prehensile tail ; and the Koalas, or those which are devoid of both parachute and tail. Accord- 
ing to many excellent authorities, these three subdivisions are, in fact, three genera, which 
comprise the whole of the Phalan- 
gistines, and which render any fur- 
ther separation into genera entirely 
unnecessary. 


THE animal which is represented 
in the accompanying engraving is 
known by several popular names, 
the most common of which is the 
SuGar SqurRREL. It is also called 
the NorFouk IsLAND FLYING Squir- 
REL, and the SQUIRREL PETAURUS. 

It is only sixteen inches in total 
length, of which measurement the 
tail occupies one moiety. 

The fur of the Sugar Squirrel is 
very beautiful, being of a nearly 
uniform brownish-gray, of a pecu- 
liarly delicate hue, and remarkably 
soft in its texture. The parachute 
membrane is gray above, but is edged 
with a rich brown band, and a bold 
stripe of blackish-brown is drawn 
along the curve of the spine, reach- 
ing from the point of the nose to 
the root of the tail. The head is 
somewhat darker than the rest of 
the body. The under parts of the 
body are nearly white. 

Its long and bushy tail is covered with a profusion of very long, full, soft hair, grayish- 
brown above, and of a beautiful white underneath. The extremely long tail with which these 
animals are furnished appears to be of exceeding service to them in balancing their bodies as 
they make their desperate leap through space, and may also be useful in aiding them to modify 
the original direction of their sweep through the air. 

This supposition is strengthened by the fact, that many long-tailed animals employ that 
member for the same purpose when they are perched in any critical position where an accurate 
balance is needful. I have seen a large spider-monkey employ her long prehensile tail for the 
same purpose. She was seated upon a loose horizontal cord, holding as usual by her hands 
and tail. But when I gave her an apple, she removed both her hands from the cord, grasping * 
it firmly with her hinder feet, and then permitted her tail to hang its full length, so that she 
could balance herself by swinging it from side to side, according to the necessity of the moment. 

This was the more remarkable, as the animal is noted for the pertinacity with which it 
grasps any neighboring object with its tail, and never likes to move without securing itself by 
its tail to the various objects as it goes along, or even to the string by which it is led. 

The Sugar Squirrel, like the other Petaurists, isa nocturnal animal, and is seldom seen 


SUGAR SQUIRREL, OR SQUIRREL PETAURUS.— Petaurus sciureus. 


366 THE TAGUAN, OR PEHETAURIST. 


in the daytime. During the hours of daylight it remains concealed in one of the hollow 
branches of the enormous trees that grow in its native country, and can only be detected in its 
retreat by the marvellous organs of vision with which the native Australians are gifted. As 
soon as evening comes on, the Sugar Squirrels issue from their darksome caverns, and imme- 
diately become very frolicsome, darting from tree to tree, and going through the most extraor- 
dinary and daring evolutions with admirable ease. 

It seems to be a gamesome little animal, and fond of the society of its own species, although 
it does not appear to respond very readily to the caresses or advances of human playfellows. 
Being fond of society, the Sugar Squirrels associate in small companies as soon as they emerge 
from their retreats, and thus are enabled to enjoy their graceful pastime to their hearts’ con- 
tent. Any cage, however, must be most annoying to these active little creatures, who are 
accustomed to sweep through very considerable spaces in their leap. Mr. Bennet remarks, 
that the Sugar Squirrel has been known to leap fairly across a river forty yards in width, 
starting from an elevation of only thirty feet. 

Even in captivity they retain their playfulness, and as soon as night brings their expected 
day, they awake from the heavy lethargy which oppresses them during the hours of light, 
and uncoiling themselves from the very comfortable attitude in which they sleep, they begin 
to be very lively, and to traverse their cage with great agility, chasing one another about their 
residence, and leaping as far as the confined space will permit them. 

In climbing and leaping, as well as in grasping the branches towards which they aim their 
flight, the creatures are greatly aided by the manner in which the thumb of the hinder feet is 
set on the foot, so as to be opposable to the others, thus enabling the creature to clasp the 
branches in the same manner as the quadrumana. 


THE beautiful little animal which has been called by the expressive name of ARIEL, is 
about the size of a small rat, and in the hue of the upper portions of the body is not unlike 
that animal. 

The color of the fur upon the upper portions of the body is a light brown, which darkens 
considerably upon the parachute membrane. On the under surface it is white, the white fur 
just turning over the edge of the parachute, and presenting a pretty contrast with the dark 
brown color of its upper surface. The tail is nearly of the same color as the body, with the 
exception of the tip, which is dark. On account of its graceful movements, and the easy 
undulating sweep of its passage through the air, it has earned for itself the appropriate name 
of Ariel, in remembrance of the exquisite and tricksy sprite that animates the world-celebrated 
drama of the ‘‘ Tempest.” 


Tur TAGUAN, or PETAuRIST, is the largest of the Petaurists, and is supposed to be the 
only species that belongs to the genus Petaurista. 

This animal is a native of New Holland, where it breeds in great abundance, although it 
is seldom seen in a living state by any but the natives. It is, like the rest of its tribe, a noc- 
turnal animal, taking up its residence in the hollows of large decaying trees, and remaining 
buried in sleep until the evening has set in, and the shades of night extend their welcome veil 
over its actions. While it is lying buried in sleep in the depths of its arboreal retreat, it is 
safe from almost any foe except the ever hungry and ever watchful native of New South 
Wales, whose keen eye is capable of detecting almost anything eatable, however deeply it may 
be hidden from sight. 

A slight scratch on the bark of a tree, or a chance hair that has adhered to the side of the 
* aperture into which the animal has entered, tells its tale as clearly to the black man as if he 
had seen the creature ascend the tree and enter its domicile. He is even able to gather from 
the appearance of the scratch and the aspect of the hairs how many hours have elapsed since 
the animal left the traces behind it, and can conjecture very accurately whether the intended 
prey is still within its residence, or whether it be away from home. Should the indications 
prove favorable, the native proceeds to cut little holes in the tree, in which he thrusts his toes 
and fingers, and ascends the huge trunk as easily as a bricklayer walks up a ladder. Having 


THE GREAT FLYING PHALANGER. 367 


reached the aperture, he strikes the tree sharply once or twice with the back of the hatchet, so 
as to learn, by the echo which is returned to the blow, the position of the animal within the 
hollow. He then rapidly cuts a hole through the tree into the cavity, seizes the concealed 
animal by its tail, jerks it out before it has time to use its claws or teeth, dashes it against the 
tree, and drops it on the ground dead. 

It is rather remarkable, that the creature will not emerge from its concealment when 
awakened by the sound of the axe so near its presence, and is not even induced by the quick 
jarring of the wooden walls of its habitation to attempt escape from imminent danger. The 
precaution of jerking the creature quickly from its domicile is most necessary, for the strong, 
sharp, and curved claws of the animal are formidable weapons when the creature is disposed 
to use them for combat, and, together with its sharp teeth, can inflict terrible laceration upon 
its foe. It is of a sufficiently pugnacious disposition, and when it is enraged is a desperate 
fighter with teeth and claws. 

The flesh of the Taguan is said to be very good, and as the animal is a tolerably large one, 
it is a favorite article of diet among the white and black inhabitants of the country. It is, 
however, so extremely difficult of capture, that, without the assistance of native aid, the white 
men would seldom be able to make a dinner on this creature. But as travellers or hunters are 
generally accompanied by one or more. ‘‘ black fellows,”’ they are well supplied with Taguans 
by the quick eye and ready hand of their sable allies. 

In color the Taguan is extremely variable, but the general arrangement of its color is as 
follows : 

The back is of a rather deep biackish-brown, darker or lighter in different individuals, 
the feet and muzzle are nearly black, and the under surface of the body and membrane is 
white. The upper surface of the parachute membrane is rather grizzled, on account of the 
variegated tints of black and gray with which the hairs are annulated. Many varieties, how- 
ever, of color exist in the animal, and there are hardly any two specimens in which the tints 
are precisely alike. The brown hue of the fur is in some examples deepened into a rich black- 
brown ; others are almost entirely gray on the upper surface of the body and parachute mem- 
brane ; while specimens of a beautiful white are not of very unfrequent occurrence. In all 
cases, however, the fur of the under portions, and inner faces of the limbs, preserves ‘its 
white hue. 

The whole of the fur is extremely long, being no less than two inches in length on the 
back. It is very soft and silken in texture, and is remarkably loose and glossy, so that it 
waves in the air at every movement of the animal, or at the touch of every breath of wind 
that may stir the atmosphere. On the tail the hair is remarkably long and bushy, and 
gradually deepens in color from a pale brown at the base to a dark, blackish-brown at 
the tip. 

The animal is found inhabiting the vast forest ranges that run from Port Philip to 
Moreton Bay, and is seldom, if ever, found in any part of the country except in the eastern 
or southeastern districts of New South Wales. 

The food of the Taguan consists of leaves, buds, and the young shoots of trees, chiefly 
of the eucalypti, which it eats only during the hours of night. It seldom troubles itself to 
descend to the ground, for it can easily pass from one tree to another by means of the won- 
derful apparatus with which it is gifted, but when it does come to earth, prowls about in 
search of some vegetation that may afford an agreeable variety to the too uniform diet of 
leaves and buds. 


THE Hrpoona Roo, or GREAT FLiyInGc PHALANGER, is rather a remarkable animal in 
appearance. It is an inhabitant of New Holland, and is found in tolerable plenty about Port 
Jackson and Botany Bay. 

The color of the Hepoona Roo is rather variable, but is generally as follows. The upper 
part of the body is brown, tinged with gray, and a much darker brown stripe runs along the 
course of the spine. The head is darker than the general hue of the body, and on the top of 
the head the brown tint is warmed by the admixture of hairs of a fawn color, The under 


368 THE SPOTTED CUSCUS. 


portions of the abdomen and the parachute are white, very perceptibly washed with yellow, a 
peculiarity which has earned for the animal the title of flaviventer, which has been applied to 
it by some naturalists. The feet are blackish-brown, and the toes of the hinder limbs thickly 
supplied with hair. . The skin is brown. 

The tail of the Hepoona Roo is almost as long as the body, and is heavily covered with 
long and soft fur of a general brown tint, warming to a reddish rust near its insertion, and 
darkening into a blackish-brown near its tip. 

Sometimes the fur of this animal varies so widely from the color which has just been 
described, that it can hardly be recognized as the same animal, except by a very careful 
inspection. In some specimens the back is ashy-gray, and the under portions of a dirty gray- 
ish-yellow, while in others the coat is variegated with brown, gray, and white, the only dark 
spot being the tip of the tail, which still retains its deep brown hue. A similar phenomenon 
takes place with the weasels, when their hair becomes white during a very sharp winter. 

In one or two instances, the fur is totally white, and in such cases it is evident that the 
animal can only be considered as an albino. 

The head of the Hepoona Roo is small, and its large and expressive ears are covered with 
hair. It is not a very small animal, as the total length is rather more than three feet, the 
head and body occupying one foot eight inches, and the tail rather exceeding eighteen inches 
in length. 


On account of the wonderful resemblance which exists between the members of the genus 
Petaurus and the flying squirrels that belong to the family of rodents, the Petaurists have, 
ever since their discovery, been popularly known by the same title. There seems to be little 
doubt but that the Petaurists are the representatives of these flying rodents, and that the 
strange animal creation of Australasia is a kind of repetition of the ideas which formed the 
animal creation of the older world, but-carried out in a different manner and for different 
purposes. 

The animals which form the genus Cuscus, and of which the SporrEp Cuscus is a good 
example, have been separated from their neighbors on account of the structure of the tail, 
which, instead of being covered with hair, is naked except at its base, and is thickly studded 
with minute tubercles. 

They are inhabitants of the Molucca Islands, Amboyna and New Guinea, and have never 
been found in New South Wales nor in Van Diemen’s Land. The name Cuscus is Latinized 
from the native term couscous or coéscoés ; and the specific term, maculatus, or spotted, refers 
to the peculiar markings which decorate the fur. 

In size the Cuscus is equal to a tolerably large cat, as a specimen of average size will meas- 
ure about three feet in total length, the tail being fifteen or sixteen inches long, and the head 
and body about eighteen or nineteen inches. There are, however, several examples where the 
animal has attained to considerably greater dimensions. It is a tree-loving animal, and is 
very seldom seen away from the congenial haunts among which it loves to dwell, and for trav- 
ersing which it is so admirably adapted by nature. 

The tail of this creature is remarkably prehensile, and the animal never seems to be con- 
tent unless this member be twisted round some supporting object. Whenever the Cuscus 
thinks that it is in danger, or that it may be seen by an enemy, it immediately suspends itself 
by its tail from a branch, and there hangs, swaying about in the wind among the leaves as if it 
were some lifeless fruit. 

It is said that this curious propensity is turned to good account by any one who wishes to 
capture a Cuscus without any trouble on his own part except a large amount of patient wait- 
ing. When the Cuscus is conscious of the human gaze, and has suspended itself by its tail 
from a branch, it hangs in counterfeited death until it fancies that the peril is overpast. Noth- 
ing will induce the animal to give the least signs of life as long as the eye is not taken from it. 
According to popular report, for the absolute truth of which I do not vouch, it is said that 
if the man will steadily keep his eye on the suspended animal, it will hang until its wearied 
muscles refuse to support the weight of its body, and it drops helplessly to the ground. 


THE SOOTY PHALANGIST. 369 


The fur of the Cuscus is beautifully soft and silken in its texture, and is of some value 
for conversion into articles of human attire or luxury, such as cloaks and mantles. The 
color of the fur is singularly variable, even if the Spotted Cuscus be really a separate species, 
and still more so if, according to many skilful zoologists, it can only be considered as a single 
variety. 

The ground tint of the Spotted Cuscus is a whitish-gray. Upon this pale tint are scattered 
very large and bold spots of deep brown, covered with a reddish-chestnut. Sometimes it is 
almost wholly white, with only one or two small spots scattered sparingly over the body. 
The tail is yellowish-white. Another specimen will be almost entirely of the darker color, 
and marked as follows: The shoulders and head of a curious gray grizzle, and the remain- 
der of the body to the tail grayish-white. A number of large angular black spots or patches 
are so placed upon this pale field, that they communicate with each other, and form a kind 
of indistinct black pattern on the creature’s back. The color of these dark patches is 
nearly black, and would be so entirely but from a number of white hairs which are seen among 
the black. These descriptions are taken from actual specimens. Another species, called the 
Ursine Cuscus, is of a uniform deep brown. 

These animals are in some request among the white and the native population of the 
country which they inhabit, for they not only furnish valuable fur or ‘‘peltry,”’ as the skin 
of these and similar creatures is popularly termed, but also afford nourishment to their 
captors. The flesh of the Cuscus is thought to be remarkably good by those who have par- 
taken of it, and is said to be quite equal to that of the kangaroo. There is a certain rather 
powerful and not very agreeable scent that issues from the Cuscus and most of its relations, 
which does not, however, disqualify the creature from forming a most valued portion of the 
hunter’s dietary. This scent proceeds from some small glands which are situated near the 
insertion of the tail. 

In captivity it is not a particularly interesting animal, being dull and slow in its move- 
ments, and seldom exhibiting any energy, except, perhaps, when it ought rather to keep itself 
quiet. One of these creatures, which had been for some time partially domesticated, was very 
sluggish and unimpressible in its manner until 4 companion was placed in the same cage. The 
two animals immediately became violently excited, attacked each other fiercely, and growled, 
and scratched, and bit, with infinitely more energy than would have been expected from creat- 
ures of such apparently apathetic natures. 

These specimens were great water-drinkers, and would eat bread, although they evidently 
gave the preference to meat, thus confirming the opinion that their diet is naturally of a 
mixed character. 


Passina by the curious little dormouse-like animals which are classed under the genus 
Dromicia, we arrive at the true Phalangists, the first of which is the Tapoa, or Soory PHALAN- 
GIsT, an animal which has been gifted with its rather dismal title in consequence of the uniform 
smoky-black color of its fur. f 

The Sooty Phalangist is tolerably common in Van Diemen’s Land, where it is much sought 
after on account of its skin, which is highly valued by white and black men for the purpose of 
being manufactured into a soft, warm, and beautiful fur. As with the preceding animal, there 
is considerable variation in the tint of the coat, some specimens being entirely clothed with a 
uniform dark, dull, blackish-brown, while the fur of others is warmly tinged with a chestnut 
hue. The tail of this animal is extremely full, the hair being thick, long, and very bushy, 
more so than that of the body and limbs. One of the most remarkable points in the color- 
ing of this animal is the fact that the abdomen and the under portions of its body retain 
the brown hue of the upper portions instead of being covered with the beautiful white or 
yellowish fur which is found in nearly all the preceding animals. The ears of the Tapoa are 
rather elongated, and triangular in form, thickly covered with hair on the outside, but naked 
on their inner faces. 

In the structure of this creature a rather peculiar formation is well defined, and as it is one 
of the distinctive marks by which the genus Phalangista is separated from its neighbors, it is 


370 THE VULPINE PHALANGIST. 


well worthy of notice. The tail is, to all appearance, entirely covered with a heavy coating of 
thick, long, and loose hair, but if that member be lifted up, so as to expose the under surface, 
and carefully examined, it will-be seen that at the extremity the tail is bare of fur, and that a 
naked stripe runs for some little distance from the tip towards the base. During the lifetime 
of the animal, this naked stripe, together with the nose and the soles of the feet, are of a light 
flesh color. 


FOxX-LIKE in nature as well as in form, the VuLPINE PHALANGIST has well earned the 
name which has been given to it by common consent. It has also been entitled the Vulpine 
Opossum, and in its native country is popularly called by the latter of these names. 

It is an extremely common animal, and 
is the widest diffused of all the Australian 
opossum-like animals. Like the preceding 
animals, it is a nocturnal being, residing 
during the day in the hollows of decaying 
trees, and only venturing from its retreat as 
evening draws on. The nature of its food is 
of a mixed character, for the creature is 
capable of feeding on vegetable food, like 
the Petaurists, and also displays a consider- 
able taste for animal food of all kinds. If 
a small bird be given to a Vulpine Phalan- 
gist, the creature seizes it in its paws, ma- 
nipulates it adroitly for a while, and then 
tears it to pieces and eats it. It is rather 
a remarkable fact, that the animal is pecu- 
liarly fond of the brain, and always com- 
mences its feast by crushing the head be- 
tween its teeth and devouring the brain. 

In all probability, therefore, the creature 
makes no small portion of its meals on va- 
rious animal substances, such as insects, rep- 
tiles, and eggs. As to the birds on which 
it so loves to feed, it may very probably, 
although so slow an animal, capture them 
in the same manner as has been related of 
eS SN the lemurs, viz., by creeping slowly and cau- 

VULPINE PHALANGIST.—Phalangista vulpina. tiously upon them as they sleep, and swiftly 

seizing them before they can awaken to a 

sense of their danger. It is a tolerably large animal, equalling a large cat in dimensions, 

and is, therefore, able to make dire havoc among such prey whenever it chooses to issue forth 

with the intention of making a meal upon some small bird that may chance to be sleeping in 
fancied security. 

The fore-paws of the Vulpine Phalangist are well adapted for such proceedings, as they 
are possessed of great strength and mobility, so that the animal is able to take up any small 
object in its paws, and to hold it after the manner of the common squirrel. When feeding, 
it generally takes its food in its fore-paws, and so conveys it to its mouth. In captivity it 
does not seem to be a very intelligent animal, even when night brings forth its time of energy, 
and it but little responds to the advances of its owner, however kind he may be. It will feed 
on bread and milk, or fruits, or leaves, or buds, or any substance of a similar nature, but 
always seems best pleased when it is supplied with some small birds or animals, and devours 
them with evident glee. 

The flesh of the Vulpine Phalangist is considered to be very good, and the natives are so 
fond of it that, notwithstanding the laziness that is engrained in their very beings, except 


THE KOALA, OR AUSTRALIAN BEAR. 371 


when they are under the influence of some potent excitement, they can seldom refrain from 
chasing an ‘‘opossum,’’ even though they have been well fed by the white settlers. When 
the fresh body of a Vulpine Phalangist is opened, a kind of camphorated odor is diffused from 
it, which is probably occasioned by the foliage of the camphor-perfumed trees in which it 
dwells, and the leaves of which it eats. 

The fur of this animal is not valued so highly as that of the Tapoa, probably because it is 
of more common occurrence, for the color of the hair is much more elegant, and its quality 
seems to be really excellent. Some few experiments have been made upon the capabilities of 
this fur, and, as far as has yet been accomplished, with very great success. Good judges 
have declared that articles which have been made from this fur presented a great resemblance 
to those which had been made from Angola wool, but appeared to be of superior quality. 
The hat-makers have already discovered the value of the fur, and are in the habit of employ- 
ing it in their trade. 

The natives employ the skin of the ‘‘opossum”’ in the manufacture of their scanty mantles, 
as well as for sundry other purposes, and prepare the skins in a rather-ingenious manner. As 
soon as the skin is stripped from the animal’s body, it is laid on the ground, with the hairy 
side downwards, and secured from shrinking by a number of little pegs which are fixed around 
its edges. The inner side is then continually scraped with a shell, and by degrees the skin 
becomes perfectly clean and pliable. When a sufficient number of skins are prepared, they 
are ingeniously sewn together with thread that is made from the tendons of the kangaroo, 
which, when dried, can be separated into innumerable filaments. A sharpened piece of bone 
stands the sable tailor in place of a needle. From the skin of the same animal is also formed 
the ‘‘kumeel,”’ or badge of manhood, a slight belt, which no one is permitted to wear until he 
has been solemnly admitted among the assembly of men. : 

In its color, the Vulpine Phalangist is rather variable, but the general hue of its fur is a 
grayish-brown, sometimes tinted with a ruddy hue. The tail is long, thick, and woolly in its 
character, and in color it resembles that of the body, with the exception of the tip, which is 
nearly black. The dimensions of an old male are given by Mr. Bennett as follows: Total 
length, two feet seven inches ; the head being four inches in length, and the tail nearly a foot. 


THE QUAINT-LOOKING animal which is popularly known by the native name of Koaua, or 
the AUSTRALIAN BEAR, is of some importance in the zoological world, as its serves to fill up 
the gulf that exists between the phalangistines and the kangaroos. 

It has been well remarked that this creature, arboreal in its habits, and really ursine in its 
general aspect, is the representative of the sun-bears of the Indian Archipelago, or of the sloths 
of America. The Koala is nocturnal in its habits, and is not very frequently found, even in 
the localities which it most affects. It is not nearly so widely spread as most of the preceding 
animals, as it is never known to exist in a wild state except in the south-eastern regions of 
Australia. 

Although well adapted by nature for climbing among the branches of trees, the Koala is 
by no means an active animal, proceeding on its way with very great deliberation, and making 
sure of its hold as it goes along. Its feet are peculiarly adapted for the slow but sure mode 
in which the animal progresses among the branches by the structure of the toes of the fore-feet 
or paws, which are divided into two sets, the one composed of the two inner toes, and the 
other of the three outer, in a manner which reminds the observer of the feet of the scansorial 
birds and the chameleon. This formation, although well calculated to serve the animal when 
it is moving among the branches, is but of little use when it is upon the ground, so that the 
terrestrial progress of the Koalo is especially slow, and the creature seems to crawl rather than 
walk. 

As far as is yet known, its food is of a vegetable nature, and consists chiefly of the young 
leaves, buds, and twigs of the eucalypti, or gum-trees, as they are more popularly called. 
When it drinks, it laps like a dog. 

It seems to be a very gentle creature, and will often suffer itself to be captured without 
offering much resistance, or seeming to trouble itself about its captivity. But it is liable, as 


372 THE KOALA, OR AUSTRALIAN BEAR. 


are many gentle animals, to sudden and unexpected gusts of passion, and when it is excited 
by rage it puts on a very fierce look, and utters sharp and shrill yells in a very threatening 
manner. Its usual voice is a peculiar soft bark. 

The head of this animal has a very unique aspect, on account of the tufts of long hairs 
which decorate the ears. The muzzle is devoid of hair, but has the curious property of feeling 
like cotton velvet when gently stroked with the fingers. There is a naked patch of skin that 
begins at the muzzle and extends for a small space towards the head, and over the whole of 
this bare patch the peculiar velvety feeling is exhibited. The upper jaw projects slightly over 
the lower. The generic name, Phascolarctos, is of Greek origin, signifying ‘‘ pouched bear,” 
and is very appropriate to the animal. As soon as the young Koala is able to leave the pouch, 

Cm - 


KOALA, OR AUSTRALIAN BEAR.—Phascolarctos cinereus. 


the mother transposes it to her back, where it clings with its hand-like paws, and remains 
there for some considerable time. 

It is said by those who have seen the animal in its wild state, that it is truly deserving of 
the name of Australian Sloth, which has been applied to it because it is able to cling with its 
feet to the branches after the manner of the sloths, and to suspend itself from the boughs 
much after the same fashion. 

This animal is rather prettily colored, the body being furnished with fur of a fine gray 
color, warmed with a slight reddish tinge in the adult animal, and fading to a whitish-gray in 
the young. The claws are considerably curved, and black ; and the ears are tufted with long 
white hairs. In size it equals a small bull-terrier dog, being, when adult, rather more than 
two feet in length, and about ten inches in height, when-standing. The circumference of the 
body is about eighteen inches, including the fur. 

On account of the tree-climbing habits of the Koala, it is sometimes called the Australian 
Monkey as well as the Australian Bear. 

Tue animals which come next under consideration are truly worthy of the title of 
Macropide, or long-footed, as their hinder feet are most remarkable for their comparative 
length, and in almost every instance are many times longer than the fore-feet, This structure 


THE TREE KANGAROO. 


Aa) 
(o 


(Se) 


adapts them admirably for leaping, an exercise in which the Kangaroos, as these creatures are 
familiarly termed, are pre-eminently excellent. 


First on the list appears the singular animal which is well represented in the engraving, 
and which, on account of its peculiar habit, is known by the name of the TREE KANGAROO. 
In general form, this animal is sufficiently Kangaroo-like to be enrolled at once among the 
members of that group of Macropods, but the comparative shortness of the hinder feet and the 
length of the fore-feet, together with some peculiarity in the dentition, have induced the later 
zoologists to place it in a separate genus from the true Kangaroo. 

The fur of the Tree Kangaroo is so remarkably dark that its deep tinting serves as an 
infallible mark of distinction, by means of which it may be recognized even at some distance. 
It is on account of the dark, glossy 
blackness of the fur, that the creature 
is called ursinus, or bear-like, as the 
hairs of its fur are thought to bear some 
resemblance to those which form the 
coat of the American black bear. 

The coloring of its fur is generally 
as follows: the whole of the back and 
the upper parts of the body are a deep, 
glossy black, the hairs being rather 
coarser, and running to some length. 
These hairs are only of one kind, for in 
the fur of the Tree Kangaroo there is 
none of that inner coat of fine, close, 
woolly hair which is found in the other 
Kangaroos, and which lies next to the 
skin. The whole of the fur is, therefore, 
composed solely of the long and stiff 
hairs that are usually found to penetrate 
through the interior covering of woolly 
fur, and to lie upon its surface. The 
under parts of the body are.of a yel- 
lowish hue, and the breast is washed 
with a richer and deeper tint of chestnut. 
The tail is of the same color as the body, 
and is of very great length, probably to 
aid the animal in balancing itself as it 
climbs among the branches of the trees 
on which it loves to disport itself. 

To seea Kangaroo on a tree is really 
a most remarkable sight, and one which TREE KANGAROO.—Dendrolagus ursinus. 
might well have been deemed a mere 
invention had it not often been attested by credible witnesses. I have repeatedly seen one 
of these creatures clambering about a tree-trunk with perfect ease, and ascending or 
descending with the security of a squirrel. The animal looks so entirely in its wrong 
place, that when the black-haired, long-legged creature hops unexpectedly upon a tree 
and hooks itself among the branches, with its long black tail dangling below it, the entire 
aspect of the animal is absolutely startling, and suggestive of the super—or, perhaps, the 
infer—natural to the mind of the spectator. This species is not, however, the only one that 
can ascend trees, an art which is practised with some success by the Rock Kangaroo. 

The food of this species consists of vegetable substances, such as the young bark, twigs, 
berries, and leaves of the trees upon which it lives, but very little is known of its habits in a 
wild state. It is an inhabitant of New Guinea. 


374 THE KANGAROO RAT. 


THE BRUSH-TAILED BETTONG, or JERBOA KANGAROO, as it is sometimes called, affords an 
excellent example of the genus Bettongia, in which are collected a small group of Kangaroos 
that are easily distinguished by their peculiarly short and broad heads. 

In size it equals a common hare, the head and body being about fourteen inches in length, 
and the tail about eleven inches, without including the tuft which decorates its extremity. 

The general color of the animal is a palish brown liberally pencilled with white, and the 
under parts are of a pale grayish-white. The ‘‘ brush”? is black, and the under side of the tail 
is brownish-white. 

It is a nocturnal animal, and lies curled up during the entire day, issuing forth from its 
nest as the shades of evening begin to draw on. 

The nest of the Brush-tailed Bettong is a very ingenious specimen of architecture, and is 
so admirably constructed, that it can hardly be detected by an American eye, even when it is 
pointed out to him. The native, however, whose watchful eye notes even the bending of a 
leaf in the wrong place, or the touch of a claw upon the tree-trunk, seldom passes in the 
vicinity of one of these nests without discovering it and killing its inmates, by dashing his 
tomahawk at random into the mass of leaves and grass. 

As this animal resides chiefly on grassy hills and dry ridges, it is no easy matter to make a 
nest that shall be sufficiently large to contain the female and her young, and yet so incon- 
spicuous as not to attract attention. The manner in which the nest is made is briefly as 
follows: 

The animal searches for some. suitable depression in the earth, enlarging it till it is 
sufficiently capacious, and builds a curious edifice of leaves and grass over the cavity, so that 
when she has completed her task, the roof of the nest is on a level with the growing grass. 

For additional safety, the nest is usually placed under the shelter of a large grass tuft 
or a convenient bush, so concealed that even the watchful eye of the native can hardly detect 
the home which only the Brush-tailed Bettong constructs with such ingenuity. 

The manner in which the animal conveys the materials of its nest to the spot where they 
are required is most remarkable. After selecting a proper supply of dried grass, the creature 
makes it up into a sheaf, and twisting her prehensile tail round the bundle, hops away merrily 
with her burden. 

It is almost impossible to comprehend the extreme quaintness of the aspect which is pre- 
sented by a Jerboa Kangaroo engaged in this manner without actual experience, or the aid of 
a very admirable and spirited drawing. 

When the animal has completed its nest, and the young are lying snugly in its warm 
recesses, the young family is effectually concealed from sight by the address of the cautious 
mother, who invariably drags a tuft of grass over the entrance whenever she leaves or enters 
her grassy home. 

It is an active little creature, and not easily caught even by fair speed, and has a habit of 
leaping aside when it is hard pressed and jumping into some crevice where it effectually 
conceals itself. 

The Brush-Tailed Bettong is extremely common over the whole of Van Diemen’s Land 
and especially of New South Wales. 

The color of the fur is a gray-brown above, and the under parts of the body are of a 
grayish-white. 

The scientific name of the Brush-Tailed Bettong is Bettongia penicillata. 


THE KanGaroo Rar (Hypsiprymnus minor, or Hypsiprymnus murinus), is called by 
the natives Pororoo. It is a native of New South Wales, where it is found in very great 
numbers. 

It is but a diminutive animal, the head and body being only fifteen inches long, and the 
tail between ten and eleven inches. The color of the fur is brownish-black,; pencilled along 
the back with a gray-white. The under parts of the body are white, and the fore-feet are 
brown. The tail is equal to the body in length, and is covered with scales, through the inter- 
vals of which sundry short, stiff, and black hairs protrude. 


THE KANGAROO HARE. 375 


This little animal frequents the less open districts, and is very quick and lively in its 
movements, whether it be indulging in its native gamesomeness or engaged in the search for 
food. Roots of various kinds are the favorite diet of the Kangaroo Rat, and in order to obtain 
these dainties the animal scratches them from the ground with the powerful claws of the fore- 
feet. It is specially fond of potatoes, and often commits considerable havoc ina kitchen-garden 
by exhuming and carrying away the seed-potatoes. In retaliation for these injuries the owner 
of the garden sets traps about his potato-grounds, and by means of baiting them with the 
coveted roots entices numbers of Potoroos into the treacherous snare. 

The movements of the Kangaroo Rats do not in the least resemble those of the Kangaroos 
themselves, for although they can sit erect upon their hind-legs, they cannot make those 
vigorous leaps which are so characteristic of the Kangaroos, nor can they manipulate their food 
with their fore-paws and carry it to their mouth by means of those limbs. 

Their gait, especially when chased, is a very curious kind of gallop, very unequal, but 
tolerably swift. 

The Kangaroo Rats are very timid and harmless animals, and when captured or attacked 
do not kick or make any violent resistance, contenting themselves with expressing their indig- 
nation by an angry hiss. 

Of the Kangaroo Rat several specimens have been brought alive to America and to Europe, 
and it has been noticed that they enjoy the life of captivity just as well as that of freedom. 

They are not so exclusively nocturnal as many of the preceding animals, and seem to be 
equally lively by day as by night. When the animal is sitting upon its hinder portions, the 
tail receives part of the weight of the body, but is not used in the same manner as the tail of 
the true Kangaroos, which, when they are moving slowly and leisurely along, are accustomed 
to support the body on the tail, and to swing the hinder legs forward like a man swinging 
himself upon crutches. 


CoNSIDERABLY larger than the preceding animal, the KANGAROO HARE may at once be 
distinguished from it by the hair-covered muzzle which is a distinguishing mark of the genus 
Lagorchestes. 

The color of the coat is very like that of the common hare, but the fur is short, rather 
hard, and slightly curled. The upper parts of the body are a mixture of black and cream, the 
sides are tinged with a yellow hue, and the under parts are a grayish-white. The skin is 
white. 

The fore-legs are black, and the fore-feet are variegated with black and white, the hinder 
feet being of a brownish-white. A buff-colored ring surrounds the eye, and the back of the 
neck is washed with yellow. It sometimes happens that a light rust-color takes the place of 
the buff. The tail is of a very pale brownish-gray, like that of the hare. 

There is much variety in the tinting of different specimens of this animal, some being of a 
much redder hue than others. 

The Kangaroo Hare inhabits the Liverpool Plains and the greater part of the interior of 
Australia, to which region it seems to be limited, seldom, if ever, being seen nearer the sea. 

It has many hare-like traits of character, such as squatting closely to the ground in a 
‘“‘form,’’ and then sitting, in hopes of eluding notice, until it is roused to active exertion by 
actual contact. When it once takes to flight, it runs with amazing celerity, and doubles 
before the hounds in admirable style, not unfrequently making good its escape in the opposite 
direction by a well-executed ‘‘ double.”’ 

Mr. Gould relates a curious incident that occurred to him while he was engaged in the 
pursuit of a Kangaroo Hare, attended by two dogs. 

The hounds had pressed the animal closely, when it doubled before them, retraced its 
course at full speed, making directly for Mr. Gould, who was following up his dogs. The 
animal came within twenty yards without seeing him, and then, instead of turning aside, 
leaped clear over his head. 

The total length of this animal is about two feet, the tail occupying about thirteen inches. 

The Kangaroo Hare is not able to dig after the manner of many of the preceding animals. 


376 THE KANGAROO. 


Amone the largest of the Macropide is the celebrated KANGAROO, an animal which is 
found spread tolerably widely over its native land. 

This species has also been called by the name of giganteus, on account of its very great 
size, which, however, is sometimes exceeded by the woolly Kangaroo. The average dimensions 
of an adult male are generally as follows: the total length of the animal is about seven feet 
six inches, counting from the nose to the tip of the tail; the head and body exceed four feet, 
and the tail is rather more than three feet in length ; the circumference of the tail at its base is 
about a foot. When it sits erect after its curious tripedal fashion, supported by its hind- 
quarters and tail, its height is rather more than fifty inches ; but when it wishes to survey the 
country, and stands erect upon its toes, it surpasses in height many a well-grown man. The 
female is very much smaller than her mate, being under six feet in total length, and the 
difference in size is so great that the two sexes might well be taken for different species. 

The weight of a full-grown male, or ‘‘boomer,”’ as it is more familiarly called, is very 
considerable, one hundred and sixty pounds having often been attained, and even greater 
weight being on record. The color of the animal is brown, mingled with gray, the gray 
predominating on the under portions of the body and the under-faces of the limbs. The fore- 
feet are black, as is also the tip of the tail. 

Without being truly gregarious, the Kangaroo is seldom seen entirely alone, but in 
scattered groups of seven or eight in number, and even the members of these little bands are 
not closely united, but are seen singly disposed at some distance from each other. There 
are certainly instances on record where very large numbers of Kangaroos have been seen in 
true flocks, herding closely together, and being under the superintendence of one leader. 
These animals, however, belong to another species. 

As the Kangaroo is a valuable animal, not only for the sake of its skin, but on account of 
its flesh, which is in some estimation among the human inhabitants of the same land, it is 
eagerly sought after by hunters, both white and black, and affords good sport to both on 
account of its speed, its vigor, and its wariness. The native hunter, who trusts chiefly to his 
own cunning and address for stealing unobserved upon the animal and lodging a spear in its 
body before it is able to elude its subtle enemy, finds the Kangaroo an animal which will test 
all his powers before he can attain his object, and lay the Kangaroo dead upon the ground. 

There is also another but not so sportsman-like a method of killing the Kangaroo, which 
is often in use among the aborigines, and which partakes of the nature of a bear ‘‘skal”’ 
in Norway. 

A number of armed men associate themselves together, and, having laid deep counsel 
about the plan of the hunt, proceed cautiously forward until they come upon a number of 
Kangaroos. They then silently arrange themselves so as to surround the unconscious animals 
which are feeding carelessly in the plain. At a preconcerted signal a portion of the hunters 
issue from their concealment and shower their deadly missiles upon the Kangaroos. The poor 
alarmed creatures flee from the danger, and are met by another party of the same band, who 
also ply their spears and clubs with deadly effect. Backwards and forwards run the bewil- 
dered animals, assailed on all sides by sharp and heavy missiles hurled by the strong arm and 
directed by the keen eye of the native hunters ; and so well are the plans laid, and with such 
accurate aim are the deadly weapons thrown, that it seldom happens that a single Kangaroo 
escapes from the scene of massacre. 

A time of feasting then follows, for these wild children of nature have no conception of 
thrift, and would think themselves very hardly used were they not allowed to eat every parti- 
cle of food which they could obtain, even though they would be forced to endure the pangs of 
hunger for many a day afterwards. The quantity of meat that a native Australian will eat at 
a single meal, and the gallons of water that he will drink, are so astounding as almost to sur- 
pass belief. 

Besides these modes of hunting, the native makes use of pitfalls, snares, nets, and other 
devices, by means of which he contrives to entrap the animal without putting himself to the 
trouble of hunting it. 

The white hunters, however, go to work in a very different manner, looking more to the 


KANGAROO. 


THE KANGAROO. O77 


sport than to the number of Kangaroos killed. They are in the habit of breeding and training 
a certain valuable and peculiar strain of hounds, called, from their quarry, ‘“‘ Kangaroo dogs,” 
and which hunt by sight, like the greyhound. These animals are long, large, and powerful ; 
but, even with all these advantages, are no match for a full-grown Boomer or Forester, as the 
animal is indifferently called, whenever he chooses to turn to bay and bid defiance to his 
pursuers. 

A very graphic account of a Kangaroo hunt was sent to Mr. Gould, and is published by 
him in his very valuable monograph on the Macropide of Australia. A portion of the letter 
is extracted, and runs as follows :— 


“The ‘Boomer’ is the only Kangaroo which shows good sport, for the strongest Brush 
Kangaroo cannot live above twenty minutes before the hounds. But as the two kinds are 
always found in perfectly different situations, we were never at a loss to find a ‘ Boomer,’ and 
I must say that they seldom failed to show us good sport. 

‘“We generally ‘found’ in a high cover of young wattles, but sometimes in the open 
forests, and then it was really pretty to see the style in which a good Kangaroo would go away. 
I recollect one day in particular, when a very fine Boomer jumped up in the very midst of the 
hounds in the ‘open;’ he at first took a few jumps with his head up, in order to look about 
him, to see on which side the coast was clearest, and then, without a moment’s hesitation, he 
started forward and shot away from the hounds, apparently without an effort, and gave us the 
longest run I ever saw after a Kangaroo. 

‘He ran fourteen miles by the map, from point to point, and if he had had fair play, I 
have very little doubt but that he would then have beaten us ; but he had taken along a tongue 
of land which ran into the sea, so that, being pressed, he was forced to try to swim across the 
arm of the sea, which, at the place where he took the water, cannot have been less than two 
miles broad. In spite of a fresh breeze and a hard sea against him, he got fully half-way 
over, but he could not make head against the waves any farther, and was obliged to turn back, 
when, being faint and exhausted, he was soon killed. 

“The distance he ran, taking the different bends in the line, cannot have been less than 
eighteen miles, and he certainly swam two. I can give no idea of the length of time it took 
him to run this distance, but it took us something more than two hours, and it was evident by 
the way the hounds were running that he was a long way before us; it is also plain that he 
was still fresh, as quite at the end of the run he went on the top of a long, high hill, which a 
tired Kangaroo will never attempt to do, as dogs gain so much on them in going up-hill. His 
hind-quarters weighed within a pound or two of seventy pounds, which is large for the Van 
Diemen’s Land Kangaroo, though I have seen larger. 

‘“We did not measure the length of the hop of this Kangaroo, but on another occasion, 
when the Boomer had taken along the beach and left its prints in the sand, the length of 
each jump was found to be just fifteen feet, and as regular as if they had been stepped by a 
sergeant.”’ 


The Boomer is a dangerous antagonist to man and dog, and unless destroyed by missile 
weapons will often prove more than a match for the combined efforts of man and beast. 

When the animal finds that it is overpowered in endeavor by the swift and powerful Kan- 
garoo dogs, which are bred for the express purpose of chasing this one kind of prey, it turns 
suddenly to bay, and placing its back against a tree-trunk, so that it cannot be attacked from 
behind, patiently awaits the onset of its adversaries. Should an unwary dog approach within 
too close a distance of the Kangaroo, the animal launches so terrible a blow with its hinder 
feet, that the long and pointed claw with which the hinder foot is armed cuts like a knife, and 
has often laid open the entire body of the dog with a single blow. Experienced dogs, there- 
fore, never attempt to close with so terrible an antagonist until they are reinforced by the 
presence of their master, who generally ends the struggle with a bullet. Sometimes, however, 
the Kangaroo is so startled by the apparition of the hunter that it permits its attention to wan- 
der from the dogs, and is immediately pulled down by them, 


THE POUCH OF THE KANGALOO. 


iow) 
“A 
ioe) 


If the hunter should be on foot, he needs beware of the Kangaroo at bay, for the creature 
is rather apt to dash through the dogs and attack its human opponent, who is likely to fare 
badly in the struggle unless he succeeds in launching a fatal missile at the advancing animal. 

Sometimes the Kangaroo comes to bay near water, and then takes a singular advantage 
of the situation. If any dog should be bold enough to come within reach, the Kangaroo picks 
up its foe in its fore-paws, and leaping to the water, holds the dog under the surface until it 
is dead. On one occasion, a Boomer had come to bay in some shallow water, and was already 
engaged in drowning a dog, when it was assailed by the remainder of the hounds, which had 
just arrived. Nothing daunted by their onset, the Kangaroo kept its dying foe under water 
by holding it down by one of its hind-feet, and held itself prepared to repeat the process upon 
the next dog that should attack. 

But the Kangaroo is wise enough to postpone an actual combat until it is absolutely forced 
to fight, and uses every stratagem in its endeavors to escape. When pressed very hardly by 
the hounds, the Boomer has often been known to make a sudden leap at right angles to its former 
course, and to make good its escape before the dogs could recover 
themselves. This mode of proceeding is, however, rather a dan- 
gerous one, as the animal has more than once broken one of its 
legs by the sudden strain that is thrown upon the right or left leg, 
as the case may be. £ 

When running, the creature has a curious habit of lookin. 
back every now and then, and has sometimes unconsciously com- 
mitted suicide by leaping against one of the tree-stumps which 
are so plentifully found in the districts inhabited by the Kan- 
garoo. 

The doe Kangaroo displays very little of these running or 
fighting capabilities, and has been known, when chased for a 
very short distance, to lie down and die of fear. Sometimes 
when pursued, it contrives to elude the dogs by rushing into 
some brushwood, and then making a very powerful leap to one 
side, so as to throw the dogs off the scent. She lies perfectly 
still as the dogs rush past her place of concealment, and when 
they have fairly passed her, she quietly makes good her escape in 
another direction. When young, and before she has borne young, 
the female Kangaroo affords good sport, and is called from her 
extraordinary speed, the ‘‘ Flying Doe.”’ 

The extraordinary pouch in which the young of the Kan- 
garoo and other marsupiated animals are nourished has already 
been casually mentioned, and as it is highly developed in the Kangaroo, it will be described in 
connection with this animal. 

The young animal] when first born is of extremely minute dimensions, hardly exceeding an 
inch in total length, soft, helpless, and semi-transparent as an earth-worm. After birth it is 
instantly conveyed into the pouch, and instinctively attaches itself to one of the nipples, which 
are very curiously formed, being retractile, like the finger of a glove when not in use, and 
capable of being drawn out to a considerable degree when they are needed by the young 
animal. In the accompanying engraving this structure is very well delineated. 

In this internal cradle the young Kangaroo passes the whole of its earlier stages of develop- 
ment, and when it has attained some little bodily powers occasionally loosens its hold, and 
pokes its head out of the pouch, as if to see how large the world really is. By degrees it 
gais sufficient strength to crop the more delicate herbage, and, in course of time, it leaves the 
pouch altogether, and skips about the plains under the ever watchful protection of its mother. 
No sooner, however, is the little animal tired, or does the mother see cause of danger, than it 
scrambles back again into the pouch, and does not emerge until it is refreshed by repose, or 
until all danger has passed away. 

Nearly eight months elapse between the time when the young Kangaroo is first placed in 


YOUNG KANGAROO IN ITS MOTHER'S POUCH. 


THE WOOLLY KANGAROO. 379 


the pouch and the period of its life when it is able to leave the pouch and seek subsistence for 
itself. Even after it has become too large to continue its residence in its former cradle, it is 
in the habit of pushing its head into the pouch and refreshing itself with a draught of warm 
milk, even though a younger brother or sister should be occupant of the living cradle. The 
little animal weighs about ten pounds when it becomes too heavy for its mother to carry. 

This Kangaroo is a very hardy animal, and thrives well in England, where it might 
probably be domesticated to a large extent if necessary, and where it would enjoy a more 
genial climate than it finds in many districts of its native land. One of the favored localities 
of this species is the bleak, wet, and snow-capped summit of Mount Wellington. 

At different times of the year the coat of the Kangaroo varies somewhat in its coloring 
and density. During the summer the fur is light and comparatively scanty, but when the 
colder months of the year render a warmer covering needful, the animal is clothed with very 
thick and woolly fur, that is admirably calculated to resist the effects of the damp, cold 
climate. It is a very singular fact that those specimens which inhabit the forests are much 
darker in their color than those which live in the plains. The young Kangaroos are lighter in 
their coloring than their parents, but up to the age of two years their fur deepens so rapidly 
that they are darker than the old animals. After that age, however, the fur fades gradually, 
until it finally settles into the grayish-brown of the adult animal. 

. The eye of the Kangaroo is very beautiful, large, round, and soft, and gives to the animal 
a gentle, gazelle-like expression that compensates for the savage aspect of the teeth, as they 
gleam whitely between the cleft lips. 


Tue largest of the Macropide, of which there are already known upwards of eighty 
species, is the WooLLy KANGAROO, or RED KANGAROO, as it is more popularly called, on 
account of its peculiarly tinted fur. 

The character of the fur is rather singular, for it does not lie so closely to the body as that 
of the common Kangaroo, and is of a peculiar texture, which somewhat resembles cotton wool. 
The hairs are not very long, and their woolly, matted appearance, makes them seem shorter 
than they really are. The size of this animal is very great, for an adult male measures rather 
more than eight feet in total length, the head and body being five feet long, and the tail a 
little short of thirty-eight inches. 

By the color of the fur alone the Woolly Kangaroo can be distinguished from its long- 
legged relatives, independently of other minute differences. The general tint of the fur is of 
a rusty yellow, changing to gray upon the head and shoulders, the head being washed with a 
slight brown tint. The sides of the mouth are white, through which protrude a few long, stiff, 
black hairs, and which are planted in greater numbers over the angle of the mouth, forming 
an indistinct black patch. The female is distinguished by a broad white mark which runs 
from the angle of the mouth to the eye. The toes are covered with black hairs. 

An ashy-gray tint is seen upon the under portions of the body in the male sex, but in the 
female these parts are beautifully white. The limbs are grayish-white, washed with rust, and 
the tail is of the same color as the limbs. 

The tail is uncommonly large and powerful, and of vast service to the animal in support- 
ing the heavy frame while the creature is standing erect upon the tripod formed by its hinder 
feet and its tail. The hairs of the tail are comparatively short and scanty, so that they do not 
give to the tail that peculiar woolliness which is so distinguishing a characteristic of the 
creature’s fur. It may as well be mentioned in this place that the Kangaroo does not employ 
the tail in leaping from the ground, but seems to use it partly as a kind of third leg, by which 
it supports itself when at rest, and partly as a kind of balance, by which it maintains its 
equilibrium as it leaps through the air. 

The muzzle of the Woolly Kangaroo is not so thickly covered with hair as that of the 
preceding animal. ‘This species is an inhabitant of Southern Australia. 


Passine by the Nail-tailed Kangaroos, so called from the strange nail-like appendage that 
is found at the extremity of their tails, and which is concealed by the tuft of long black hair 


380 THE ROCK KANGAROO. 


which terminates that member, we arrive at the WHALLABEE, or WALLABY, as the word is 
sometimes spelled. 

The genus to which this animal belongs is easily distinguished from the genus Macropus, 
by reason of the muzzle being devoid of hair. This creature is not nearly so large as the com- 
mon or the woolly Kangaroo, being only four feet six inches in total length, of which measure- 
ment the tail occupies two feet. 

The fur of the Whallabee is rather long and coarse in texture, being decidedly harsh to 
the touch. The color is rather curious, being a darkish-brown washed with a warm rusty hue, 
and obscurely pencilled with whitish-gray. The whole of the under portions of the body are 
of a yellowish tint, and the feet and the wrists are quite black. The tail is also rather singular 


WHALLABEE.—Halmaturus ualabatus. 


in its coloring, by which it is divided into three nearly equal portions. The dorsal third of 
the tail is of the same color as the back, but the remaining two-thirds change abruptly from 
brown to black. 

The animal is an inhabitant of New South Wales, and is of tolerably frequent oecurrence 
in the neighborhood of Port Jackson. It is sometimes known by the name of the Aroé Kan- 
garoo. The singular word walabatus has no particular meaning, being only the harsh Latinized 
form of the native name Whallabee. The genus embraces a considerable number of species, 
some twelve or thirteen being acknowledged to belong to it. 


One of the most singular of this singular group of animals is the Rock Kane@aroo, which 
has derived its popular name from its rock-loving habits. 

In the Tree Kangaroo we have already seen a remarkable instance of unexpected powers, 
and the Rock Kangaroo will shortly be seen to be possessed of equal, if not of superior bodily 
prowess. The agility with which this animal traverses the dangerous precipices among which 
it lives is so very great, that when the creature is engaged in skipping about the craggy rocks 
that shroud its dwelling-place from too vigilant eyes, it bears so close a resemblance to a 
monkey in its movements, that it has, on many occasions, been mistaken for that active 
animal. Not only does it resemble the quadrumana in its marvellously easy manner of ascend- 


THE WOMBAT. 381 


ing rocks, but it also emulates those creatures in the art of tree-climbing, being able to ascend 
a tree-trunk with ease, provided that it be a little divergent from the perpendicular. 

By means of its great scansorial capabilities, the Rock Kangaroo is enabled to bafile the 
efforts of its worst foes, the dingo and the native black man. In vain does the voracious and 
hungry dingo set off in chase of the Rock Kangaroo, for as soon as the creature has gained the 
shelter of its congenial rocks, it bounds from point to point with an agility which the dingo 
can by no means emulate, and very soon places itself in safety, leaving its baffled pursuer to 
vent its disappointment in cries of rage. 

The only method in which the dingo is likely to catch one of these animals, is by creeping 
unsuspectedly into its den, and seizing it before it can make its escape. Both the dingo and 
the Rock Kangaroo are in the habit of making their resting-place in some rocky crevice, and 
it might happen that the Kangaroo might choose too low a domicile, and perchance make 
choice of the very same crevice that a dingo was about to appropriate to himself. In order, 
however, to escape such dangers, the habitation of the Rock Kangaroo is generally furnished 
with two or more outlets, so that its chances of escape are proportionably multiplied. 

It is by means of this precaution that the creature baffles the best efforts of the natives. 
Should a native be fortunate enough to spear a Rock Kangaroo, but not fortunate enough to 
kill it on the spot, the animal dives at once into its rocky abode, and there awaits its death ; for 
the rocks are too hard to be destroyed by the tools of the aborigines, and if the sable hunter 
has recourse to fire, and tries to smoke out his intended prey, the smoke rolls harmlessly 
through the rocky burrow and makes its exit through the various entries, without causing 
very much inconvenience to the concealed inmate. 

It is found that when the Rock Kangaroo comes from its cavernous home, it is in the 
habit of taking the same route along the rocks, so that by continually passing over the same 
ground, its sharp and powerful claws make a very visible track over the stones, and afford an 
infallible guide to the acute sense of the black hunter, who is enabled to follow up the trail 
and to ascertain the precise crevice in which the animal has taken up its abode. 

Generally nocturnal in its habits, the Rock Kangaroo is not seen so often as might be 
* expected, considering the frequency of its occurrence. Now and then, however, it ventures 
from its dark home and braves the light of day, skipping daintily over the rocky prominences, 
or lying in the full blaze of the sunlight, and enjoying the genial warmth of the noontide 
beams. The native and colonial hunters watch eagerly for a basking Kangaroo, for when thus 
engaged, it is so fully taken up with appreciation of the warm sunbeams, that it can be 
approached and shot without difficulty. As its flesh is thought to be remarkably excellent, 
the animal is eagerly sought. after by the hunters. It is rather gregarious in its habits, being 
generally found in little parties of two or three in number. 

The color of this animal is rather varied, but is generally of a purplish or vinous gray, 
which warms into a rich rusty red upon the hind-quarters and the base of the tail. The chest 
is purplish-gray, pencilled with white, the chin is white, and a very conspicuous white band 
runs along the throat to the chest. The fur is not in very great repute, as, although long, it 
is rough and harsh to the touch. The total length of an adult male is about four feet, the tail 
being about twenty-three inches in length. The tail is furnished with a moderately sized tuft 
of dark hairs, each hair being about three inches in length, a peculiarity which has earned for 
the animal the name of Brush-tailed Kangaroo. The body is strong and robust in its form, 
and the claws of the hinder feet are powerful in their make, as might be expected in an animal 
of such habits. The feet are so densely covered with fur that the claws are nearly hidden in 
the thick hairy coat. It is a tolerably hardy animal. 

The habitation of the Rock Kangaroo is in the south-eastern portions of Australia, and on 
account of its peculiar habits it is a very local animal, being restricted to those districts which 
are furnished with rocks or mountain ranges. 


THE WomBat, or AUSTRALIAN BADGER, as it is popularly called by the colonists, is so 
singularly unlike the preceding and succeeding animals in its aspect and habits, that it might 
well be siipposed to belong to quite a different order ; indeed, in all its exterior character with 


382 THE WOMBAT. 


the exception of its pouch, it is a rodent animal, and in its internal anatomy it approaches 
very closely to the beaver. 

As might be imagined from its heavy body and short legs, the Wombat is by no means an 
active animal, but trudges along at its own pace, with a heavy rolling waddle or hobble, like 
the gait of a very fat bear. It is found in almost all parts of Australia, and is rather sought 
after for the sake of its flesh, which is said to be tolerably good, although rather tough, and 
flavored with more than a slight taint of musk. The fur of the Wombat is warm, long, and 
very harsh to the touch, and its color is gray, mottled with black and white. The under parts 
of the body are grayish-white, and the feet are black. The muzzle is very broad and thick. 
The length of the animal is about three feet, the head measuring seven inches. 

In its temper the Wombat is tolerably placid, and will permit itself to be captured with- 
out venting any display of indignation. Sometimes, however, it is liable to violent gusts of 


WOMBAT .—Phascolomys latifrons. 


rage, and then becomes rather a dangerous antagonist, as it can scratch most fiercely with 
its heavy claws, and can inflict tolerably severe wounds with its chisel-like teeth. Hasily 
tamed, it displays some amount of affection for those who treat it kindly, and will come volun- 
tarily to its friends in hopes of receiving the accustomed caress. It will even stand on its 
hind legs, in token of its desire to be taken on the knee, and when placed in the coveted spot 
will settle itself comfortably to sleep. 

Generally, however, the Wombat is not a very intelligent animal, and exhibits but little 
emotion of any kind, seeming to be one of the most apathetic animals in existence. When in 
captivity it is easily reconciled to its fate, and will feed on almost any vegetable substance, 
evineing considerable partiality for lettuce-leaves and cabbage-stalks ; milk also is a favorite 
article of diet, and one of these animals was said by Mr. Bennett to be in the habit of search- 
ing after the milk vessels when set out to cool in the night air, to push off the covers, and to 
bathe in the milk as well as drink it. 

In its wild state it is nocturnal in its habits, living during the day in the depths of a 
capacious burrow, which it excavates in the earth to such a depth that even the persevering 
natives will seldom attempt to dig a Wombat out of its tunnel. Owing to this habit of bur- 
rowing, it is very destructive if left in an unpaved yard, for it soon excavates several sub- 
terraneous passages, and puts the stability of houses and walls into sad jeopardy. 


THE BANDED BANDICOOT. 383 


The creature seems to be remarkably sensitive to cold, considering the severe weather 
which often reigns in its native country. It is fond of hay, which it chops into short pieces 
with its knife-edged teeth. The natives say that if a Wombat is making a journey, and 
happens to come across a river, it is not in the least discomfited, but walks deliberately into 
the river, across the bed of the stream, and, emerging on the opposite bank, continues its 
course as calmly as if no impediment had been placed in its way. 

The teeth of the Wombat present a curious resemblance to those of the rodent animals, 
and are endowed with the same powers of reproduction as those of the beaver and other ani- 
mals of the same order. The feet of the Wombat are broad, and the fore-feet are provided 
with very strong claws, that are formed for 
digging in the earth. There are five toes to 
each foot, but the thumb of the hinder feet is 
extremely small, and devoid of a claw. This 
animal is remarkable for possessing fifteen 
pairs of ribs—in one case sixteen pairs of 
ribs were found—only six pairs of which 
reach the breast-bone. Remains of a fossil 
species of Wombat have been discovered in 
New Holland, together with the relics of an 
allied and gigantic species, which, when 
living, must nearly have equalled the hip- 
popotamus in dimensions. 


THE BANDICOOT, two examples of which 
will be described in these pages, form a 
little group of animals that are easily 
recognizable by means of their rat-like 
aspect, and a certain peculiar, but inde- 
scribable mode of carrying themselves. 
The gait of the Bandicoot is very singular, 
being a kind of mixture between jumping 
and running, which is the result of the for- 
mation of the legs and feet. During progres- 
sion, the back of the creature is considerably 
arched. The snout is much lengthened and 
rather sharply pointed, and the second and 
third toes of the hinder feet are conjoined as LONG-NOSED BANDICOOT.—Péerameles nasuta. 
far as the claws. The pouch open backwards. 

The BANDED BANDICOOT, or STRIPED-BACKED BANDICOOT, derives its name from the pecu- 
liar marking of its fur. 

The general color of its coat is a blackish-yellow, as if produced by alternate hairs, the 
black tint predominating on the back and the yellow on the sides. Over the hinder quarters 
are drawn some boldly marked black lines, which, when viewed from behind, form a singular 
and rather pleasing pattern, the dark stripes being made more conspicuous by bands of whitish- 
yellow. ‘These marks continue as far as the root of the tail, and a single, narrow dark line 
runs along the whole upper side of the tail, which is of the same color as the body. The fur 
is rather light upon the head, and the under parts of the body, together with the feet, are 
white, slightly tinged with gray. 

This animal is very widely spread over the eastern and south-eastern parts of Australia, 
but is mostly found in the interior. It specially loves the stony ridges that are so common 
in its native land, and although not very often seen by casual travellers, is of very frequent 
occurrence. Its pace is very swift, and its gait is said to bear some resemblance to that of the 
pig. Its food is of both kinds, and consists of insects and their larvee, and of various roots and 
seeds, Its flesh is held in some repute by natives and colonists. 


384 THE CHAROPUS. 


It is but a small animal, measuring only eighteen inches in total length. When the 
animal is killed, it is not easily flayed, as the skin adheres so tightly to the flesh that 
its removal is a matter of some difficulty, when there is need for preserving the skin in its 
integrity. 


Tur LonG-NosEeD Banpicoor is not unlike the preceding animal in form, but differs from 
it in the coloring of its fur, and the greater length of its snout. 

The face, head, and body are of a brown tint, pencilled with black on the upper portions, 
and the sides are of a pale brown, sometimes warmed with a rich purplish hue. The edge of 
the upper lip is white, as are also the under portions of the body, and the fore-legs and feet. 
This fur is very harsh to the touch. The total length of this animal is about twenty-one 
inches, the tail being five inches in length. 

The food of the Long-nosed Bandicoot is said to be of a purely vegetable nature, and the 
animal is reported to occasion some havoc among 
the gardens and granaries of the colonists. Its 
long and powerful claws aid it in obtaining roots, 
and it is not at all unlikely that it may, at the 
same time that it unearths and eats a root, seize 
and devour the terrestrial larvee which are found 
in almost every square inch of ground. The 
lengthened nose and sharp teeth which present 
so great a resemblance to the same organs in in- 
sectivorous shrews, afford good reasons for con- 
jecturing that they may be employed in much 
the same manner. 

The dentition of the Bandicoot is rather in- 
teresting, and will be found detailed at some 
length in the table of generic distinctions at the 
end of the volume. 


Tue large-eared, woolly-furred little animal 
which is here represented, is closely allied to the 
bandicoots, but at once distinguishable from them 
by the peculiarity of structure which has earned 
for it the generic title of Cheeropus, or ‘‘swine- 
footed.” 

Upon the fore-feet there are only two toes, 

CHEROPUS.—Cheeropus castanotus. which are of equal length, and armed with sharp 

and powerful hoof-like claws, that bear no small 

resemblance to the foot of a pig, and are not only porcine in their external aspects, but in the 

track which they leave upon the ground when the creature walks on soft soil. Slenderly and 
gracefully swinish, it is true, but still piggish in appearance, though not in character. 

The Crumropus was formerly designated by the specific title of ecawdatus, or tailless, 
because the first specimen that had been captured was devoid of caudal appendage, and there- 
fore its discoverers naturally concluded that all its kindred were equally curtailed of their fair 
proportions. But as new specimens came before the notice of the zoological world, it was 
found that the Chzeropus was rightly possessed of a moderately long and somewhat rat-like 
tail, and that the taillessness of the original specimen was only the result of accident to the 
individual, and not the normal condition of the species. The size of the Cheropus is about 
equal to that of a small rabbit, and the soft, woolly fur is much of the same color as that of 
the common wild rabbit. 

It is an inhabitant of New South Wales, and was first discovered by Sir Thomas Mitchell 
on the banks of the Murray River, equally to the astonishment of white men and natives, the 
latter declaring that they had never before seen such a creature. The speed of the Cheropus 


THE TASMANIAN WOLF. 385 


is considerable, and its usual haunts are among the masses of dense scrub foliage that cover so 
vast an extent of ground in its native country. Its nest is similar to that of the bandicoot, 
being made of dried grass and leaves rather artistically put together, the grass, however, pre- 
dominating over the leaves. The locality of the nest is generally at the foot of a dense bush, 
or of a heavy tuft of grass, and it is so carefully veiled from view by the mode of its construc- 
tion that it ean scarcely be discovered by the eyes of any but an experienced hunter. 

The head of the Cheeropus is rather peculiar, being considerably lengthened, cylindrically 
‘ tapering towards the nose, so that its form has been rather happily compared to the neck and 
shoulders of a champagne bottle. The hinder feet are like those of the bandicoots, and there 
is a small swelling at the base of the toes of the fore-feet, which is probably the representative 
of the missing joints, more especially as the outermost toes are always extremely small in the 
bandicoots, to which the Cheropus is nearly allied. The ears are very large in proportion to 
the size of the animal. The pouch opens backwards. The food of the Cheropus is said to 
be of a mixed character, and to consist of various vegetable substances and of insects. 


THE teeth of the Dasyurines, sharp-edged and pointed, indicate the carnivorous character 
of those animals to which they belong. At the head of these creatures is placed the Tas- 
MANIAN WOLF, or DoG-HEADED THYLACINUS, as it has often been named on account of the 
curious aspect of its thick head, and powerful, truncated muzzle. 

Although not perhaps the fiercest of the Dasyurines, it is the largest and the most power- 
ful, well deserving the lupine title with which it has been by common consent designated, and 
representing in Tasmania the true wolves of other countries. It is not a very large animal, as 
needs must be from the nature of the country in which it lives, for there would be but small 
subsistence in its native land for herds of veritable wolves, and the natural consequence would 
be that the famished animals would soon take to eating each other in default of more legiti- 
mate food, and by mutual extirpation thin down the race or destroy it altogether. 

The natural subsistence of the Tasmanian, or Zebra Wolf, as it is sometimes called by vir- 
tue of the zebra-like stripes which decorate its back, consists of the smaller animals, mollusks, 
insects, and similar substances. The animal is also in the habit of prowling along the sea- 
shore in restless search of food among the heterogeneous mass of animal and vegetable substances 
that the waves constantly fling upon the beach, and which are renewed with every succeeding 
tide. The mussels and other mollusks which are found so profusely attached to the sea-edged 
rocks form a favorite article of diet with the Tasmanian Wolf, who is sometimes fortunate 
enough to discover upon the beach the remains of dead seals and fish, and can easily make a 
meal on the shore crabs which are found so plentifully studding the beach as the tide goes out. 

Though hardly to be considered a swift, or even a quick animal, the Tasmanian Wolf 
contrives to kill such agile prey as the bush kangaroo, and secures the duck mole, or duck bill, 
in spite of its natatory powers and its subterranean burrow. When the animal is hungry it 
seems to become a very camel in its capability of devouring hard and thorny substances, for it 
has been known to kill—no easy matter—and to swallow—an apparent impossibility—the 
echidna itself, undismayed by its panoply of bayonet-like prickles. The deed seems so incred- 
ible that it would hardly have been believed, had it not been proved beyond doubt by the 
slaughter and subsequent dissection of a Tasmanian Wolf, in whose stomach were found the 
remains of a half-digested echidna. 

As soon as civilized inhabitants took up their abode in Tasmania, this animal made great 
capital out of the sheep flocks and hen-roosts, and for some time committed sad ravages among 
them, greatly to the detriment of the colonists. By degrees, however, the weapons of the 
white man prevailed, and the Tasmanian Wolf was driven back from its former haunts, where 
it once reigned supreme. Still continuing to prowl round the habitation of mankind, many 
individuals of this species were fain to pick up what loose and uncertain subsistence they could 
contrive to appropriate, and, being forced to live in copses and jungles, became the representa- 
tives of the hyena as well as of the Wolf. 

In the earlier days of the colony, the Tasmanian Wolf was of very frequent occurrence, 
but is now seldom seen except in the cold and dreary localities where it takes up its residence. 


86 THE TASMANIAN WOLF. 


[sis 


These animals are found in considerable numbers on the summits of the western mountains, at 
an elevation of nearly four thousand feet above the level of the sea, and there thrive, even 
though their lofty domains are plentifully covered with snow. 

The home of the Tasmanian Wolf is always made in some deep recess of the rocks, away 
from the reach of ordinary foes, and so deeply buried in the rocky crevices that it is impene- 
trable to the light of day. In this murky recess the female produces her young, which are 


TASMANIAN WOLF.—TZhylacinus cynocephalus. 


generally three or four in number, and in its dark cavern the animal spends the whole of its 
day, only venturing from home at night, except under the pressure of some extraordinary cir- 
cumstances. 

As may be seen from the engraving, the feet of the Tasmanian Wolf are so dog-like in 
their nature that they cannot enable the animal to ascend trees, and as the tail is not in the 
least degree prehensile, it is evident that the creature is not capable of chasing its prey among 
the branches, as is the case with many of the allied animals. 

In size it is about equal to the jackal, being generally about four feet in total length, of 
which measurement the tail occupies some sixteen inches. Some few specimens, however, are 
said to attain a very great size, and to measure nearly six feet in total length. Its height at 
the shoulders is about eighteen or nineteen inches.. It is a fierce and most determined animal, 
and if attacked will fight in the most desperate manner. One of these animals has been seen 
standing at bay, surrounded by a number of dogs, and bidding them all defiance. Not a single 
dog dared venture within reach of the teeth of so redoubtable a foe. 

As it is a nocturnal animal, it seems little at its ease when in the uncongenial glare of day- 
light, and, probably on account of its eyes being formed for the purpose of nocturnal light, is 
very slow in its movements by day. It always seems to be greatly annoyed by too strong a 
light, and constantly endeavors to relieve itself from the unwelcome glare by drawing the nic- 
titating membrane over its eyeballs, after the manner of owls when they venture forth by 
daylight, 


THE TASMANIAN DEVIL. 387 


The animal is a very conspicuous one, on account of the peculiar coloring of its fur and 
the brightly defined stripes which decorate its back. 

The general tint of the fur is a grayish-brown, washed with yellow, each hair being brown 
at its base and yellow towards the point.. Along the back runs a series of boldly defined 
stripes, nearly black in their color, beginning just behind the shoulders and ending upon the 
base of the tail. The number of these stripes is various, being from fourteen to seventeen on 
an average. At the spot where they commence they are very short, but lengthen rapidly as 
they approach the tail, reaching their greatest length over the haunches, over which they are 
drawn to some extent. In many specimens the stripes are forked upon the haunches. 
Towards the tail the stripes again become short, and upon the base of the tail are so abbreviated 
that they only cover its upper surface. The under parts of the body are gray. The tail is 
slightly compressed, and gradually tapers to its extremity. The eyes are large and full, and 
their color is black. The edge of the upper lip is white. 


TASMANIAN DEVIL.—Diabolus ursinus. 


In this animal the marsupial bones are absent, their places being indicated by some fibrous 
cartilages that are found in the locality which these bones might be expected to fill. The 
character of the fur is not very fine, but it is short, rather woolly, and closely set upon the 
animal’s skin. In front of the eye there is a small black patch, which runs round the eye, 
and surrounds it with a dark line. 


As MAY be imagined, from the very expressive name which has been appropriated to the 
animal which is represented in the engraving, its character is not of the most amiable, nor its 
appearance the most inviting. 

Few animals have deserved their popular titles better than the creature to whom the first 
colonists of Van Diemen’s Land unanimously gave the name of Natrve DeviL. The innate 
and apparently ineradicable ferocity of the creature can hardly be conceived except by those 
who have had personal experience of its demeanor. Even in captivity its sullen and purpose- 
less anger is continually excited, and the animal appears to be more obtuse to kindness than 
any other creature of whom we have practical knowledge. Generally, a caged animal soon 
learns to recognize its keeper, and to weleome the hand that supplies it with food ; but the 
TASMANIAN DeEvItL seems to be diabolically devoid of gratitude, and attacks indiscriminately 
every being that approaches it. 

I have frequently had opportunities of testing the character of this curious animal, and 


388 THE TASMANIAN DEVIL. 


have always found it to be equally savage and intractable. Without the least cause it would 
tly at the bars of its cage, and endeavor by dint of teeth and claws to wreak its vengeance on 
me, while it gave vent to its passionate feelings in short, hoarse screams of rage. There was 
no reason for these outbursts of anger, for the animal behaved in precisely the same manner 
whenever any visitor happened to pause in front of its domicile. 

It is a very conspicuous animal, and not easily to be mistaken for any other species. The 
coat of the Tasmanian Devil is very appropriately black, dashed here and there with spots, 
patches, or stripes of a pure white, which afford a bold and singular contrast to each other. 
In different individuals there is considerable variety in the distribution of these two colors, 
but the character of the markings is similar in all. 

The general hue of the fur is a deep, dead black, the fur being devoid of that rich, silky 
glossiness which gives to the coats of many black animals so pleasing an effect. Across the 
breast there is nearly always a very conspicuous white mark, which in some individuals takes 
the form of a semilunar band, and in others is contracted to a mere spot. Generally, another 
white mark is found to extend saddlewise across the end of the spine, just before the insertion 
of the tail. This mark is also susceptible of great variation, being of considerable dimensions 
in some specimens, and extremely small in others. Now and then a white streak or patch is 
seen upon the shoulders, but in many individuals the shoulders are of equal blackness with 
the remainder of the body. Behind the eyes is a tuft of very long hairs, and another similar 
tuft is placed immediately above them. 

As might be presumed from the heavy make of its body, and the thickset shortness of its 
limbs, the animal‘is not at all brisk or lively in its movements, and seldom displays much 
energy except when under the influence of the easily-excited irascibility for which it is so 
widely renowned. The head is short and thickly made, the muzzle very blunt, and the 
mouth wide. The gait of the animal is plantigrade, and its movements are in general dull 
and sluggish. 

The length of this animal is about twenty-one inches, exclusive of the tail, which measures 
about seven inches in length, and is moderately well covered with fur. 

Despite its comparatively small size, this creature is hardly less destructive than the Tas- 
manian wolf, and in the earlier days of the colonists wrought sad havoc among the sheep and 
poultry, especially among the latter. In those days it swarmed in great numbers, but it is 
now nearly extirpated out of some districts, and is so persecuted by the righteous vengeance of 
the farmers, that a solitary specimen can scarcely now be seen in the locality where its nightly 
visits used to be of continual occurrence. Many of these depredators were shot, caught in 
traps, or otherwise destroyed, and suffered a poetical justice in furnishing a meal for those at 
whose expense they had often feasted. 

The flesh of this rather ungainly animal is said to be far from unpleasant, and to have 
some resemblance to veal. 3 

The traps in which these nocturnal robbers are caught are baited with flesh of some 
kind, generally with butcher’s offal, for the animal is a very voracious one, and is always sen- 
sitive to such attractions. Like the Tasmanian wolf—to which animal it is closely allied—it 
is in the habit of prowling along the sea-shore in search of the ordinary coast-loving mollusks 
and crustaceans, or in hopes of making a more generous feast on the dead carcases which the 
tides will sometimes leave upon the beach. 

In captivity it will eat almost any kind of food, and is found to thrive well upon bread 
and milk, with an occasional addition of flesh. When it is indulged in the latter delicacy, it 
speedily tears in pieces the meat with which it is furnished, and is in nowise baffled by the 
presence of moderately sized bones, which it can crack with wonderful ease by means of its 
strong teeth and powerful jaws. 

The great power of its jaws, backed by its unreasoning ferocity, which seems to be liter- 
ally incapable of comprehending the feeling of fear, renders it extremely formidable when 
attacked. Indeed, there are hardly any dogs, however strong and well trained they may be, 
which can boast of a victory gained over a Tasmanian Devil in single fight. 

It is rather a productive animal, the number of its family being from four to five at a 


THE PHASCOGALE. 389 


birth. The habitation of this species is ascertained to be made in the depths of the forests, 
concealed as far as possible from the light of day, which grievously affects the eyes of this, as 
of all other strictly nocturnal animals. 

The pain which is caused to the creature by the unwelcome brilliancy of ordinary daylight 
is constantly indicated by the ceaseless movements of the nictitating membrane over the eye- 
ball, even when the animal is shrouded in the comparative dimness of a straw-filled den, and 
shades itself from the glare by crouching in the darkest corner of its cage. 

Aided by the strong fossorial claws of the fore-feet, the Tasmanian Devil digs for itself a 
deep burrow in the ground, or, taking advantage of some natural hollow or crevice, shapes the 
interior to suit its own purposes. The hinder feet are made in a manner similar to those of 
the bear, and, like that animal, the Tasmanian Devil is able to sit erect upon its hinder 
quarters, and to convey food to its mouth by means of its fore-paws, which it uses in a very 
adroit manner. 

This animal is also known under the names of Ursine Dasyure and Ursine Opossum. 


OF the animals which have been congregated into the genus Dasyures, four or five species 
are now admitted to be clearly separated from each other. In color the Dasyures are extremely 
variable, so much so, indeed, that it is hardly possible to find two individuals of the same spe- 
cies that are marked in precisely the same manner. 

In the common DasyureE (Dasyurus viverrinus), the general color of the fur is brown, of 
a very dark hue, sometimes deepening into positive black, diversified with many spots of white, 
scattered apparently at random over the whole of the body, and varying both in their position 
and dimensions in almost every individual. In some specimens the tail is washed with white 
spots similar to those of the body, but in many examples the tail is uniformly dark. In all 
the Dasyures this member is moderately long, but not prehensile, and is thickly covered with 
hair; a peculiarity which has caused zoologists to give the title of Dasyure, or hairy-tail, to 
these animals. 

They are all inhabitants of Australasia, the common Dasyure being found numerously 
enough in New Holland, Van Diemen’s Land, and some parts of Australia. The habits of all 
the Dasyures are so very similar that there is no need of describing them separately. They 
are all rather voracious animals, feeding upon the smaller quadrupeds, birds, insects, and other 
living beings which inhabit the same country. The Dasyure is said to follow the example of 
the two preceding animals, and to be fond of roaming along the sea-coasts by night in search 
of food. 

The Dasyures are all nocturnal animals, and very seldom make voluntary excursions from 
their hiding-places so long as the sun is above the horizon. 

They do not, like the Tasmanian wolf and the ursine Dasyure, lie hidden in burrows under 
the earth, or in the depths of rocky ground, but follow the example of the Petaurists, and 
make their habitations in the hollows of decayed trees. 

The young of the Dasyures are, like those of all the animals of this order, extremely small. 
Their number is rather variable, but is usually from four to six. In this species the thumb of 
the hind-feet is entirely absent. 


THE PHASCOGALE, or TAPOA TAFA (Phascogale penicillata), as it is termed by the natives 
of the country which it inhabits, affords an excellent example of the little dependence that is 
to be placed on mere external appearance in judging the character of any living being. 

In size, the Phascogale is small, hardly exceeding the house-rat of Europe in dimensions. 
The total length of this creature is about seventeen inches, the long, widely-formed tail occupy- 
ing nine inches, if measured to the point of the hairy tuft that decorates its extremity, and 
seven inches if denuded of its hairy covering. 

The fur of this animal is long, soft, and woolly, and lies very loosely upon the skin, so that 
it is disturbed by every slight breath of air that may happen to pass over its surface. In color 
it is a soft gray on the upper parts of the body, the head, and the outer faces of the limbs, the 
under portions of the body being white, and slightly washed with gray. A few black hairs 


390 THE PHASCOGALE. 


are scattered sparingly over the body. In almost every specimen that has been captured, a 
dark line is seen to run from the nose towards the base of the skull. 

The tail is clotted with fur of the same color as that of the body for one-fifth of its length, 
but the remaining four-fifths are furnished with a bushy mass of long hair, each hair being 
about two inches in length. The color of this graceful appendage is a jet black, which affords 
a very marked contrast to the light hues with which the body and limbs are tinged, and which 
gives to the animal a notably handsome aspect. The earsare rather large, and the head tapers 
rapidly towards the nose. 

The general appearance of the Tapoa Tafa is that of a gentle, peaceable little animal, 
unlikely to do any harm, and well calculated to serve as a domesticated pet. 

Never did animal or man hide under a specious mask of innocence a character more at 
variance with its mendacious exterior. 

For the Tapoa Tafa is one of the pests of the colonists, a fierce, bloodthirsty, audacious 
creature, revelling in the warm flesh of newly-slaughtered prey, and penetrating, in search 
of food, into the very houses of civilized men. Its small size and sharply-pointed head 
enable it to insinuate itself through the crevices which are almost necessarily left open in 
fences and walls, and its insatiate appetite induces it to roam through the store-rooms in search 
of any animal substances that may have been laid up by the owners. Unless placed under lock 
and key, behind tightly-closed doors, provisions of various kinds are invaded by the Tapoa 
Tafa, for its powers of climbing are so great that it can ascend even a perpendicular wall, unless 
its surface be smooth and hard, so that its sharp curved claws can take no hold. 

Fortunately for the farmers, the Tapoa Tafa is not possessed of the chisel-shaped incisor 
teeth which enable the European rat to gnaw its way through opposing obstacles, so that a 
wooden door will afford a sufficient barrier against its depredations, providing it be closely 
fitting, and of solid material. It is said to be very destructive to poultry, and to penetrate by 
night intg the fowl-houses, creeping towards its prey so silently that its presence is not 
detected, and slaying the inmates as they are slumbering quietly on their perches. 

Were its size equal to that of the Tasmanian wolf, the Phascogale would be an effectual 
bar to civilization in any district which it might frequent. In its wild state its food is of a 
mixed vegetable and animal nature, and in the stomach of one of these creatures was found 
a heterogeneous mass of insect remains, mixed with portions of certain fungi. 

Not only is the Tapoa Tafa an object of destruction for the repeated acts of depredation | 
which it commits in civilized dwellings, but it has also earned a renowned name among white 
and black men for the extraordinary energy with which it will defend itself when attacked. 
Small though it may be, and harmless though it may appear, it deals such fierce and rapid strokes 
with its sharp claws that it can inflict extraordinarily severe lacerations upon the person of its 
adversary. 

So celebrated is the animal for its powers of resistance, that not even the quick-eyed and 
agile-limbed native will venture to trust his hand within reach of the claws of an irritated 
Tapoa Tafa. 

Night is the usual time for the Tapoa Tafa to leave its home and prowl about in 
search of food, but it is often seen by daylight, and appears to be equally vivacious at 
either time. . 

It is always a most active animal, and chiefly arboreal in its habits, climbing trees and 
skipping among their branches with the agility of a squirrel. Its long tail may serve to act as 
a balance during these excursions, but as it is not in the least prehensile, it cannot afford assist- 
ance in the actual labor of passing from one branch to another. 

Its home is generally made in the hollow trunks of the eucalypti, and in those dark 
recesses it produces and nourishes its young. It is very widely distributed over Australasia, 
being found in equal plenty upon plain or mountain, contrary to the usual habits of Australian 
animals, which are generally confined within certain local limits, according to the elevation 
of the ground or the character of the soil. 

On account of the large tuft of black hair that decorates the tail, the Tapoa Tafa is in 
some works mentioned under the title of the ‘‘ Brush-tailed Phascogale.”’ 


THE MYRMECOBIUS. 39 


Tue little animals which are grouped together under the title of PoucHED Mick are 
tolerably numerous, the genus Antechinus comprising about twelve or thirteen species. 

They are spread rather widely over New South Wales and Southern Australia, and as 
they are prolific creatures, they are among the most common of the Australian quadrupeds. 
They are all of inconsiderable size, the greater number hardly exceeding the ordinary mouse 
in dimensions, though one or two species nearly equal a small rat in size. 

Arboreal in their habits, they are among the most active of tree-loving quadrupeds, run- 
ning up and down a perpendicular trunk with perfect ease, and leaping from one branch to 
another with singular activity of limb and certainty of aim. They can even cling to the under 
side of a horizontal branch, and are constantly seen running round the branches and peering 
into any little crevice, precisely after the manner of the ordinary titmice among the birds. 
They can descend a branch with their heads downward, instead of lowering themselves tail 
foremost, as is generally the custom among tree-climbing quadrupeds, and traverse the branches 
with admirable rapidity and liveliness. 

The YELLOW-FOoTED PoucHED MoussE (Antechinus flavipes) is a very pretty little creat- 
ure, its fur being richly tinted with various pleasing hues. 

The face, the upper part of the head, and the shoulders are dark gray, diversified with 
yellow hairs, and the sides of the body are warmed with a wash of bright chestnut. The 
under parts of the body, the chin, and the throat are uniform white, and the tail is pics: 
There is often a slight tufting of hair on the extremity of the tail. 

The total length of the animal is about eight inches, the head and body being rather more 
than four inches anal a half in length, and the tail a little more than three inches. 


THE Myrmecostus (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is remarkable for several parts of its struct- 
ure, and more especially so for the extraordinary number of its teeth, and the manner in which 
they are placed in the jaw. Altogether, there are no less than fifty-two teeth in the jaws of 
an adult and perfect specimen of the Myrmecobius, outnumbering the teeth of every other 
animal, with the exception of one or two cetacea and the armadillo. There is no pouch in this 
animal, but the tender young are defended from danger by the long hairs which clothe the 
under portions of the body. 

It is a beautiful little animal, the fur being of agreeable tints and diversified by several 
bold stripes across the back. The general color of the fur is a bright fawn on the shoulders, 
which deepens into blackish-brown from the shoulders to the tail, the fur of the hinder por- 
tions being nearly black. Across the back are drawn six or seven white bands, broad on the 
back and tapering off towards their extremities. The under parts of the body are of a yellow- 
ish-white. The tail is thickly covered with long, bushy hair, and has a grizzled aspect, owing 
to the manner in which the black and white hairs of which it is composed are mingled together. 
Some hairs are annulated with white, red-rust, and black, so that the tints are rather variable, 
and never precisely the same in two individuals. 

The length of the body is about ten inches, and the tail measures about seven inches, so 
that the dimensions of the animal are similar to those of the common water vole of Europe. 

Tt is an active animal, and when running, its movements are very similar to those of the 
common squirrel. When hurried, it proceeds by a series of small jumps, the tail being ele- 
vated over its back after the usual custom of squirrels, and at short intervals it pauses, sits 
upright, and casts an anxious look in all directions before it again takes to flight. 

Although not a particularly swift animal, it is not an easy one to capture, as it imme- 
diately makes for some place of refuge, under a hollow tree or a cleft in rocky ground, and 
when it has fairly placed itself beyond the reach of its pursuers, it bids defiance to their efforts 
to drive it from its haven of safety. Not even smoke—the usual resort of a hunter when his 

‘prey has gone to ‘‘earth’’ and refuses to come out again—has the least effect on the Myrme- 
cobius, which is either possessed of sufficient smoke-resisting powers to endure the stifling 
vapor with impunity, or of sufficient courage to yield its life in the recesses of its haven, rather 
than deliver itself into the hands of its enemies. 

The food of the Myrmecobius is supposed chiefly to consist of ants and similar diet, as it is 


co 


92 - THE OPOSSUM. 


generally found inhabiting localities where ants most abound. For this kind of food it is well 
fitted by its long tongue, which is nearly as thick as a common black-lead pencil, and is capa- 
ble of protrusion to some distance. In confinement, a specimen of the Myrmecobius was accus- 
tomed to feed on bran, among other substances. It is known that in the wild state it will eat 
hay, as well as the ‘‘manna”’ that exudes from the branches of the eucalypti. 

It is a very gentle animal in its disposition, as, when captured, it does not bite or scratch, 
but only vents its displeasure in a series of little grunts when it finds that it cannot escape. 

The number of its young varies, but averages from five to eight. The usual habitation of 
the Myrmecobius is placed in the decayed trunk of a fallen tree, or, in default of such lodging, 
is made in a hollow in the ground. It is a native of the borders of the Swan River. 


THERE are very few of the marsupiated animals which are more remarkable for their form, 
their habits, or their character, than the Opossums of America. They are nearly all admirable 
climbers, and are assisted in their scan- 
sorial efforts by their long, prehensile 
tails, which are covered with scales, 
through the interstices of which a few 
short black hairs protrude. The hinder 
feet are also well adapted for climbing, 
as the thumb is opposable to the other 
toes, so that the animal is able to grasp 
the branch of a tree with considerable 
force, and to suspend its whole body, 
together with the additional weight of 
its prey or its young. 

The VIRGINIAN, or CoMMON OPos- 
ey SUM, is, as its name implies, a native 

A\\\ of Virginia, as well as of many other 
el portions of the United States of Amer- 
cal ica. In size it equals a tolerably large 
A cat, being rather more than three feet 

in total length, the head and body 
measuring twenty-two inches and the 
tail fifteen. The color of this animal 
is a grayish-white, slightly tinged with 
yellow, and diversified by occasional 
long hairs that are white towards their 
base, but of a brownish hue towards 
OPOSSUM —Didelphys virginiana. their points. These brown-tipped hairs 
are extremely prevalent upon the limbs, 
which are almost wholly of the brown hue, which also surrounds the eye to some extent. 
The under fur is comparatively soft and woolly, but the general character of the fur is harsh 
and coarse. The scaly portion of the tail is white. 

It is a voracious and destructive animal, prowling about during the hours of darkness, and 
prying into every nook and corner in hope of finding something that may satisfy the cravings 
of imperious hunger. Young birds, eggs, the smaller quadrupeds, such as young rabbits, 
which it eats by the brood at a time, cotton rats, and mice, reptiles of various kinds, and 
insects, fall victims to the appetite of the Virginian Opossum, which is often not content with 
the food it finds in the open forests, but must needs insinuate itself into the poultry-yard, and 
make a meal on the fowls and their eggs. When it has once determined on making such a 
raid, it can hardly be baffled in its endeavors by any defences except those which consist of 
stout walls and closely-fitting doors ; for it can climb over any ordinary wall, or thrust itself 
through any fence, so that there is but little chance of preventing it from making good its 
entrance into the precincts of the farm-yard. 


\\ 


\\ 


RAY 
\\ 
AN 


THE OPOSSUM. 393 


Its proceedings are so admirably related by Audubon, that I can do no better than present 
the account in his own words, the words of one who has frequently been an eye-witness of the 
scene which he so graphically depicts: 


‘Methinks I see one at this moment slowly and cautiously trudging over the melting 
snows by the side of an unfrequented pond, nosing as it goes for the fare its ravenous appetite 
prefers. Now it has come upon the fresh track of a grouse or hare, and it raises its snout and 
sniffs the pure air. At length it has decided on its course, and it speeds onwards at the rate 
of a man’s ordinary walk. It stops and seems at a loss in what direction to go, for the object 
of its pursuit has either taken a considerable leap, or has cut backwards before the Opossum 
entered its track. It raises itself up, stands for a while on its hind-feet, looks around, snufts 
the air again, and then proceeds ; but now, at the foot of a noble tree, it comes to a full stand. 
It walks round the base of the large trunk, over the snow-covered roots, and among them finds 
an aperture, which it at once enters. 

‘*Several minutes elapse, when it reappears, dragging along a squirrel already deprived of 
life, with which in its mouth it begins to ascend the tree. Slowly it climbs. The first fork 
does not seem to suit it, for perhaps it thinks it might there be too openly exposed to the view 
of some wily foe, and so it proceeds, until it gains a cluster of branches, intertwined with 
grape-vines, and there composing itself, it twists its tail round one of the twigs, and with 
its sharp teeth demolishes the unlucky squirrel, which it holds all the while with its 
fore-paws. 

“The pleasant days of spring have arrived, and the trees vigorously shoot forth their 
leaves; but the Opossum is almost bare, and seems nearly exhausted by hunger. It visits 
the margin of creeks, and is pleased to see the young frogs, which afford it a tolerable repast. 
Gradually the poke-berry and the nettle shoot up, and on their tender and juicy stems it 
gladly feeds. The matin-calls of the wild turkey-cock delight the ear of the cunning creat- 
ure, for it well knows that it will soon hear the female, and trace her to her nest, when it 
will suck the eggs with delight. 

“Travelling through the woods, perhaps on the ground, perhaps aloft, from tree to tree, 
it hears a cock crow, and its heart swells as it remembers the savory food on which it regaled 
itself last summer in the neighboring farm-yard. With great care, however, it advances, and 
at last conceal: itself in the very hen-house. 

‘*Honest farmer! why did you kill so many crows last winter? aye, and ravens too? 
Well, you have had your own way of it; but now, hie to the village and procure a store of 
ammunition, clean your rusty gun, set your traps, and teach your lazy curs to watch the 
Opossum. There it comes! The sun is scarcely down, but the appetite of the prowler is 
here ; hear the screams of one of your best chickens that has been seized by him! The cun- 
ning beast is off with it, and nothing now can be done, unless you stand there to watch the 
fox or the owl, now exulting in the thought that you have killed their enemy and your own 
friend, the poor crow. That precious hen under which you last week placed a dozen eggs or 
so, is now deprived of them. The Opossum, notwithstanding her angry outeries and ruffled 
feathers, has consumed them one by one ; and now, look at the poor bird as she moves across 
your yard ; if not mad, she is at least stupid, for she scratches here and there, calling to her 
chickens all the while. 

‘* All this comes from your shooting crows. Had you been more merciful or more pru- 
dent, the Opossum might have been kept within the woods, where it would have been satisfied 
with a squirrel, a young hare, the eggs of a turkey, or the grapes that so profusely adorn 
the boughs of our forest-trees. But I talk to you in vain. 

‘* But suppose the farmer has surprised an Opossum in the act of killing one of his best 
fowls. His angry feelings urge him to kick the poor beast, which, conscious of its inability ~ 
to resist, rolls off like a ball. The more the farmer rages, the more reluctant is the animal to 
manifest resentment; at last there it lies, not dead but exhausted, its jaws open, its tongue 
extended, its eyes dimmed ; and there it would lie until the bottle-fly should come to deposit 
its eggs, did not its tormentor walk off. ‘Surely,’ says he to himself, ‘the beast must be dead.’ 


394 HABITS OF THE OPOSSUM. 


But no, reader, it is only ‘’possuming,’ and no sooner has his enemy withdrawn than it grad- 
ually gets on its legs, and once more makes for the woods.”’ 


Besides the varied animal diet in which the Opossum indulges, it also eats vegetable sub- 
stances, committing as much havoc among plantations and fruit-trees as among rabbits and 
poultry. It is very fond of maize, procuring the coveted food by climbing the tall stems, or 
by biting them across and breaking them down. It also eats acorns, beech-nuts, chestnuts, 
‘and wild berries, while its fondness for the fruit of the ‘‘persimmon”’ tree is almost pro- 
verbial. While feeding on these fruits it has been seen hanging by its tail, or its hinder paws, 
gathering the ‘‘ persimmons’’ with its fore-paws, and eating them while thus suspended. It 
also feeds on various roots, which it digs out of the ground with ease. 

Its gait is usually slow and awkward, but when pursued it runs with considerable speed, 
though in a sufficiently clumsy fashion, caused by its habit of using the limbs of the right and 
left side simultaneously in a kind of amble. As, moreover, the creature is plantigrade in its 
walk, it may be imagined to be anything but elegant in its mode of progress upon the ground. 
Although it is such an adept at ‘‘’possuming,”’ or feigning death, it does not put this ruse in 
practice until it has used every endeavor to elude its pursuers, and finds that it has no possi- 
bility of escape. It runs sulkily and sneakingly forward, looking on every side for some con- 
venient shelter, and seizing the first opportunity of slipping under cover. 

If chased by a dog, it takes at once to a tree, and unless the dog be accompanied by its 
master, only climbs to a convenient resting-place, above the limit of the dog’s leaping powers, 
and there sits quietly, permitting the dog to bark itself hoarse, without troubling itself any 
further about so insignificant an enemy. If, however, as is generally the case, the dog be 
accompanied by human hunters, the unfortunate Opossum has but little chance of safety. 
For as soon as the creature is ‘‘ treed,’’ the quick, sharp bark of the dog conveys to its master 
the welcome tidings, and he immediately runs towards the point from whence proceeds the 
well-known voice of his dog. 

Having reached the position of the enemy, he ascends the tree in chase of the Opossum, 
which begins to climb towards the highest branches, followed by its pursuing foe. At last it 
gains the very extremity of some branch, and holds on with tail and claws, while the man 
endeavors to dislodge it by shaking violently the bough to which it clings. For a time it 
retains its hold, but is soon wearied by the constant exertion, and falls heavily to the ground, 
where it is seized and despatched by the expectant dogs. 

The negroes are especially fond of this sport, and look eagerly forward to the close of the 
day when they have been promised a ‘‘’possum-hunt,’’ as a reward for good conduct. Not 
only do they very thoroughly enjoy the moonlight sport, with its exciting concomitants, but 
promise themselves a further gratification, after their return home, in eating the Opossums 
which have fallen victims to their skill. The flesh of the Opossum is white when cooked, and 
is considered to be remarkably good, especially when the animal is killed in autumn, for at 
that time of the year it is extremely fat. 

Although, from the great accession of fat in the autumn months, it might be thought a 
hybernating animal, it is found roaming the woods in search of food even in the coldest night 
of winter. Still, the large amount of fat with which the body is loaded is calculated to give 
the animal greater powers of resisting hunger and the severity of the weather than would 
otherwise have been the case, and enables it to thrive upon the comparatively small amount of 
food which it can obtain during the season of intense cold. 

It is not a gregarious animal, and even the members of the same family spread themselves 
widely apart when they are in the open air. 

The Opossum, although so cunning in many respects, is singularly simple in others. 
There is hardly any animal which is so easily captured, for it will walk into the rudest of 
traps, and permit itself to be ensnared by a device at which a rat would look with contempt. 
Strange mixture of craft and dullness ; and yet one which is commonly found in all creatures, 
whether men or animals, that only possess cunning and no observance at all. For there are 
none so prone to entangle themselves in difficulties as the over-artful, They must needs 


HABITS OF THE OPOSSUM. 395 


travel through crooked bye-ways, instead of following the open road, and so blunder them- 
selves stupidly and sinuously into needless peril, from which their craftiness sometimes extri- 
cates them, it is true, but not without much anxiety and apprehension. 

When captured it is easily tamed, and falls into the habit of domestication with great ease. 
It is, however, not very agreeable as a domestic companion, as it is gifted with a powerful 
and very unpleasant odor, which emanates from its person with great force, whenever the ani- 
mal is irritated or excited. y 

The nest of the Opossum is always made in some protected situation, such as the hollow 
of a fallen or a standing tree, or under the shelter of some old projecting roots. In forming an 
appropriate receptacle for her young, the Opossum is'assisted by her fore-feet, which are well 
adapted for digging. The nest itself is composed of long moss and various dried leaves. 
Sometimes the creature has been known to usurp the domicile of some other animal, not 
without suspicion of having previously devoured the rightful owner. On one occasion a hunter 
sent a rifle-ball through a squirrel’s nest, which was placed at some forty feet from the 
ground, and was surprised to see an Opossum fall dead on the ground. This creature has 
also been known to possess itself of the warm nest of the Florida rat. 

When the young of the Opossum are born, they are transferred by the mother to her 
cradle-pouch, where they remain for some weeks. From repeated experiments that have been 
made on this animal, it is found that the transfer is made on the fifteenth day after the young 
have been called into existence, and that at that period they only weigh four grains, their total 
length being under an inch, the tail included. Their number is from thirteen to fifteen. 
After they are placed in the pouch their growth is wonderfully rapid, for in seven days they 
have gained so much substance as to weigh thirty grains; and even at this early period of their 
existence their tails exhibit the prehensile capacity, and are often found coiled round each 
other’s bodies. In four weeks the little Opossums have gained sufficient strength to put 
their heads out of the pouch, and at the end of the fifth week they are able to leave it 
entirely for a short time. 

Very great trouble was required in order to ascertain these particulars, as it was found 
that the Opossum was in the habit of hiding herself in her den until she had placed her young 
in the pouch, so that it was needful to search the cavity for these concealed females, and to 
watch their proceedings by night and day, without intermission. 

There are one or two circumstances in connection with this subject that are well worthy 
of attention. 

The young Opossums are not, as has been often asserted, mere helpless lumps of animated 
substances, without sense or power of determinate action, but are wonderfully active in pro- 
portion to their minute size and their undeveloped state. If placed upon a table, 
they can crawl about its surface, and are sufficiently hardy to retain life for several 
hours after their removal from the warm cradle in which their tender bodies were shielded 
from harm, and the maternal fount which poured a constant stream of nourishment into their 
tiny systems. 

Another singular circumstance is, that when they are first placed in the pouch, they are 
blind and deaf, the eyes and ears being closed, and not opened until many days have elapsed. 
With partial blindness at the time of birth we are all familiar in the persons of kittens, 
puppies, and other little animals, but that the tender young of the Opossum should be deaf 
as well as blind, is truly singular. It appears that in the case of the kitten or puppy, the 
presence of light and the action of the atmosphere are needed in order to withdraw the 
obstacles that obstruct the sense of vision. In the young Opossum, however, it seems that 
the action of the atmosphere is needed in order to render the ears sensitive to the sounds that 
are transmitted through its mediumship, but that in most cases the little creature requires the 
absence of light until the time comes for it to open its eyes as well as its ears. 

What length of time elapses between the period of transmission into the pouch and the 
several opening of eyes and ears is not, I believe, as yet clearly ascertained, and would furnish 
an interesting subject for investigation. I would also suggest that the blood of the young 
animal be carefully examined in three of its stages, viz., just before it is born, immediately 


396 THE CRAB-EATING OPOSSUM. 


after being placed in the pouch, and after the period when the eyes and ears are opened, in 
order to ascertain whether any important change, chemical or otherwise, has been made in that 
liquid by the double action of air and light. 


Tux order which embraces the pouched animals, called in systematic language Marsupials, 
from the Latin, marsupiwm, a pouch, is well nigh peculiar to that far-away and almost wholly 
strange country, Australasia. With the notable exception of our Virginia Opossum and a few 
species of the same genus in South America, the Marsupials are confined to the latter country. 
Wallace records three genera and twenty-three species of the family Didelphyide. 

The species are most numerous in Brazil. The North American Opossum ranges from the 
Hudson River to Florida. 

The skins of the Opossum are now of considerable commercial value. 

The prehensile tail of this animal is well illustrated in the two engravings. 


Tur CRAB-EATING Opossum is not so large an animal as the Virginian Opossum, being 
only thirty or thirty-one inches in total length, the head and body measuring sixteen inches, 
and the tail fifteen. It can 
also be distinguished from 
the preceding animal by the 
darker hue of its fur, the 
attenuated head, and the uni- 
formly colored ears, which 
are generally black, but are 
sometimes of a yellowish 
tint. 

The fur of the Crab- 
eating Opossum is long, and 
though rather woolly in tex- 
ture, is harsh to the touch. 
From the peculiar coloring 
of the long hairs that pro- 
trude through the thick, 
close, woolly fur that lies 
next to the skin, the general 
tinting of its coat appears 
rather uncertain, and varies 
according to the portion 
which happens to be ex- 
posed to view at the time. 
These hairs are nearly white 
towards their base, but dark- 
en into sooty-black towards 
their extremities. The limbs 
and feet are black, and the 
head is a brownish-white. 
There is generally an indis- 
tinct dark line drawn over 
the forehead. The tail is covered with scales, interspersed with short hairs, and its basal 
half is black, the remainder being of a grayish-white. For the first three inches of its length 
it is densely clothed with sooty-black fur of the same tint as that upon the back, and the 
remainder of its length is covered with scales and short hair. 

The Crab-eating Opossum is peculiarly fitted for a residence on trees, and is never seen to 
proper advantage except when traversing the boughs, or swinging among the branches by 
means of its peculiarly prehensile tail. While it is engaged in its arboreal wanderings, it 


CRAB-EATING OPOSSUM.—Phiiander cancrivorus. 


THE YAPOCK OPOSSUM. 397 


always takes care to twine its tail firmly round the nearest object that is capable of affording 
a firm hold, and thus secures itself against any unfortunate slip of its paws. 

On the level ground its pace is slow, and its gait awkward. It is, however, seldom seen 
upon the ground, as it is unwilling to forego the advantages of its arboreal residence, except 
for the purpose of obtaining food. Like 
the Virginian Opossum, it feeds chiefly 
on animal food, such as the smaller 
mammalia, birds, reptiles, and insects, and 
is so fond of crustacea, that it has been 
called the Crab-eater from that predilec- 
tion. As the crabs and other crustaceans 
on which it feeds are usually found upon 
low and marshy soils, the Crab-eating 
Opossum is in the habit of frequenting 
such localities, and may generally be found 
in their neighborhood. 

This animal is held in some estimation, 
as furnishing an agreeable meal to those 
who care for such diet, and its flesh is said 
by the initiated to resemble that of the 
hare. The young of the Crab-eating 
Opossum are, during their days of infancy, 
colored very differently from the adult 
animal. When first they are born, they 
are entirely naked, but when they are 
large enough to leave the pouch, they 
are clothed with short silken hairs of a 
bright chestnut brown, which, after a 
while, fades into the dark brownish-black 
of the full-grown animal. In all cases the 
tinting of the fur is rather variable. YAPOCK OPOSSUM.—Cheironectes variegatus. 

The Crab-eating Opossum is found 
very numerously in the Brazils, and is spread over the whole of tropical America. 


Last, and most singular of this group of animals, is the Yapock Opossum, a creature 
which, abandoning the arboreal life in which its relations so much delight, shifts its residence 
to the river-banks, and passes an existence almost wholly aquatic. 

It is a curious looking animal, and even by the bold markings with which its fur is 
diversified, is easily distinguishable from any other Opossum. Upon the coat of this animal, 
the two contrasting hues of gray and sooty-black are so nearly balanced that it is almost 
impossible to choose either of them as the ground tint and the other as the accessory. 


PHO@CIDA:; 


COMMON SEALS. 


» Ky now arrive at a very wonderful series of animals, which, although they breathe 
atmospheric air like other mammalia, are yet almost entirely aquatic in their 
habits, and are never seen except in the water or its immediate vicinity. The 
first family of these aquatic mammalia is that which is formed of the animals 
which are popularly known by the name of SEALs. 

The structure of their bodies shows that the Seals are intended to pass the 
greater portion of their existence in the water, for the body is elongated, and 
formed very much like that of a fish, while the limbs and feet are so modified that they 
greatly resemble fins, and are put to the same use. 

In order to protect their bodies from the debilitating action of the element in which they 
live, they are thickly covered with a double fur, which, when immersed in water, is pressed 
tightly to the skin, and effectually throws off the moisture. In some Seals this fur is 
extremely valuable, and is largely employed as an article of commerce. The fur itself is kept 
constantly lubricated with a fatty matter secreted by the skin, and is thus rendered water- 
proof. The more effectually to defend the animal from the icy cold water in which it is often 
- immersed, and from the ice-fields on which it loves to climb, a thick layer of fat is placed 
immediately below the skin, and being an excellent non-conductor of heat, serves to retain the 
internal heat through the severest cold. All the fat of the body seems to be pressed into this: 
service, as there is comparatively little of the internal fat that is usually found plentifully in 
the mammalia. 

Aided by the imperfectly developed limbs, the Seals are able to leave the water and to 
ascend the shore, where they are capable of proceeding with no small rapidity, though in a 
sufficiently awkward manner, their gait partaking equally of the character of a shuffle and a 
crawl. When moving in a direct line, without being hurried, they bend their spine in such a 
manner as to give them the appearance of huge caterpillars crawling leisurely along the 
ground ; the spine is extremely flexible, so that the animal can urge itself through the water 
in a manner very similar to that which is employed by the fish. 

Their clumsy, scuttling movements when on land form a curious contrast with the easy 
grace of their progress through the water. When the Seals swim, they drive themselves for- 
ward by means of their hinder feet, which are turned inward, and pressed against each other 
so as to form a powerful leverage against the water, as well as a rudder, by means of which 
they can direct their progress. They are also assisted in some measure by the fore-limbs, but 
these latter members are more employed upon land than in water, except perhaps for the pur- 
pose of grasping their young. On reference to the skeleton of the Seal, shown on page 369, the 
peculiar formation of the Seal’s limbs will be better understood than by the expenditure of a 
page of actual description alone. 

When they desire to leave the water, they rush violently towards the shore, and by the 
force of their impulse shoot themselves out of the water, and scramble up the bank as fast as 
they can. On taking again to the water, they shuffle to the edge of the bank, and tumble 
themselves into the sea or river in a very unceremonious manner, gliding away as if rejoicing 
that they were once more in their proper element. 

The food of the Seals consists chiefly of fish, but they also feed largely upon various 
crustacea, and upon mollusks. Their powers of swimming are so great that they are able to 


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SEALS. 399 


urge successful chase of the fish even in their native element, and it has several times happened 
that captive Seals have been trained to catch fish for the service of their owners. 

The ‘‘whisker’’ hairs are extremely thick and long, and in many species are marked with 
a raised sinuous margin, which gives them the appearance of being covered with knobs. Their 
basal extremities are connected with a series of large nerves, similar to those of the lion’s lip, 
which has already been figured on page 120, and it is very probable that this structure may 
aid them in the capture of their finny prey. The sense of smell is largely developed, and the 
tongue is rough, and slightly cleft at its extremity ; the reason for this structure is not known. 

The brain of the Seal is very large in proportion to the body, and, as might be expected 
from this circumstance, the creature is extremely intelligent, and is capable of becoming very 
docile when placed under the tuition of a careful instructor. The eyes are large, full, and 
intelligent, and the nostrils are so formed that they can be effectually closed while the crea- 
ture is submerged beneath the surface of the water, and opened as soon as it rises for the 
purpose of respiration. At every breath the nostrils open widely, and seem to close again by 
means of the elasticity of the substance of which they are composed. The ears are also fur- 
nished with a peculiar structure for the purpose of resisting the entrance of water. 

The true Seals are found only in the sea, and at the mouths of various large rivers, and are 
wonderfully abundant in the polar regions. None of them are known to inhabit the tropical 
parts of the earth. Several species occur upon our own shores, more especially on the more 
northern coasts, and the common Seal, Phoca vitulina, is found in great numbers around the 
northern shores. 

The teeth of the.Seals are very remarkable, and admirably adapted for seizing and retain- 
ing the slippery prey. The canine teeth are long, sharp, and powerful, and the molar teeth 
are covered with long and sharp points of various sizes, so that when once caught in the gripe 
of these formidable weapons, there is but scant hope of escape for the fish. 

The Seals are not very prolific animals; the number of their young family being seldom 
more than two, and often restricted to a single offspring. As the young Seals would be unable, 
during the earlier portion of their existence, to battle with the sea waves, and to cling firmly 
to their parent while she afforded them their needful nourishment, the mother Seal retires to 
the shores when she is called upon to take upon herself the pleasing cares of maternity, and 
cherishes her young for a season on land, before she ventures to commit them to the waves. 

Owing to the excessive shyness of disposition which characterize the Seals, and the wary 
caution with which they retire from the sight of mankind, their domestic habits are very little 
known. Indeed, were it not that many specimens of the common Seal had been captured and 
tamed, we should have but little information on the manners or the habits of those curious 
animals. There are many species of Seals, which have been separated into various genera by 
different authors upon different grounds. Some, for example, found the generic distinction 
upon the absence or presence of external ears, others from the incisor teeth, and others from 
the molars and the general character of the skull. 

The OrpDER which includes the Seals is named Pinnipedia, from the wing-like feet, com- 
mon to all the species; ‘‘Flippers”’ they are called by the ‘‘toilers of the sea.’’ 

Though inhabiting the sea, these creatures are air-breathing mammals. <A view of the 
skeletons of a Seal, a whale, and a land quadruped gives one at once the true relationship. 
It is the exterior that is modified to suit the natural surroundings of the animals. Seals are 
not numerous as species; not over thirty have been recorded. Two species are found in the 
West India Islands ; the remainder are confined to the colder portion of the globe. i 

Seals are adapted to a certain extent for locomotion on land. The muscles of the trunk/ 
are enormously developed, to aid the weaker anatomy of the extremities. Ample opportunity 
is offered to witness the progression of these creatures in public collections. They bear con- 
finement much better than most animals, requiring little water ; thriving well with the meagre 
supply afforded them in the tanks of the showmen, and fresh water seems all sufficient. 

Their movement on land is laborious, and reminds one of the inch-worm, as it hitches 
along, placing its fore-feet forward, and then quickly drawing the hinder extremities under 
its body for another spring. 


400 THE SHEA LEOPARD. 


All forms of pinnipeds are voracious to a great extent, spending a large portion of their 
time in securing food. 

It is a curious circumstance that the Seals, though so intensely solid and heavy, are known 
to sleep on the surface of the sea. They are singularly tender, and easily deprived of life. <A 
smart blow on the nose completely disables them. The Seal-fishers take advantage of this fact, 
and are able to secure considerable numbers before the herd can disperse. 

The nasal bones of the Seals are quite delicate in structure. The skull is thinner than 
any of the carnivora, which may account for the peculiar vulnerability at this point. Even 
the ancients knew of this: a passage in Oppian says: ‘‘ Von hami penetrant phocas.’’? The 
voice of a Seal is something like the bleating of a young lamb or kid. There were a dozen 
or more wild Seals (Phoca vitulina) brought to the New York Aquarium in the winter of 
1877. The keeper, we noticed, handled them very familiarly, yet while doing so, they snarled, 
and seized the staff which he held with a good deal of savageness, and kept up a sort of 
growling, which very closely resembled the voice of a cross dog. 

Seals are said to be fond of music, and well authenticated instances are recorded of their 
showing a manifest liking for it. Sir Walter Scott adds his testimony : 


“Rude Heiskar’s Seals, through surges dark, 
Will long pursue the minstrel’s bark.” 


The breeding of Seals in the Arctic regions is accomplished under the deep snow that 
covers frozen seas. The adults contrive to keep open a passage through the ice, and around 
the hole the snow is cleared off, leaving a shelf large enough to hold the litter of young. Here 
the little creatures remain until they are able to take to the water, when, strange to say, 
they are taught to swim. It was formerly thought that Seals were so organized they could 
remain indefinitely under water. It is now thought that the faculty is purely through a phys- 
iological adaptation. We see how man can endure the extremes of heat and cold. A case 
nearer to the point is that of the girl who was employed in the New York Aquarium ; she 
practiced remaining under water until it was possible to do so for the space of three minutes. 

The importance of the Seal-fishery is very great to several of the nations. 

The term Phocida, applied to the family, is from Phoca, a Sea-calf, a term used by the 
ancients. It embraces all of the so-called Common Seals. The other family includes a num- 
ber of forms that have external ears, and are named Ofariid@, from that circumstance. 

Among other more or less important features that distinguish the Common Seals from the 
Eared Seals is the arrangement of the hind limbs. In the former the limbs are directed back- 
ward, and are useless as members on land. In the latter these limbs are movable in all direc- 
tions, like those of the land animals, and serve them in locomotion on land ; in this function 
suggesting a higher rank in the scale of life. 


THE SEA LEOPARD, or LEOPARD SEAL, is distinguishable from the other Seals by means 
of its comparatively slender neck, and the wider gape of its mouth, which opens further back- 
ward than is generally the case among these animals. The body is rather curiously formed, 
being slender at the neck and largest towards the middle, from whence it tapers rapidly to the 
short and inconspicuous tail. 

The fore-paws are without any projecting membrane, and are largest at the thumb-joint, 
diminishing gradually to the last joint. The claws are sharp and curved, and rather deeply 
grooved; their color is black. The hind-feet are devoid of claws and projecting membrane, 
and bear some resemblance to the tail-fin of a fish. The color of this Seal is generally a pale 
gray on the upper portions of the body, relieved with a number of pale grayish-white spots, 
which have earned for the animal the name of Leopard Seal. The external ears are wanting. 

It may be observed in this place, that the situation of these organs is rather remarkable. 
The external orifice is not placed exactly over the passage that leads to the internal ear, but is 
situated below and a little behind the eyes, so that there is a tubular passage below the skin 
that seems to conduct the waves of sound towards the hidden organs of hearing. Partly on 


THE SHA LHOPARD. 401 


account of this structure, and partly because the Seals pass so much of their time below the 
surface of the water, it has been supposed that the sense of hearing will be little needed by 
them, and that it is not at all acute. 

Yet, any one who has been accustomed to diving must have discovered that when the 
body is entirely submerged in the water, the auditory organs are very sensitive to sounds 
which are conveyed through the water, although not to those which are produced on land and 
are only transmitted through the upper atmosphere. For example, although when a man is 
entirely submerged he is unable to hear the loudest shouts that can be raised by persons on 
shore, his ears are almost painfully sensitive to any sound that is produced in the water and 


SEA LEOPARD .— Leplonyx leopardinus. 


is transmitted through its mediumship. A stone thrown into the water, or a blow struck 
upon its surface, is heard with perfect distinctness, while the measured stroke of oars and 
their peculiar grinding roll in the rowlocks become perceptible to his ears long before the 
sound is audible to those who are on land. 

We must be extremely cautious in offering any conjectures on the supposed efficiency or 
dullness of certain organs because we fancy that if we were placed under the same conditions 
our own organs would serve or fail us. In many cases these conjectural assertions, among 
which we may reckon many of Buffon’s brilliant disquisitions, are found to be in direct con- 
tradiction to the real facts, and in all instances it is necessary to be exceedingly cautious lest 
we should overlook some circumstance which may entirely alter the whole aspect of affairs. 

Very little is known of the habits of the Sea Leopard, which are probably much the same 
as those of the common Seal, as Captain Weddell, who first noticed this species, speaks of it 
casually as a well-known animal, merely mentioning that his men caught so many Leopard 
Seals, or that they secured so many Seal skins and so many Leopard Seal skins in the course 
of their hunt. 


402 THE CRESTED SEAL. 


It does not appear to be a very large animal, as the average length of the largest speci- 
mens is scarcely ten feet. Around the largest part of the body, the circumference measures 
nearly six feet and a half, round the root of the tail about two feet three inches, and round 
the neck barely two feet. It was recorded by Captain Weddell to have been seen off the 
South Orkneys. Some specimens in the British Museum were taken off the eastern coast of 
Polynesia. As far as is yet known, these animals are only found in the Southern hemisphere. 


: Tur CRESTED SEAL is a very curious animal, being chiefly remarkable for the singular 
‘ structure to which it is indebted for its title. 

The head of the Crested Seal is broad, especially across the cranial region, and the muzzle 

is very short in comparison with that of the preceding animal. The teeth are also rather 


CRESTED SEAL.—Cyslophora cristata. 


remarkable. The wonderful protuberance which decorates the head of this species with a 
projecting crest is confined to the adult males, and even in them is not always conspicuously 
elevated. It is slightly represented in the figure. In the females and the young of both sexes 
it is hardly perceptible. 

From the muzzle arises a cartilaginous crest, which rises abruptly over the head to the » 
height of six or seven inches, and is keel-shaped in the middle. This crest seems to support 
the hood-like sae or cowl which covers the head, and is nothing but an extraordinary develop- 
ment of the septum of the nose, the true nostril opening at each side.of it by oblong fissures. 
The sac is covered with short brown hair, and as it can be inflated or allowed to collapse at 
the pleasure of the owner, it presents a very grotesque sight. 

The real object of this appendage is not known. Some writers lean to the opinion that it 
is intended to aid in some manner the sense of smell. This conjecture, however, seems to be 
worthless, as in that case the females and the young would equally need its assistance with 
the adult males. 

Whatever may be the true purport of this crest, it is frequently of great service to the 
animal in moments of danger. It is well known that the Seals are peculiarly sensitive about 
the region of the nostrils, and that a comparatively slight blow upon the nose will suffice to 
stun a Seal that would be but little affected by the heaviest blows upon any other portion of 
its body. The Crested Seal, however, finds his air-filled helmet of truly invaluable service to 
him in deadening the force of any stroke that may be aimed at his nose ; for, as has already 


THE CRESTED SEAL. 403 


been mentioned, the nostrils are not placed at the extremity of the muzzle, but wpon each side 
of it, and are consequently protected by the overhanging head. 

It has often happened that when the Seal-hunters have been engaged in the pursuit of 
their prey, they have laid several of these animals to all appearance senseless on the ground, 
awaiting the stroke of the knife that shall complete the victory. The animals, however, are 
but slightly stunned, and recovering from their temporary swoon, return to the conflict with 
such unexpected energy that their assailants are forced to have recourse to summary measures 
when engaged in the chase of these creatures. 

The onset of an enraged Crested Seal is much to be dreaded, for the creature is marvel- 
lously fierce when its anger is roused, and its strength is very considerable. The teeth, too, 
are formidably powerful, and can inflict very dangerous wounds. In fighting, they can use 
their claws as well as their teeth. The males are always pugnacious animals, and during the 
season when they choose their mates are in the habit of fighting desperately among each other 
for the possession of some attractive female, and in these combats inflict severe lacerations. 
During these conflicts the two combatants express their mutual rage by emitting a torrent of 
loud, passionate, yelling screams, which are audible at a considerable distance. 

It is a polygamous animal, one male ruling over a small herd of wives. 

The fur of this animal is of some value, and great numbers of these skins are annually 
imported into Europe, where they are used for various purposes. To the Greenlander this 
Seal is of incalculable value, as he makes use of almost every portion of its body as well as of 
its skin. Of the fur he makes his thick, cold-resisting costume, and with the skin he covers 
those wonderful little boats in which he braves the fury of the ocean in search of his aquatic 
quarry. Of the stomach he makes air buoys, which he fastens to his lances, and which indi- 
cate the position of any Seal or other animal that he may strike, and also serve to tire the 
wounded prey, and enable the hunter to repeat his blow. Even the teeth are pressed into his 
service, and are used as convenient heads for his spears. 

In the preparation of the Seal skin for civilized nations it is needful to remove the long 
coarse hairs, and to leave only the soft woolly fur adherent to the skin. The process is very 
simple, consisting in heating the skin, and then scraping it while hot with a wooden knife. 

The color of this creature’s fur is, when adult, a dark blue-black upon the back, fading to 
a yellowish-white on the under portions of the body. A number of large gray patches are 
irregularly scattered over the body, and in the centre of each patch there is a dark spot. The 
head, the tail, and the feet, are black. In the young animal the colors are not of the same cast, 
being during the first year of a slate-gray upon the back and silvery-white below, darkening in 
the second year to a brownish-gray along the spine. 

It is a moderately large animal, being from ten to twelve feet in length when adult, and 
stout in proportion. 

The Crested Seal is found spread over the coasts of Southern Greenland, and is in the 
habit of reposing much upon ice islands, caring comparatively little for ordinary land. It 
also frequents the shores of Northern America. From September to March it is found in 
Davis’s Straits, but leaves that locality for the purpose of producing and rearing its young, 
and returns again in June, together with its offspring, in a very bare and poor condition. About 
July it takes another excursion, and employs its time in recovering the health and strength 
which it had lost during the period of its former absence, so that in September it is very fat, 
and altogether in excellent condition. 

By the native Greenlanders it is termed ‘‘ Neitsersoak.”’ 

The natives of the localities which are inhabited by this animal are in the habit of 
employing two methods for their capture, the one being only a question of patience between 
the man and the Seal, and the other a fair measurement of human reason against sealish 
sagacity ; the former generally, but not always, proving the superior. The two modes are as 
follows : 

The Seals are in the habit of making, or preserving in some way, certain round holes in the 
ice, which communicate with the water, and which serve them as doors through which they 
can enter or leave the water without being forced to crawl to the edge of the ice-field. It 


404 THE SEAL. 


seems wonderful that the animals should be able to crawl up the steep and perpendicular sides 
of these holes, which are sometimes three or four feet in depth, but they manage to perform 
this feat with entire ease. 

Taking advantage of these Seal-holes, the hunter shapes his course towards them, and 
according to the locality or the bent of his own genius, has recourse to one or other of the 
established methods by which Seals are killed. The easiest, but at the same time the tardiest 
and stupidest plan, is to build a kind of barricade of snow and ice at some distance from the 
Seal-holes, and to lie there concealed until the animal emerges from the sea, and makes its 
appearance upon the ice-field.. As soon as it has travelled to some little distance from its 
spot of refuge, the hunter seizes the opportunity to inflict a fatal wound, and then uses his 
best endeavors to prevent his powerful prey from regaining its familiar element. 

Should the Seal ever reach the ice-hole, the entire labor of the day is lost, for the unsuc- 
cessful hunter is not only disappointed by the escape of his intended victim, but has also the 
mortification of seeing every Seal upon the ice-field scouring towards the ice-holes, and disap- 
pearing therein, no more to venture upon open ice that day. 

The second mode of Seal killing is much more sportsman-like, and needs not the long and 
wearisome watch behind the ice barrier. 

Leaving his sledge and dogs at a distance, but within convenient call, the cautious hunter 
takes his weapons, and proceeds silently and slowly towards the spot where he sees a Seal 
reposing itself upon the ice. As soon as he perceives the animal to betray signs of distrust, 
he drops prostrate upon the ice, and remains motionless until the Seal recovers from its alarm, 
and again composes itself to rest. From this moment, the man is obliged to cast away all 
human habits and movements, and while lying prostrate on the ice to imitate the actions of 
a Seal. 

Taking care to remain motionless whenever he sees the Seal looking in his direction, he 
creeps gradually towards his intended prey, in hopes of getting between the ice-hole and the 
Seal, in which case the death of the latter is almost inevitable. If, however, the relative 
position of man, Seal, and ice-hole be such that this manceuvre becomes impossible, the hunter 
contrives to crawl up to the sleeping Seal, and with a single blow lays it lifeless upon 
the ice. 

The Crested Seal, or Hooded Seal, has been until quite lately misrepresented with respect 
to its peculiar nasal development. The latter is known to be a prolongation of the snout, 
much as in the Elephant Seal. Therefore, the figures given should not have the enlargement 
on the head, but it should be represented as protruding from the end of the nose. The adult 
males only have it. 

A fine example is in the American Museum of Natural History, in Central Park, measur- 
ing about twelve feet in length. The female is also there. 


Tr Common SEAL is spread very widely over many portions of the globe, and is of very 
frequent occurrence upon our own coasts, where it is found in considerable numbers, much to 
the annoyance of the fishermen, who look upon it with intense hatred, on account of the 
havoc which it makes among the fish. 

It is rather a handsome animal, with its beautifully mottled skin and large intelligent 
eyes, and although not so large as other species which are also found upon our coasts, yields 
to none of them in point of beauty. The color of its fur is generally of a grayish-yellow, 
sprinkled with spots of brown, or brownish-black, which are larger and more conspicuous 
along the back than upon the sides. The under portions of the body are of a much lighter 
hue. The feet are short, and the claws of the hinder feet are larger than those of the anterior 
limbs. The total length of the adult Seal is seldom more than five feet, the head being about 
eight or nine inches long. 

This creature is wonderfully active both in water and on land, although its bodily powers 
are but awkwardly manifested when it is removed from the watery element in which it loves to 
roam. It is a persevering hunter of fish, chasing and securing them in a manner that greatly 
excites the wrath of the fishermen, who see their best captives taken away from them without 


ACTIVITY OF THE SEAL. 405 


the possibility of resistance. So cunning as well as active is the Common Seal, that one of 
these animals will coolly hang about the fishing grounds throughout the season, make itself 
familiar with all the turns and angles of the nets, and avail itself of their help in capturing 
the fish on which it is desirous to make a meal. 

A crafty old Seal will sometimes continue this predatory mode of existence for a series of 
years, until his person becomes familiar to the fishermen, and will carry out his depredations 
with such consummate skill that the fishermen can find no opportunity for stopping his career 
with a rifle-bullet or a fish-spear. Seals have been known in this manner to haunt the salmon 
fisheries as long as the nets were down, and when the fishing season was over, and the nets 
had been removed, have been seen to ascend the rivers for some miles, in order to devour the 
spawning fish. 

There isa curious tradition among the inhabitants of the Irish coast respecting the Seal, 
which constantly haunts the same spot through a series of many years. 

They think that the animal is supernaturally protected from harm of any kind ;—that 
bullets will not strike him, however well the gun be aimed ; that steel will not enter his body, 
however keen the blade, or however strong the arm that urges it; and that the long array of 
nets are powerless to retain so puissant a being in their manifold meshes. So after a while a 
Seal, if he be only bold and wary, may lead a luxurious life at the fishermen’s cost, for no one 
will venture to attack an animal that bears a charmed life. 

Fortunately for the Seals in general, they are not often visited by the wrath of those whom 
they rob, for there is a feeling prevalent among many fishermen that to kill a Seal is unlucky, 
and that such a deed would prevent the murderer from obtaining any more success at sea. 
This humane idea seems, however, to extend no further than the regular fishing grounds, for 
the chase of the Seal has long taken its place among the most valuable of commercial specula- 
tions, and is of extreme importance. 

The general mode of securing these creatures is to land quietly, and to cut off the return 
of the terrified animals, which are quickly despatched by smart blows from a bludgeon across 
their nose. When driven to desperation, they fight savagely, and a single Seal is no mean 
antagonist for a man, provided that he is not a practical Seal-hunter. The creature has an 
awkward way of lying on its side, shuffling rapidly along, and scratching furiously with its 
fore-paws. And if its antagonist should ae to cut off its retreat, it will boldly fling 
itself upon him, and endeavor by the violence of its onset to bear him to the ground. 

Should the beach be composed of pebbles or shingles, it is the hunter’s best policy to face 
the animal, and trust to his cudgel for stunning the Seal as it comes along. For when the 
Seal is galloping along the beach after its own rapid but awkward fashion, it flings the stones 
behind it with such violence that the pursuer can hardly escape from receiving severe blows 
from these strangely-launched missiles. Some writers suppose that the Seal uses this mode 
of defence wittingly, but the general opinion on the subject is, that the peculiar gait of the 
animal is the cause of this Parthian assault, without any voluntary intention on the part of 
the Seal itself. 

On our coasts the chase of the Seal is but of local importance, but on the shore of New- 
foundland it assumes a different aspect, and becomes an important branch of commercial 
enterprise, employing many vessels annually. In a successful season the number of Seals 
which are taken amount to many hundred thousand. A large quantity of oil is obtained from 
the bodies of the Seals, and is used for various purposes, while their skins are of considerable 
value either when tanned into leather or when prepared with the fur, and used for making 
various articles of dress and luxury. 

On the British coasts Seal-shooting is much followed, and is thought to be a very exciting 
pursuit, requiring much steadiness of nerve as well as strength of body and quickness of eye. 

So quick is the animal in its movements, that with the old flint-lock guns the sportsman 
could seldom succeed in killing a Seal; for at the flash of the powder in the pan the Seal 
would instantly dive below the surface; leaving the bullet to speed harmlessly over its head. 
With the present weapons the Seal may be readily killed, provided that the hunter be able to 
take a rapid and certain aim in spite of the rocking of his boat or the movements of the Seal. 


406 AFFECTIONATE NATURE OF THE SEAL. 


It is no easy matter to hit a Seal, even at the short range of a hundred yards, for the creature 
exposes but little of its person above the surface of the water, and if alarmed, does not remain 
exposed for more than a few seconds. 

It is very tenacious of life, and requires a heavy missile to kill it upon the spot, the 
ordinary ‘‘ pea rifles”’ being of little use for such a purpose. Should the Seal not be killed 
immediately, the sportsman will never obtain possession of his prey, and even when a well 
directed shot has instantaneously deprived the animal of life, it will often sink out of reach 
unless struck by a barbed fish-spear, which should always be kept in readiness for that purpose. 

~ Much sea-craft is required for the chase of the Seal, as well as considerable knowledge of 
the animal and its habits. It is a remarkable fact that if the Seal be disturbed while the tide 
is ebbing, it will always make its way seawards; but that if it be alarmed while the tide is 
flowing, it will direct its course towards the land. 

The Seal is also a good natural barometer, and by its movements indicates to a practised 
eye the forthcoming changes in the weather. Whenever an old Seal is seen rolling and 
tumbling along a bank, a storm of wind and rain is sure to ensue before many hours 
have passed. 

This species of Seal, in common with several others, is mightily fond of musical sounds, 
and has often been known to follow a boat while some one was playing on a musical instru- 
ment. Some persons say that the Seal-shooters ought always to be accompanied by a piper in 
order to induce the Seals to approach, and assert that the animals prefer the sound of the 
bagpipes to that of any other instrument, an assertion which, if true, only shows that the 
Seal must be in the very earliest stage of musical feeling. 

The Common Seal is very easily tamed, and speedily becomes one of the most docile of 
animals, attaching itself with strong affection to its human friends, and developing a beauti- 
fully gentle and loving nature, hardly to be expected in such an animal. Many of these 
creatures have been taken when young, and have been strongly domesticated with their 
captors, considering themselves to belong of right to the household, and taking their share of 
the fireside with the other members of the family. An interesting account of a tame Seal was 
lately sent to the Aie/d newspaper, and runs as follows: 

“Tf taken young and treated kindly, the Seal will rival the dog in sagacity and affection 
for its master. 

‘When a boy, I was presented by some fishermen with one apparently not more than a 
fortnight old, which in a few weeks became perfectly tame and domesticated, would follow me 
about, eat from my hand, and showed unmistakable signs of recognition and attachment 
whenever I approached. It was fond of heat, and would lie for hours at the kitchen fire, 
raising its head to look at every new-comer, but never attempting to bite, and would nestle 
close to the dogs, who soon became quite reconciled to their new friend. 

‘Unfortunately the winter after I obtained it was unusually rough and stormy. Upon the 
wild coasts boats could seldom put to sea, and the supply of fish became scanty and precarious. 
We were obliged to substitute milk in its place, of which the Seal consumed large quantities, 
and as the scarcity of other food still continued, it was determined, in a family council, that 
it should be consigned to its own element, to shift for itself. 

‘* Accompanied by a clergyman who took a great interest in my pet, I rowed out for a couple 
of miles to sea, and dropped it quietly overboard. Very much to our astonishment, however, 
we found that it was not so easy to shake it off. Fast as we pulled away it swam still faster 
after the boat, crying all the time so loudly that it might easily have been heard a mile 
away, and so pitifully that we were obliged to take it in again and bring it home, where, 
after this new proof of attachment, it lived in clover for several months, and I believe 
might still be in existence but for the untimely fate which most pets are doomed sooner 
or later to experience, and to which this one was no exception.” 

A somewhat similar story is told in Maxwell’s ‘‘ Wild Sports of the West,’ where 
may be found a very interesting and touching narrative of a tamed Seal, which lived for 
several years with a family, and which, although it was repeatedly taken out to sea in a 
boat and thrown overboard, always found its way back again to the house which it loved, 


DOCILITY OF THE SEAL. 407 


even contriving to creep through an open window, and to gain access to the warm fireside. 
The end of this poor creature was a sadly tragic one, and need not be narrated here. 

In the same work is a very spirited account of another Seal adventure, in which the 
ludicrous element prevails, although it might have furnished material for tragedy. 

A number of men had gone ina boat to the Sound of Achil, and having seen a Seal and 
her young one reposing on the sand, had borrowed an old musket, and set off to attack them. 
They succeeded in securing the cub before it could reach the sea, and tossed it into their boat. 
The mother Seal, however, inspired by maternal love, swam after the boat which contained 
her offspring, and could not be deterred from following the captors in the hope of rescuing her 
child. The men attempted several times to shoot the poor creature, but their rickety weapon 
would not explode until it had been several times futilely snapped. At last, however, it per- 
formed its duty, and lodged the ball in the Seal’s head. 

The body was immediately lifted into the boat, when, to the horror of the captors, the 
animal, which was only stunned, recovered its senses, and began a most furious attack upon its 
enemies, floundering about the boat with such energy that she nearly overset it, and snapping 


SKELETON AND TEETH OF COMMON SEAL. 


fiercely at the legs of her antagonists. The contest soon assumed a serious aspect, for the 
teeth of the angry animal were urged with such fury that they cut deeply into the oars with 
which her attacks were warded off, and if assistance had not speedily arrived, the result might 
have been of a very tragic nature. A gentleman, however, that happened to be sailing near 
the scene of combat, was attracted by the curious spectacle of a boat’s crew engaged in such 
strange evolutions, and directing his course towards them, ended the combat by a rifle bullet. 

Of late days, performing Seals have come into vogue under various titles, among which 
the “‘Talking Fish’’ is well known. These clever animals have been taught to perform sundry 
ingenious feats, requiring not only an intelligent mind to comprehend, but an activity of body 
to execute, apparently incompatible with the conformation of the animal. 

They will bark at the word of command, their phocine tongue being very freely translated 
into the language of any country in which they may happen to be; they will rotate in their 
water tub with singular velocity ; they will offer to kiss any one who is not afraid of their 
large wet hairy mouth, and in fine will go through many similar performances with great skill 
and seeming enjoyment of the attention paid to them by their visitors. For they are wonder- 
fully fond of admiration, these Seals, and although very shy to those with whom they are 
unacquainted, and before they have become accustomed to the sight of strangers, are highly 
appreciative of the kind words and caresses which fall to their lot while they are going through 
their trftks. 

Even the Seals at the Zoological Gardens, who are not put through any particular training, 
are not without their little coquetries with regard to the ever-changing circle of visitors who 
stand around the railings which inclose their habitations, while their demonstrations of affec- 
tion towards the keeper who attends to their wants are quite lively. They recognize him at a 
considerable distance, and shooting rapidly through the water, fling themselves upon the bank, 
scuttle to the iron fence and rear themselves against the rails in impatient greetings, long 


408 THE HARP SEAL. 


before he reaches the limits of their home. Perhaps these ebullitions of regard are not totally 
personal to the keeper, but are partly caused by certain pieces of fish which he carries with 
him, As soon as they receive the expected gift, they seize it between their teeth, and unless 
they happen to be hungry, become very playful, and execute all manner of aquatic gambols 
before they eat it, much after the manner of a cat with a mouse. 

The specific name of vitudina, or calf-like, has been given to the Common Seal, not because 
it presents a calf-like aspect, but because its voice is thought to bear some resemblance to the 
plaintive cry of a calf when separated from its mother. 

The Common Seal, known in all the northern regions of both continents, was formerly 
quite abundant along the Atlantic shores as far south as Long Island and the Chesapeake Bay. 
The rocks in New York Harbor called Robbins’ Reef, were so named by the early Dutch 


- HARP SEAL, OR ATAK.—Phoca grenlandica. 


settlers, because they were the resort of numerous Seals, the term robbin being derived from 
the Dutch, meaning Seal. 

Seals have been kept in the New York Aquarium, and have been taught to perform many 
feats of intelligence. Their large round heads and beautiful eyes are charming features. 

This Seal is seldom seen now south of Cape Cod. In Lynn Harbor, Mass., a few yet live 
on the ‘‘ Lobster Rocks.”’ 


Tue Harp Surat derives its name from the very conspicuous manner in which its fur is 
colored. 

The general hue of the Harp Seal’s coat is a whitish-gray, and upon that delicate tint are 
drawn two broad, semicircular bands of a deep black, their points nearly touching each other, 
and extending from the shoulders nearly to the root of the tail. These dark markings are 
thought to bear some resemblance to an ancient harp, and have given rise to the popular name 
by which this species is designated. The muzzle and fore part of the head is also bla@k. This 
peculiar coloring, which seems to distinguish this animal from any other species of Seal, is, 
however, never seen except in the adult animal, and is not considered to be perfect until the 
creature has attained its fifth year. Very many animals are variously marked according to 
their ages, sex, and time of year, but there are few which undergo more decided changes than 
the Harp Seal ; changes so unexpected that they have caused the animal to be described under 
several different titles according to the particular coat which it happened at that time to wear. 


THE HARP SEAL. 409 


In the first few months of its existence, the fur of the Harp Seal is white in color and woolly 
in texture. At the expiration of a year the white changes to a grayish-cream. In the second 
year, the fur is entirely gray. In the third year, the gray is diversified with stripes of darker 
hues, and varying in number, dimensions, and position. The fourth year changes the stripes 
into spots, and in the fifth year, the semi-lunar black stripes make their appearance. 

The Greenlanders designate the Harp Seal by different titles according to its years ; giving 
it the name of Atak, or Attarak, in its first year, Atteisiak in the second, Agletok in the third, 
Milektok in the fourth, and Attarsoak in the fifth. 

The Harp Seal is found in great numbers upon the coasts of Greenland, Iceland, and other 
localities, and is rather peculiar in its mode of life. It does not much affect the shore after 
the fashion of many Seals, but prefers to take up its residence upon floating ice-islands, dis- 
regarding even the more solid fields of ice that are so much frequented by other animals 
belonging to the same family. It is found in considerable numbers, congregating together in 
herds under the leadership of a single chief, and constantly subject to his authority. 

There is always a sentinel planted by every herd, whose duty lies in looking out for 
danger, and giving timely warning to the remainder of the herd. The Harp Seal seems withal 
to be rather a reckless being, in spite of this precaution, for it is easily approached by a cau- 
tious hunter, and can be destroyed with little difficulty. Sometimes it prefers to takes its 
repose without trusting itself upon ice or land, and sleeps while floating on the surface of the 
sea. In this situation its slumbers are so profound that it has often been surprised and slain 
before it has awoke from its treacherous somnolence. The Harp Seal is moderate in size, 
being generally about seven or eight feet in length and proportionably stout. Some very large 
specimens, however, are said to reach the length of uine feet. 

It is an extremely valuable animal both to Europe in general, and to the uncivilized inhab- 
itants of Greenland. In this country we value the Harp Seal principally on account of the 
excellent oil which it furnishes, and which is allowed to be of a purer and better character 
than that which is obtained from other oil-producing animals. The creature is remarkably 

‘well furnished with the fatty substance from which the oil is obtained, and is therefore eagerly 
pursued, irrespective of the value which is set upon the fur. 

The food of this animal is almost wholly of an animal nature, and consists chiefly of 
salmon and other fish, together with various mollusks and crustaceans. It, however, stands in 
great dread of other species of Seal, such as the Sea Lion and Sea Bear, and according to many 
accounts holds the spermaceti whale in awe, being chased by that formidable creature into the 
shallow waters of the shore. Twice in the year the Harp Seal indulges in a migration similar 
to that which has already been described when treating of the Sea Leopard. The young of this 
species are sometimes two in number, although the maternal Seal is often forced to content 
herself with a single child. 

Like the Common Seal, the Atak is possessed of much intelligence, and is very capable of 
domestication. 

Two of these animals which were placed in the zoological collection at the Jardin des 
Plantes, were at their first arrival extremely shy, and would avoid the person of a man with 
every mark of terror. Yet in avery short time they became quite tame, and would voluntarily 
seek the caresses of those who had behaved kindly towards them. They also struck up a 
great friendship with two little dogs, and would permit their little playfellows to take all 
kinds of liberties with them, permitting the dogs to sit on their backs and bark, and not even 
resenting an occasional bite. They would even permit the dogs to take their food from their 
mouths, but if their relation attempted to act in like manner, a sharp combat immediately took 
place, the weaker being forced ultimately to succumb to superior might. 

In cold weather, dogs and Seals were accustomed to huddle closely together for the sake 
of warmth, and when the dogs made their way out of the entrance, the Seals did their best to 
follow their little playfellows, caring nothing for the rough ground over which they were 
forced to pass. 

The Harp Seal is an abundant species in Greenland, and forms one of the great necessi- 
ties of the Esquimaux—all parts of its body being utilized in the domestic requirements of that 


410 THE WALRUS, OR MORSE. 


race. Numerous popular names are attached to the Common Seal, as, Sea-dog, Sea-calf, Sea- 
cat; Scotch fishermen call it Telkie, and Tang-fish. In West Scotland it is Rawn. The 
Germans term it Sea-hound. The Esquimaux call it Tupelo. The Harp Seal is called Saddle- 
back by English sailors, and White-coats and Bed-lampiers by the Newfoundland sealers. The 
Greenlanders name it Atak. 

Stragelers find their way into the temperate climate, and this species is now recognized as 
belonging to the fauna of the northern portions of both continents. 

A full-grown Harp Seal weighs two hundred and thirty pounds ; the skin and blubber 
weighing one hundred pounds. 

The Banded Seal isa very rare form. It is found among the Aleutian Islands, near the 
coast of Alaska, bordering on the Behring’s Sea. Until lately no specimen of this Seal had 
been added to the collections in this country. At present two are known: one in the Smith- 
sonian Institution, and the other in the American Museum of Natural History, in Central 
- Park. The black and white markings render it wholly different in color from any other 
species. The arrangement of the bands is pleasingly regular, distinguishing it from all others. 
The female has no bands, but is of a dull uniform color. 

The Ringed Seal (Callocephalus hispidus) is found in the far north. It is sometimes 
called the Feetid Seal (Callocephalus fetidus) and Hoe-rat of the English sailors. It secretes 
a foetid substance that is excessively disagreeable. Homer refers to this: 


““ Web-footed seals forsake the stormy swell, 
And sleep in herds, exhaling nauseous smell.” 


A species called Richards’s Seal (Halicyon richardi) inhabits the Columbia River and 
North Pacific coast. 

‘Peale, of Wilkes’s Expedition, discovered a Seal, which inhabits the coast of Oregon and 
California. Its systematic name is Phoca pealit. 

The Bearded Seal (Phoca barbata), also called Leporine Seal, and Great Seal, is distin- 
guished by having larger moustaches, and by being one of the largest of the order. It is 
particularly prized by the natives on account of its great size, the skins being useful for 
making tackle, etc. Its length is about fourteen feet. 

The White-Cheeked Seal (Phoca naurica) inhabits the North Pacific coasts. It is closely 
allied to the preceding. ‘i 

Another group of Seals, having characteristics differing from the preceding, embraces as an 
American species the Gray Seal (Halichorus gryphus). Jt is the Haaf-tish mentioned by Sir 
Walter Scott in the ‘‘ Pirate.”’ 

This species is thought to resemble the walrus in some features. The singularly dispro- 
portionate size of the brain to its great bulk, is accompanied by a lack of intelligence. It does 
not, in common with the walrus, exhibit that pleasing, bright, and knowing aspect that is 
common to all other species. The brain of one eight feet in length did not exceed that of 
a Common Seal of four feet in length. 


AmonG all the strange forms which are found among the members of the phocine family, 
there is none which presents a more terribly grotesque appearance than that of the WALRUS, 
Morsg, or SEA Horsg, as this extraordinary animal is indifferently termed. 

The most conspicuous part of this animal is the head, with its protuberant muzzle bristling 
with long, wiry hairs, and the enormous canine teeth that project from the upper jaw. These 
huge teeth measure, in large specimens, from fourteen inches to two feet in length, the girth 
at the base being nearly seven inches, and their weight upwards of ten pounds each. In 
ordinary specimens, however, the length is about one foot. In some examples they approach 
each other towards their points, and in others they diverge considerably, forming in the 
opinion of some writers two distinct species. As, however, the relative position of these teeth 
varies slightly in every specimen that has yet been examined, the structure seems to be of 
hardly sufficient importance for the establishment of a separate species, The ivory which is 


WALRUS. 


THE WALRUS, OR MORSE. 411 


furnished by these extraordinary weapons is of very fine quality, and commands a high price 
in the market. 

By means of the great development of these teeth, which are necessarily buried deeply in 
the upper jaw, the muzzle is much enlarged in order to afford room for their sockets, and 
assumes the remarkable prominence that gives to the animal so ferocious an aspect. As there 
would be insufficient space for the nostrils if placed in their usual position, they are removed 
to a much higher locality than that which they occupy in other Seals, and open nearly vertically 
above the muzzle. 

The other teeth of the Walrus are very small in comparison with the two canines of the 
upper jaw, and in number are exceedingly variable, according to the age of the animal. 
During the earlier years of its life, it is furnished with six incisors in each jaw, two canines, 
ten molars in the upper jaw and eight in the lower. But when the animal approaches maturity, 
the incisors all fall out, and even in a prepared skull, they come away together with the soft 
substances. The tooth which is sometimes considered to be the first molar of the lower jaw, is 
in reality the lower canine. 

In order to accommodate itself to the position of the huge tusks, the lower jaw narrows 
rapidly towards its point, so as to pass easily between the canines. The food of the Walrus 
consists of small Seals, fish, shrimps, and various other 
animal substances, diversified with such vegetable diet 
as the sea can afford. It has been suggested that one 
object of the large tusks may be to drag the algee from 
their hold upon the rocks. 

A Walrus is a valuable animal, for even in this 
country its skin, teeth, and oil are in much request, 
while among the Esquimaux its body furnishes them 
with almost every article incommon use. Among civil- 
ized men, the skin of the Walrus is employed for har- 
ness and other similar purposes where a thick and tough 
hide is required. The tooth furnishes very good ivory, 
of a beautiful texture, and possessing the advantage of 
retaining the white hue longer than ivory which is made 
from the elephant tusk. The oil is delicate, but there 
is very little to be obtained from each Walrus, the layer 
of fatty matter being scarcely more than a hand’s- 
breadth in thickness. Among the Esquimaux the Sea OR WALRUS 
Walrus is put to a variety of uses. Fish-hooks are 
made from its tusks, its intestines are twisted into nets, its oil and flesh are eaten, and its bones 
and skin are also turned to account by these rude but ingenious workmen. 

In former days, the chase of the Walrus was an easy matter, for the powerful brutes 
seemed to be so satisfied of their strength that they would permit their assailants to approach 
them closely, and to inflict fatal wounds without any opposition. Now, however, they have 
learned caution by many a bitter experience, and are extremely wary animals. They are 
tenacious of life, and dangerous antagonists, for although they seldom, if ever, commence an 
attack, they are most furious when opposed or wounded, and fight with marvellous energy. 
In the conflict the enormous tusks prove themselves to be truly formidable weapons, and have 
been known to pierce through the plankings of a boat. Even the polar bear stands in awe of 
these weapons, and has often been beaten off by an old Walrus on whom it had hoped to make 
a meal. 

The Walrus is found in vast herds, which frequent the coasts of the arctic and antarctic 
regions, and which congregate in such numbers that their united roarings have often given 
timely warning to fog-bewildered sailors, and acquainted them with the near proximity of 
shore. These herds present a curious sight, as the huge clumsy animals are ever in move- 
ment, rolling and tumbling over each other in a strange fashion, and constantly uttering their 
hoarse bellowings. 


412 THE WALRUS, OR MORSE. 


As soon as a Walrus gets out of the water, it lies down on the shore, and would not of 
its own free will stir from the spot on which it had first laid itself to repose. But another 
Walrus soon emerges from the sea, and as it cannot very well climb over its comrade, 
begins to butt him until he moves farther on, and makes room for the new-comer. Others 
land in rapid succession, and the whole strand is soon full of life, for these unreflective 
creatures never think of taking a short walk inland, so as to secure a quiet berth at ease, but 
must needs lie down where they land, although they are sure to be disturbed by their comrades 
as they rise out of the sea. As many as seven thousand have been seen in a single herd, 
so that to attack one of these assemblies is no slight matter, for as soon as they take alarm, 
they all come scuttling towards the sea, tumbling over each other in their haste, and present- 
ing a formidable front simply by the weight of their huge bodies. 

In order to prevent the whole herd from making a simultaneous charge at their invaders, 
the hunters endeavor to disperse them by means of dogs trained to the business, and so to 
secure the animals as they fly affrighted in various directions. One such chase is techni- 
cally termed a ‘‘cut,”’ and if rightly conducted is so successful that at a single ‘‘cut’’ no less 
than fifteen hundred of these huge Seals have been taken. These chases take place at night. 

The movements of the Walrus when on land are of a very clumsy character, as might be 
supposed from the huge, unwieldy body of the animal, and the evident insufficiency of the 
limbs to urge the weighty body forward with any speed. When this creature is hurried or 
alarmed, it contrives to get over the ground at a pace that, although not very rapid, is yet 
wonderfully so when the size of the animal is taken into account. The movement is a mixture 
of jerks and leaps, and the Walrus is further aided in its progress by the tusks. Should it be 
attacked, and its retreat cut off, the Walrus advances fiercely upon its enemy, striking from 
side to side with its long tusks, and endeavoring to force a passage into the sea. If it should 
be successful in its attempt, it hurries to the water’s edge, lowers its head, and rolls uncere- 
moniously into the sea, where it is in comparative safety. 

The Walrus is possessed of the same docile and affectionate disposition as the other Seals, 
and has been more than once effectually tamed. One of these animals which was captured 
while young, at Nova Zembla, and brought here, was remarkably gentle in its demeanor, and . 
learned many accomplishments from its owner. It had been so well instructed, that if taken 
in a boat, it would leap overboard at the word of command, chase and catch fish, and return 
to the boat bearing the fish in its mouth. 

The number of young which the Walrus produces at a litter is seldom if ever more than 
one, and when newly born, the little animal is about the size of a yearling pig. Winter is 
the usual time of year for the appearance of the young, and the mother always repairs to the 
shore or to the ice-fields for the purpose of nourishing her family. The maternal Walrus is 
very attentive to her charge, and while in the water is very solicitous about its welfare, carry- 
ing it about under her fore-limbs, and defending it from any danger that may arise, regardless 
of her own safety in watching over that of her offspring. When a mother Walrus is sur- 
prised upon the shore, she places her young one upon her back, and hurries away to the sea, 
bearing her precious burden. 

This animal attains to a very great size, so great, indeed, that its dimensions can hardly 
be appreciated except by ocular demonstration. A full-grown male Walrus is generally from 
twelve to fifteen feet in length, while there are many specimens that have been known to 
attain a still greater size. The skin is black and smooth, and is sparingly covered with brown 
hairs, which become more numerous on the feet. The eye is very small in proportion to the 
size of the animal, and after death sinks so completely into its socket that it cannot be seer 
except by an experienced observer. By pressure upon each side of the orbit, the eye suddenly 
starts forward, and becomes visible. 

The Walrus has once or twice been seen off the British coasts, but is so very rare a vis- 
itant that any such occurrences can only be considered as exceptional to the general rule. The 
term Walrus literally signifies ‘‘ whale horse,’’ and the specific name, vosmarus, is a Latinized 
form of the Norwegian word Rosmar, or ‘‘sea horse.’’ The word Morse is slightly altered 
from the Russian Morss, or the Lapponic Morsk. 


THE SHA ELEPHANT. 413 


The Walrus is manifestly the most remarkable of all marine animals, in respect to its 
uncouth bulk. It is a puzzle, seemingly. The reader should look at the enormous specimen 
of this creature in the Museum at Central Park, to form anything approaching an adequate 
idea of its proportions. When we observe the immense bulk, almost unprovided with limbs 
(for the latter are so small they seem out of all proportion to the requirements), the wonder is, 
how can the creature climb from the water to the ice or cliffs. The stout tusks are very ser- 
viceable, doubtless, but they seem to our limited comprehension entirely in the way. It is 


SEA ELEPHANT.—Cystophora proboscidea. 


difficult to see how the creature can feed with those ivory canines directed straight downwards. 
Nature never fails of its purposes, but there are instances of organization and structure that 
surprise us and baffle our comprehension. 

The Walrus is seen in vast herds at times, frequenting both polar seas. Two well-marked 
species are known, that of the Pacific coast differing in some particulars from that of the 
Atlantic. 


ANOTHER powerful and grotesque Seal now engages our attention. This is the ELEPHANT 
SEAL, or SEA ELEPHANT, so called not only on account of the strange prolongation of the 
nose, which bears some analogy to the proboscis of the elephant, but also on account of its 
elephantine size. Large specimens of this monstrous Seal measure as much as thirty feet in 
length, and fifteen or eighteen feet in circumference at the largest part of their bodies. 

The: color of the Sea Elephant is rather variable, even in individuals of the same sex and 
age, but is generally as follows. The fur of the male is usually of a bluish-gray, which some- 
times deepens into dark brown, while that of the female is darker, and variegated with sundry 
dapplings of a yellow hue. This animal is an inhabitant of the southern hemisphere, and is 


414 THE SEA ELEPHANT. 


spread through a considerable range of country. It is extensively hunted for the sake of its 
skin and its oil, both of which are of very excellent quality, and, from the enormous size of the 
animal, can be procured in large quantities. It is not exclusively confined to the sea, but is 
also fond of haunting fresh-water lakes, or swampy ground. 

It is an emigrating animal, moving southwards as the summer comes on, and northwards 
when the cold weather of the winter months would make its more southern retreats unendur- 
able. Their first emigration is generally made in the middle of June, when the females become 
mothers, and remain in charge of their nurseries for nearly two months. During this time the 
males are said to form a cordon between their mates and the sea, in order to prevent them 
from deserting their young charges. At the expiration of this time, the males relax their 
supervision, and the whole family luxuriates together in the sea, where the mothers soon 
regain their lost condition. They then seek the shore afresh, and occupy themselves in set- 
tling their matrimonial alliances, which are understood on the principle that the strongest 
shall make his choice among the opposite sex, and that the weakest may take those that are 
rejected by his conquerors, or none at all, as the case may be. 

During the season of courtship the males fight desperately with each other, inflicting 
fearful wounds with their tusk-like teeth, while the females remain aloof, as quiet spectators 
of the combat. They are polygamous animals, each male being lord over a considerable num- 
ber of females, whom he rules with despotic sway. When the victorious combatants have 
chosen their mates, they are very careful about their safety, and refuse to quit them if they 
should be in any danger. Knowing this fact, the Seal-hunters always direct their attacks 
upon the females, being sure to capture the male afterwards. If they were to kill the male 
at first, his harem would immediately disperse and fly in terror, but as long as he lives, they 
will continue to crowd round him. 

Although these animals are of so great dimensions and bodily strength, and are furnished 
with a very formidable set of teeth, they are not nearly such dangerous antagonists as the 
walrus, and are most apathetic in their habits. When roused from sleep they open their 
mouths in a threatening manner, but do not seem to think of using their teeth, and if they 
find that their disturbers do not run away, they take that office upon themselves, and move 
off deliberately for the water. As they proceed their huge bodies tremble like masses of jelly, 
in consequence of the fat with which they are so heavily laden. So plentiful is this fat, that 
a single adult male will furnish about seventy gallons of clear and scentless oil. 

The extraordinary development of the nose, which gives so weird-like a character to the 
aspect of the Elephant Seal, is only found in the adult males, and even in them is not very 
perceptible unless the animal is alarmed or excited. While the creature is undisturbed, the 
nose only looks peculiarly large and heavy. As soon, however, as the animal becomes excited, 
it protrudes this proboscis-like nose, blows through it with great violence, and assumes a 
very formidable appearance. The female is entirely destitute of this structure, as may be 
seen in the figure that occupies the background of our illustration. Except for its enormous 
dimensions the female might be taken for an ordinary Seal. In the male the hood does not 
make its appearance until the third year. 

The Elephant Seal is easily tamed when taken young, and displays great affection towards 
a kind master. One of these animals was tamed by an English seaman, and would permit 
its master to mount upon its back, or to put his hand into its mouth, without doing him-any 
injury. 

The teeth of this animal are very curious in their formation, especially the molar teeth, 
which are small, and pointed with a kind of mushroom-like apex. The canines are very large. 
The whisker hairs are very coarse and long, and are furnished with a raised margin, which 
gives them the appearance of being twisted like a screw. The food of the Elephant Seal is 
supposed to consist chiefly of cuttle-fish and sea-weed, as the remains of both these substances 
are generally found in the stomachs of those that are killed. 


OTARIIDA; 
ORE ARE D dB ALS. 


HE family Ofariide@, Eared Seals, are distinguished by having an external ear. 
The arms and legs are much more developed, and resemble more those of land 
quadrupeds. Especially is this the case with the hind legs. In the Common 
Seals the hind legs we have seen are ‘‘flippers,’’ directed backwards for swim- 
ming; those of the present Seals are articulated so that the limb is capable of 
being used in walking (after a homely fashion), as well as in swimming. The 

; fore-feet are fin-like, but large, and quite useful in walking. The present group 
of Seals are, then, a shade higher in rank or development in the direction of the land quad- 
rupeds, or mammals. Eared Seals are characterized by their under fur, an article now well 
known, and of immense commercial importance. 

It is a curious circumstance that the young of these Seals have to be taught to swim. The 
young are brought forth far inland. 

The Sea Lion and Sea Bear are represented by grand specimens in the Central Park 
Museum, both male, female, and young. 

Capt. Bryant spent some time on the island of St. Paul, making some very intelligent 
records of the habits of these animals. About the first of April, when the snow is cleared 
away, and the drift-ice has passed, a few old males, of the Sea Bear species, are seen recon- 
noitering the locality, and after two or three days’ inspection venture on shore to examine the 
rookeries, as they are called. After a few days other ‘‘bears’’ begin to arrive, the first having 
departed to give intelligence that all is right. The old males appropriate the spaces they 
require for ten or twelve females each. Capt. Bryant gives some most extraordinary state- 
ments respecting the treatment of the females. He says: ‘‘As soon as the female reaches the 
shore, the nearest male goes down to meet her, meanwhile making a noise like the clucking 
of a hen. He bows and coaxes her, and when he has gotten himself between her and the water, 
alters his tone, and growls lustily at her, and drives her into his harem.’’ He says the males 
teach the young to swim. 


THE Fur SEALS, according to Capt. Scammon, U. 8. Revenue Marine Service, differ con- 
siderably in habits from the other forms. They range from the highest navigable latitudes to 
the equator. 

On the coast of Chili their numbers were so great in 1798 that the American ship Betsey 
procured a full cargo of skins. It was estimated there were left on the island, which is not over 
twenty-five miles in circumference, at least 500,000 Seals. Subsequently there were taken but 
little short of a million skins. This fishery was almost exclusively under the American flag. 

The capture of Fur Seals is accomplished by driving herds some distance inland. The 
more valued young or middle-aged are selected, and driven by parties making all the noise 
they can, on tin implements, and by the opening and shutting of umbrellas. 

After resting a while the animals are killed by a sharp blow upon the nose, which part 
we have seen is especially tender and vulnerable, though in other respects they are quite 
tenacious of life. Besides the valued skins, each Seal yields a gallon and a half of oil. The 
linings of the throat are saved and salted, as an article of trade to other ports, being used by 
the natives to make water-proof cloaks. 

The skins are salted and packed in square bins, where they lie about forty days; they are 
then taken out, the salt removed, and a small quantity of clean salt sprinkled upon them, 
when they are folded, flesh-side in, and packed for commerce. 


416 a THE SEA LION. 


There are about twelve miles of sea-coast occupied by Fur Seals on St. Paul’s Island, 
with an average width of fifteen rods. Allowing twenty Seals to a square red, the number of 
breeding Seals are computed at the enormous figure of one million one hundred and fifty-two 
thousand. Deducting one-tenth for males, leaves one million thirty-seven thousand eight 
hundred. The value of the skins at the trading posts is ten cents per skin, the company 
finding bins and salt. Previous to 1866 the skins were worth three dollars each. Soon after 
the territory was transferred to the United States the skins were worth seven dollars each ; 
and this advance was owing to the fashion for the fur, which then commenced to reign. 


SEA LION.—Olaria jubata. 


THe Sra Lion, of Kamtschatka and the Kurile Islands, is of less gigantic proportions than 
the sea elephant, measuring about fifteen feet in length, and weighing about sixteen hundred 
pounds. The color of the mule Sea Lion is a reddish-brown, which becomes paler after the 
animal is advanced in years. Upon the neck and shoulders is a heavy mass of stiff, curly, 
crisp hair, which bears some resemblance to the mane of the lion, and has earned for the 
creature the name of Sea Lion. The female is destitute of this mane, and her fur is some- 
times chestnut and sometimes ochry-brown. 

It is not exclusively confined to the localities above mentioned, but is sometimes seen off 
the coast of Northern America, in the month of July. During the autumn the Sea Lions are 
found in very great numbers upon the shores of Behring’s Island, where they assemble for the 
purpose of rearing their young through the first few weeks of their life. They are polyg- 
amous, but restrict themselves to three or four females. 

They are naturally quiet and peaceable animals, permitting the approach of mankind with 
great indifference, and suffering themselves to be roughly treated before they will condescend 
to move from the spot on which they may happen to be lying. The hunters make easy prey 
of these slothful animals, which are not so active as the elephant Seal, nor so fierce as the wal- 
rus. The females seem to be more apathetic respecting their cubs than is generally the case 


‘NOIT VdS 


“A‘N ‘YSHSITENd ‘SS3H HVINTaS 


“e 


THE SEA BEAR. 417 


among Seals, and will frequently relinquish their offspring in their haste to escape from their 
human foes. The natives are in the habit of killing the Sea Lions by poisoned arrows, or by 
harpoons. As the wounded animal would be sufficiently strong to escape in spite of the har- 
poons, the native hunters attach the harpoon-line to a post firmly planted in the ground, and 
are thus enabled to delay the Sea Lion until they can inflict a fatal wound. 

They are marvellously blatant animals, keeping up a continual chorus of vociferations as 
long as they are on land. The old males are the most noisy of the party, snorting discordantly, 
and roaring like magnified lions. The females answer by loud bleatings, and the young of 
both sexes add their voices in a less degree. The united cries of a large herd of Sea Lions are 
so deafening, that human senses are almost stunned by the clangorous uproar. 

This species is said to feed upon fish and smaller Seals, being extremely dreaded by the 
latter animals, and ruling supreme in its own domains. The teeth of the Sea Lion are very 
singular in their shape and arrangement, the molars being furnished with sharp trenchant 
points, some of the incisors double-headed, and others long and pointed like canine teeth. 


SEA BEAR, OR URSINE SEAL.—Arctocephalus ursinus. 


As the mane-clad neck and shoulders of the preceding animal have earned for it the title of 
Sea Lion, so the generally ursine aspect of the present species has gained the name of SEA Brar. 

It is not a very large animal, being hardly eight feet in length. As its limbs are larger 
and better developed than in the generality of the Seals, it can stand and walk in a more active 
manner than any of the preceding members of the phocine family. The color of its fur is very 
pleasing, the long hairs being of a grayish-brown, while the thick soft wool that lies next to 
the skin is reddish-brown. The fur is extremely soft and warm, and of high value as an article 
of commerce. When it is dressed by the furriers, the entire coating of long hairs is removed, 
the wool only being left adherent to the skin. Upon the neck and shoulders of the male 
animal there is a kind of mane, composed of rather stiff hairs about two inches in length, and 

“of a grizzled aspect, the hairs themselves being jetty-black, and their tips white. The whole 
of the fur is thick and long, and does not lie closely to the body. 

It is not so easily caught as the sea lion, for it is not only very active in the water, but can 
proceed upon land with such rapidity that a man who wishes to overtake an affrighted Sea 
Bear will be forced to exert his utmost speed before he can attain his object. 

The Sea Bears are found in great numbers about Kamtschatka and the Kurile islands, and 
at the beginning of summer are so numerous as to blacken the banks on which they repose. 


418 WHALES. 


Being polygamous, the male is extremely jealous, and will not suffer any strangers to 
approach the limits of his own family. The entire sea-beach is therefore mapped out, so to 
speak, in little domains, each belonging to a separate family, and guarded with the most 
jealous care. As the number of females over which a single male bears sway is about forty 
to fifty on an average, it will be seen that the family must be very extensive when the young 
are added to their number. From one hundred to a hundred and twenty is not at all an 
uncommon number for a single family of Sea Bears. 

No family will allow the members of another household to crouch upon their territories, 
and it is very seldom that such an attempt is made. Sometimes, however, trespassers are 
detected, and then there is a general fight upon the beach, in which the animals of both sexes 
and all ages fight with great fury. They will not even permit a human being to encroach 
upon their domains, but advance upon him with such threatening cries and such menacing 
display of gleaming teeth that he is forced to make his escape as he best can. One traveller 
was so hard beset by these animals that he was fain to climb a rock which they could not sur- 
mount, and was watched by them for nearly six hours before he could make good his escape. 

Sometimes an old Sea Bear is seen lying alone in solitary state, not permitting any living 
being to approach him, and continually uttering low, savage growls. 

The males are very tyrannous in their behavior to their wives, and treat the poor sub- 
missive creatures very cruelly. Ifa mother should happen to drop her cub as she is carrying 
it off, the male immediately turns upon her and bites her as a punishment for her offence. 
These animals seem to be very intelligent, and have a great variety of intonations, by which 
they can express their meaning so clearly that their language can even be understood by 
human ears. Their general voice is something like the lowing of a cow, but when they are 
wounded, they utter long plaintive cries like that of a suffering dog. 

The food of this species consists of sea otters, small Seals, and other animals, which hold 
it in great terror. The Sea Bear, however, stands in considerable awe of the sea lion, and does 
not exercise the same indisputable sway as that animal. The name Arctocephalus is of Greek 
origin, and signifies ‘‘ bear-headed.”’ 


WHALES. 


THE CETACEA, or WHALES, are more thoroughly aquatic than any other animals which 
have already been described, and are consequently framed in such a very fish-like manner 
that they have generally been considered as fishes by those who were but little acquainted 
with the animal kingdom. The entire livelihood of the Whale is obtained in the waters, and 
their entire structure is only fitted for traversing the waves, so that if they should happen 
to be cast upon the shore they have no means of regaining their native element, and are sure to 
perish miserably from hunger. 

With the seals, the young are produced upon the land, and there nurtured until they 
have attained sufficient strength to enable them to cope successfully with the sea waves, and 
are, moreover, attended in their marine excursions by their mothers, who exercise a watchful 
guard over their offspring. The young Whale knows no such terrestrial nurture, but is 
at once received into the bosom of the ocean, being capable from its very birth of accom- 
panying its parent in her paths through the waves. 

Although the Whales bear so close a resemblance to the fish, and are able to pass a 
considerable time below the water, they possess no gills through which they may respire and 
renew their blood through the agency of water, but breathe atmospheric air in the same 
manner as the other mammalia. If a Whale were to be detained below the surface of the 
water for too long a period it would be inevitably drowned, a fact which was once curiously 
exemplified by the death of a Whale which had entangled itself in a rope fastened to a dead 
and sunken Whale, and which was found drowned when the rope was drawn to the surface. 
No injury had been inflicted upon the animal, but it had not been able to disengage itself from 
the detaining cord in time to breathe, and was consequently suffocated. 


WHALES. 419 


When the Whales breathe, they are forced to rise to the surface of the sea, and there 
make a number of huge respirations, which are technically called ‘‘spoutings,’’ because a 
column of mixed vapor and water is ejected from the nostrils, or ‘‘blow-holes,”’ and spouts 
upwards to a great height, sometimes as much as twenty feet. In order to enable the animal 
to respire without exposing itself unnecessarily, the ‘‘blow-holes”’ are placed on the upper 
part of the head, so that when a Whale is reposing itself on the surface of the sea, there is 
very little of its huge carcase visible, except the upper portion of the head and a part of the 
back. The ‘‘spoutings’’ are made with exceeding violence, and can be heard to some distance. 

The mode of respiration is, however, rather different from that of the generality of mam- 
malia, being modified in order to meet the peculiar circumstances in which the animal is placed. 

In nearly all the mammalia the movements of respiration take place in rather rapid 
succession, and are continuous in their action, and if they are checked for only a few minutes, 
the result is inevitably fatal. It is evident, however, that as the Whales are forced to seek 
their food in the depths of the ocean, and to remain for a considerable space of time below the 
surface, their respiration must be conducted on a different system. The mode which is adopted 
is truly one of the most marvellous contrivances that can be imagined, and is so beautifully 
simple, as well as profound, that it raises our highest adoration of the unspeakable wisdom 
which planned it. 

It is clear that the creature would not be able to take a supply of air into the depths of 
the ocean, and that another means must be found for oxygenizing the blood. 

As, therefore, the animal is unable to breathe below the surface of the water, the difficulty 
is surmounted by furnishing it with a large reservoir of arterial blood, which is oxygenized 
during the short time that is occupied in the ‘‘spoutings,’? and which supplies the circulation 
until the Whale returns again to the upper regions for a fresh supply. The reserved blood is 
contained in a large mass of vessels which line the interior of the chest and the adjoining 
regions, and are capable of containing a sufficient amount of fresh blood to sustain life for a 
wonderfully long period. 

As the Whales are in the habit of descending to very great depths—depths so profound, 
that if a piece of dry wood be equally deeply sunk it will be saturated with water, and will not 
float—their ears and nostrils must be guarded against the dangers that would arise from the 
penetration of the water into their cavities. There is consequently a beautifully simple and 
ingenious valvular structure, which perfectly answers this purpose, and firmly closes the 
external orifices in proportion to the depth to which the animal dives. The ear is remarkably 
small, and in some specimens is almost undiscernible. Some anatomists are of opinion that 
the Whales can hear by means of the communication of the ear with the mouth. As the 
spermaceti Whale is capable of communicating with its companions at a distance of several 
miles, it is evident that the sense of hearing must be better developed than would be the case 
if the creature were totally dependent for hearing on the external orifice ; which must always be 
closed while under water, and which in many species is covered with the external integument. 

The limbs of the Whales are so modified in their form that they can hardly be recognized 
by their external appearance alone as the limbs of a veritable mammal. In shape they closely 
resemble the fins of fish, and it is not until they are stripped of the thick skin which envelops 
them that the true limb is developed. The reader may see the bony structure of the Whale’s 
fin by referring to the skeleton of the rorqual on page 391. The chief use of these organs 
seems to be that they assist the animal in preserving its position in the water, for the huge 
carcase rolls over on its back as soon as it is deprived of the balancing power of the fins. They 
are also employed for the purpose of grasping the young whenever the mother Whale is 
anxious for the safety of her offspring, but they are of little use in urging the animal through 
the water, that duty being amost entirely performed by the tail. 

This member is very curious in its structure, for, as may be seen by reference to the 
rorqual skeleton, the Whales have no hinder limbs that may be modified into fins, as is the 
case with the seals, and are forced to depend solely on the soft structures for its powers of 
locomotion. The traces of hinder limbs are to be found in some little bones that lie loosely 
in the flesh, but they are of no real use, and are only representatives of the true limbs. 


420 ia WHALES. 


The tail of these animals is an enormously powerful organ, set transversely upon the 
body, and driving the creature forward by its powerful vertical sweeps. With such wonderful 
strength is the tail endowed, that the largest Whales, measuring some eighty feet in length, 
are able by its aid to leap clear out of the water, as if they were little fish leaping after flies. 
This movement is technically termed ‘‘ breaching,’ and the sound which is produced by the 
huge carcase as it falls upon the water is so powerful as to be heard for a distance of several 
miles. The length of the tail is, in the larger Whales, about five or six feet, but it is often 
more than twenty feet in breadth. The substance of the tail is remarkably strong, being com- 
posed of three layers of tendinous fibres. When taken from the animal it is largely used in 
the manufacture of glue. 

The skin of the Whales is devoid of hair, and is of a rather peculiar structure, as is need- 
ful to enable it to resist the enormous pressure to which it is constantly subjected at the vast 
depths to which the animal descends. The skin is threefold, consisting first of the scarf-skin, 
or epidermis ; secondly, of the rete-mucosum, which gives color to the animal; and thirdly, 
of the true skin, which is modified in order to meet the needs of the creature which it defends. 
The blubber, indeed, is nothing more than the true skin, which is composed of a number of 
interlacing fibres, capable of containing a very great amount of oily matter. This blubber is 
never less than several inches in thickness, and in many places is nearly two feet deep, and as 
elastic as caoutchouc, offering an admirable resistance to the force of the waves and the pressure 
of the water. Ina large Whale the blubber will weigh thirty tons. 

None of the Whales are able to turn their heads, for the vertebree of the neck are fused 
together into one mass, and compressed into a very small space. 

The order Cetacea, from the term ceta, meaning a Whale—the latter being from the Anglo- 
Saxon wal—embraces a very interesting and wonderful group of creatures. Confined to the 
waters, and formed like the finny denizens of the deep, they are quite naturally regarded as 
fishes by the casual observer. Little anatomical knowledge is required, however, to under- 
stand their true position ; indeed, one physiological fact, which is most easily determined by 
any one who witnesses the living Cetacean, settles the matter without qualification ; they breathe 
the external air through lungs, and not by aid of gills as in fishes. Again, Whales suckle their 
young, and, consequently, are of the great class of which man is the head, the Mammalia. 

Whales are grouped primarily into several sections, or families. The one usually regarded 
as ranking first, is that including the Whalebone Whales, Balenida, so called, Baleena being 
another name for whalebone. The Cachelots, or Sperm Whales, form another group. 

There is nothing notably different in the internal organization of Whales from that of land 
animals, excepting the development of large series or net-work of arteries, within which the 
blood is reserved in large volumes, to serve when the creature remains under water any con- 
siderable length of time. A large portion of the interior of the chest is lined by these plexuses 
of blood-vessels. The nostrils are situated on the highest point of the head; these so-called 
blow-holes are thus in the most convenient position for receiving air as the animal rises to the 
surface. The nostrils communicate directly with the passages to the lungs. <A peculiar 
mechanism in the throat, valvular in character, prevents the water that may be taken into the 
mouth from passing into the lungs. The figures of Whales have from the earliest time been 
represented as ‘‘blowing”’ water from the nostrils. It is impossible for such a feat to be per- 
formed by any of the species, yet authors persist in allowing their books to perpetuate such 
an error. The structure is essentially the same as our own, and most certainly no human being 
can with any degree of success take in water and blow it out in a stream from the nose. What 
looks like water is the vapor that is forced out when the animal expires; and at the same 
moment the small quantity of water that chances to be in the valves of the blow-holes is 
forced upwards. One witnessing the ‘“‘blowing’’ of a Whale will readily see that it is mostly 
vapor, for it floats away like smoke ; if it were water, the volume would fall downwards. 

Captain Scoresby, an English Whaler of many years’ experience, is the most reliable 
authority on this subject, and has contributed more towards its literature than any person. He 
says the Whales have no voice, yet others think that some species have a sort of bellowing voice. 
The seals, we are well aware, have most potent voices ; some of the most discordant kind. 


THE GREENLAND WHALE. 42] 


The brain of the Whale is comparatively small; one of a specimen measuring nineteen 
feet in length, weighed only three pounds and twelve ounces; that is one three-thousandth 
part of the whole body. This is only about two-thirds the weight of the largest human brain. 
The Porpoises and Dolphins have a larger brain. 

The senses of Whales are considerably beyond our comprehension. With regard to smell, 
there is reason to believe it has a good degree of this sense. 

The organ of vision is extremely small, comparatively. The largest Whale has an eye 
not larger than that of an ox. 

The ear is not developed externally. By careful examination in the vicinity of the eye, a 
minute aperture is found not larger than an eighth of an inch in diameter ; this corresponds 
to the external ear. 

The young are brought forth in much the same manner as those of land mammals. The 
period of gestation is supposed to be about nine months. The natural term of life is thought 
to be from twenty to a hundred years. 

The amount of oil yielded by the larger kind of Whales reaches nearly twenty tons. 

The peculiar substance called ambergris is common to all. It is a secretion produced in 
the intestines. 

The size of Whales is a subject of much misapprehension. Captain Scoresby says : 

‘Of three hundred and twenty-two individuals, in the capture of which I had personally 
been concerned, no one, I believe, ever exceeded sixty feet in length—and the largest I 
measured was fifty-eight.” 

The immense bulk of the Whalebone and 
Sperm Whales is more surprising than their 
length. 


THE GREENLAND WHALE, NorrTrHERN 
WHuaALs, or Rigur WHALE, as it is indiffer- 
ently termed, is an inhabitant of the Northern 
Seas, where it is still found in great abundance, 
although the constant persecutions to which it 
has been subjected have considerably thinned 
its numbers. 

This animal is, when full-grown, about 
sixty or seventy feet in length, and its girth Baath hee harass at 
about thirty or forty feet. Its color is velvety (To show the Whalebone.) 
black upon the upper part of the body, the 
fins and the tail; gray upon the junction of the tail with the body and the base of the fins, and 
white upon the abdomen and the fore-part of the lower jaw. The velvety aspect of the body is 
caused by the oil which exudes from the epidermis, and aids in destroying the friction of the 
water. Its head is remarkably large, being about one-third of the length of the entire bulk. 
The jaw opens very far back, and in a large Whale is about sixteen feet in length, seven feet 
wide, and ten or twelve feet in height, affording space, as has quaintly been remarked, for a 
jolly-boat and her crew to float in. 

The most curious part of the jaw and its structure is the remarkable substance which 
is popularly known by the name of Whalebone. This substance is represented in its 
natural position in the accompanying illustration, which is taken from a photographic 
portrait of the skeleton in the great Museum of Comparative Anatomy at the Jardin des 
Plantes. 

The Whalebone, or baleen, is found in a series of plates, thick and solid at the insertion 
into the jaw, and splitting at the extremity into a multitude of hair-like fringes. On each 
side of the jaw there are more than three hundred of these plates, which in a fine specimen 
are about ten or twelve feet long, and eleven inches wide at their base. The weight of baleen 
which is furnished by a large Whale is about one ton. This substance does not take its origin 
directly from the gum, but from a peculiar vascular formation which rests upon it. These 


422 THE GREENLAND WHALE. 


masses of baleen are placed along the sides of the mouth for the purpose of aiding the Whale 
in procuring its food and separating it from the water. 

The mode of feeding which is adopted by the Whale is as follows. The animal frequents 
those parts of the ocean which are the best supplied with the various creatures on which it 
feeds, and which are all of very small size, as is needful from the size of its gullet, which is 
not quite two inches in diameter. Small shrimps, crabs and lobsters, together with various 
mollusks and meduse, form the diet on which the vast bulk of the Greenland Whale is sus- 
tained. Driving with open mouth through the congregated shoals of these little creatures, the 
Whale engulfs them by millicns in its enormous jaws, and continues its destructive course 
until it has sufficiently charged its mouth with prey. Closing its jaws and driving out through 
the interstices of the Whalebone the water which it has taken together with its prey, it retains 
the captured animals which are entangled in the Whalebone, and swallows them at its ease. 
The multitude of these little creatures that must hourly perish is so enormous, that the pro- 
lific powers of nature would seem inadequate to keep up a supply of food for the herds of 
Whales that inhabit the Northern Seas. Yet the supply is more than equal to the demand, 
for the sea is absolutely reddened for miles by the countless millions of living beings that 
swarm in its waters. 

The Whale is an animal of very great value to civilized and to savage men. The oil which 
is procured in great quantities from its blubber and other portions of its structure is almost 
invaluable to us, while the bones and baleen find their use in every civilized land. To the 
natives of the polar regions, however, the Whale is of still greater value, as they procure many 
necessaries of life from various parts of its body, eat the flesh, and drink the oil. Repulsive 
as such a diet may appear to us who live ina comparatively warm region, it is an absolute 
necessity in these ice-bound lands, such oleaginous diet being needful in order to keep up the 
heat of the body by a bountiful supply .of carbon. 

Civilized beings, even though they may be living for the time in these northern regions, 
find themselves almost unable to join in the greasy banquet which so entirely delights the 
native palate. There are, however, some portions of the Whale which can be eaten without 
difficulty, and are rather palatable than otherwise. The skin of the Whale, when properly 
dressed, is of ebony blackness, and not at all attractive to the eye. But its flavor is quite 
agreeable, and is said to bear some resemblance to that of the cocoa-nut. When prepared for 
the table it is cut into little cubes like black dice. But the best part of the Whale is one that 
would hardly be expected to form an article of diet, namely the portion of the gums in which 
the roots of the baleen are still imbedded. The Tuskis call this substance their sugar, though 
its flavor is very like that of cream-cheese. One traveller who had been obliged, through 
motives of politeness, to take part in a native banquet, and who had been more than disgusted 
by the very remarkable dishes which were brought to table, became quite enthusiastic on the 
merits of Whale’s skin and gum, acknowledging himself to be agreeably surprised by the 
former, and calling the latter article of diet ‘‘ perfectly delicious.’ 

The chase of the Whale, its dangers and its excitement, are too well known to need 
description in these pages, and only as far as they form part of the animal’s history will they 
be noticed. 

In its character the Greenland Whale is inoffensive and timorous, and except when roused 
by the pain of a wound or by the sight of its offspring in danger, will always flee the presence 
of man. Sometimes, however, it turns fiercely upon the boat from which the fatal weapon has 
been launched, and with a single blow of its enormous tail—its only weapon—has been known 
to shatter a stout boat to fragments, driving men, ropes, and oars high into the air. Itisa 
very affectionate animal, holding firmly to its mate, and protecting its young with a fearless- 
ness that is quite touching to any one except a whaler, who takes advantage of the poor 
creature’s natural affection to decoy the mother within reach of his harpoon. 

As far as is yet known, the Greenland Whale produces only a single cub at a birth. 
When first born, the young Whale is without the baleen, depending upon its mother for its 
subsistence like any other young mammal. The maternal Whale keeps close to her offspring 
until the baleen is grown, and does not forsake it until it is capable of supporting itself. The 


GREENLAND WHALE 


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THE RIGHT WHALE. 425 


young Whales, before the baleen has developed itself, are technically termed ‘‘suckers,’’ and 
when the baleen is six feet in length, they are called by the name of ‘‘ size.” 

The tongue of this Whale cannot be protruded from the mouth, as it is fixed throughout 
its entire length. It is very large, soft, and full of oil, so soft, indeed, that a man can make a 
depression deep enough to contain his closed fist by a tolerably strong pressure ; as I can 
testify by personal experience. The bones are porous and are very full of oil, the jawbones 
being so heavily charged with this valuable substance that they are removed from the animal, 
and so fastened in the rigging as to permit the oil to drain from them. 

When the Greenland Whale is undisturbed, it generally remains at the surface of the 
water for ten minutes, and ‘‘spouts”’ eight or nine times. It then descends for a short time, 
from five to twenty minutes, and returns again to the surface for the purpose of respiration. 
But when harpooned, it dives to a very great depth, and does not return to the surface until 
half an hour has elapsed. By noticing the direction of the line which is attached to the 
harpoon, the whalers judge of the spot in which the creature will rise, and generally contrive 
to be so near their victim when it emerges that they can fix another harpoon,or strike it with a 
lance before it can again descend into the depths of the ocean. 

Several species of the genus Baleena are found inhabiting the different oceans of our 
globe, such as the Western Australian Whale, the Cape Whale, the Japan Whale, the New 
Zealand Whale, the Scrag Whale, and others, of which the best known is the Cape Whale, or 
Southern Whale, as it is sometimes called. 

This animal attains a considerable size, reaching the length of seventy feet when full grown, 
the length of its head being sixteen feet. It inhabits the Southern Ocean, and is often seen in 
the bays that adjoin the Cape of Good Hope in the months of June, July, and August, as the 
female is in the habit of frequenting these localities during the infancy of her young. The 
males are very seldom seen near their mates, so that out of sixty Cape Whales that were killed 
in False Bay only one wasa male. The color of this animal is a uniform black. 

The Balenide, or Family of Whalebone Whales, is represented by few species. The 
principal characteristic of this group is the series of whalebone plates situated in the upper 
portion of the mouth. These plates are called baleen, hence the family designation. 

Though this is one of the largest creatures, yet its food is of the delicate jelly-animals that 
form vast areas upon the surface of the ocean. The cesophagus or ‘‘ swallow ”’ of these Whales 
is no larger than one’s fist, which shows that the jelly-food is natural to it. In feeding, the 
Baleen Whales open the mouth widely, and rush through a mass of jellies, filling the mouth 
with both food and water. A valvular arrangement prevents the passage of water into the 
stomach, while the tongue presses the food against the roof of the mouth. This action forces 
the water out through the baleen plates, which acts as sieves. The morsel is then swallowed. 

These Whales are remarkable for the comparative size of their heads ; that of the Balena 
mysticetus, or Greenland Whale, being one-third its whole bulk. 

The Greenland Whale (Balena mysticetus), called also the Common Whalebone Whale, 
is the most familiar cetacean known, especially as it is the notable creature that supplies our 
burning-oil in such immense quantities. It is known to the ‘‘ toilers of the sea”’ as the Right 
Whale, and this because it is the right one to kill, as distinguished from other less desirable 
species. 

The Bow-head and Great Polar Whale are terms also applied to this animal. Captain 
Scoresby’s figure of the Polar Whale is incorrect as to its tail, or ‘‘small’’ of body. His 
figure, which has served for all others up to the present time, shows the tail uplifted. The 
true figure should give a shorter ‘‘small.”? The tail of this Whale cannot be bent, as in his 
figure. All published figures of this Whale, save Captain Scammon’s, are incorrect. 


The Atnantic Rigut WHALE (Balena cisarctica, Cope) is a rediscovery in one sense. 
About the time of the first settlement of this country, our forefathers found the aborigines 
pursuing this Whale for the several purposes of half-civilized life. 

Soon the whites found the oil and baleen valuable articles of commerce, and small vessels 
were fitted out to capture the Whales in greater numbers. At the period of our Revolution, 


424 THE RIGHT WHALE. 


this Whale had become nearly extinct, and our whalers had pushed northwards, where they 
supposed they had found larger specimens of the same species. The truth is, however, the 
Whale they had been capturing was one adapted by nature to live in temperate waters, and 
the persistent pursuit of them had resulted in their extinction, nearly. 

The Right Whale they now found in the Arctic regions, is one adapted to the cold waters, 
and is never seen out of them. The seamen cared little about species so long as the new 
Whale gave them larger baleen and more oil. Consequently, as there were no students of 
marine zoology in those days in our country, the Atlantic Whale escaped scientific treatment, 
though it is now known that this is the same as the Biscay Whale, so long the object of 
pursuit by the Basques. 

The Atlantic Whale, not being extinct, has lately shown itself in several examples. The 
first one examined by science was a young one, and Professor Cope, of Philadelphia, named it 
as above: cisarctica, meaning that its habitat is this side of the Arctic seas, as it was found to 
be confined to the temperate Atlantic. 

There are few specimens of this Whale known. The American Museum, in Central Park, 
has a skeleton of a full-grown one, the carcase of which was thrown ashore on Long Island. 


ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALE.—Balena cisarctica (Cope). 


In 1882, one of these Whales was captured off Montauk Point, Long Island, and brought into 
New York harbor, where it was exhibited. This was the first adult ever examined for scien- 
tific purposes. It was a female, and measured forty-eight feet in length. We had the pleasure 
to make a thorough examination of this Whale, which, in view of the unique circumstances, 
was likely to prove very acceptable to science. Soon after this specimen was examined, and a 
description of it was drawn up for publication in the fourth Bzudletin of the American 
Museum of Natural History, Dr. Manigault, of Charleston, S. C., informed the writer of an 
adult male that he had examined. This Whale was captured in Charleston harbor, and the 
skeleton was preserved in the Museum of Charleston Medical College. This occurrence was 
most fortunate, as the characteristics of both sexes were recorded in the Bulletin, with a 
drawing of the skull of the latter and its baleen. 

Here, then, is a valuable record of this rediscovered species. A drawing of the exterior 
of the female is included, made from the creature as it lay at the pier in New York, and 
a drawing of the skeleton of the one found on the Long Island shore. 

The baleen of this species is far inferior to that of the Arctic Whale. It is shorter, and 
is coarse in fibre. That of the latter is a good portion of the value of a captured whale ; its 
length being sometimes twelve feet. 

This Whale was known to the sea-faring people of Europe in ancient times as Nordcaper, 
as it was captured near the North Cape of Iceland ; this being its northernmost limit. 

While this edition was passing through the press, a most unexpected accession to the few 
examples of this Whale known to Science has occurred. The old whalers of Southampton, 
Long Island, espied lately, during the coldest days of this unusually cold winter, the “*blow- 
ing” of several Right Whales. Boat > ore fitted out at once, and Capt. Edwards, a veteran 


THE HUMP-BACKED WHALE. 25 


whaler, and the one who captured the first adult Atlantic Right Whale, a figure of which 
we herewith present, led the chase. The men secured four, including, we understand, a 
young one. We regret that the ample preparations we have established to get full particu- 
lars of the specimens have not as yet furnished any response. It is a matter, however, 
of great interest to know that this rare Whale is undoubtedly increasing in numbers. One 
of this shoal is reported as about fifty feet in length, which is probably the extent of this 
species. 


Unper the term Scrag Whales, a family is recognized—individuals having rough bunches 
on their backs. The baleen is white, and is only about one foot in length. 

The Scrag Whale (Agaphelus gibborus) is the only species yet described. It inhabits the 
Atlantic Ocean. It was known to the early settlers of New England. 

The California Gray Whale (Rachianectes glaucus, Cope) is recorded, but little is known 
of its history or peculiarities. The baleen is short, as in the preceding species. 

The Hump-Backed Whales (A/egapterid@) are distinguished by having a dorsal fin, and 
very long pectoral fins. Several species are enumerated. 

The Finner or Fin-back Whales (Physalide@) have a high dorsal fin. It should be under- 
stood in this connection, that the fins here mentioned are not so called in the sense that those 
of fishes are, as they are but thickened portions of the skin. The tails of Whales are the 
same in structure, though muscles are developed in them. The longest Whale known is of 
this group ; some examples reaching one hundred feet. The Sperm and Right Whales are 
much more bulky, but their length never exceeds sixty feet. 

A large number of species are enumerated. 

The Sulphur Bottom Finner is the largest. It is common off the Facific coast, and in the 
waters of the Northwest. 


SEVERAL species of the Hump-BACKED, or BUNCHED WHALES, are now known, although 
there is very great difficulty in deciding upon the distinctions that are needful for the found- 
ing of a species, in animals which are necessarily so far beyond our reach except on rare and 
limited occasions. 

In all these animals the head is rather broad and flattened, and the throat and chest 
are marked with deep longitudinal folds or ‘reeves,’ as they are termed by Dudley in 
his account of the Bunch Whale. These folds are perceptible even on the sides, and extend 
as far as the fins. The hump or bunch is of no very great size, being only a foot or so 
in height, and hardly larger than a man’s head. These animals may easily be distinguished 
from those of the succeeding genus by their shorter and more stout forms, the warty lip, 
and the large and rounded nose. The skull is about one-fourth of the entire length of the 
animal. 

The species which is figured in the illustration on following page is that of JoHNsToN’s 
HuMP-BACKED WHALE, a species which frequently attains very considerable dimensions, 
measuring from sixty to seventy feet in length. In spite, however, of its great size, it is not 
sought after by the whalers, and even if it should accidentally come across the course is seldom 
disturbed by them. Its oil, however, is said to be superior to that which is furnished by the 
Greenland Whale, and not much inferior to the oil of the Sperm Whale. 

It is an inhabitant of the Greenland seas, and is said to be found in greater profusion 
than any other species. It is furnished with baleen, but this substance is of no very great 
value, being short, and not splitting ‘‘kindly,”’ like that of the Greenland Whale. When 
dry it takes a slight twist. When first born, the young of the Hump Whales are devoid 
of baleen, but a considerable number of rudimentary teeth are found in both jaws. The 
spout or blow-holes are situated on the top of the head, and not on the snout like those of the 
Sperm Whale. 

The name Megaptera signifies ‘‘ great-finned,”’ and is given to this genus on account of the 
large size to which the pectoral fin extends. This member sometimes measures as much as 
seventeen feet in length, being equal to the head, or about one-fifth the entire length of the 


426 THE PIKE WHALE. 


body. When the integument is removed it is seen to be provided with only four fingers. The 
Latin specific name, dongimana, signifies ‘‘Jong-handed.”’ In color it is white. The dorsal 


HUMP-BACKED WHALE.—WMegaptera longimana. 


fins are placed rather low, and behind the middle of the body. This Whale is always infested 
with sundry parasitic animals belonging to the genera Diadema and Otion. 


Att the true carnivorous Whales are remarkable for the great proportionate size of the 
head. The Prke WHALE, as may be seen from the illustration, belongs to this group of 
animals, and in some respects is not dissimilar to the Greenland Whale. 

This animal is, however, not nearly so large as the preceding, being only about twenty- 
five feet in length when adult. It is furnished with baleen, but the plates are comparatively 
short, and of a slight pinkish hue. The volume of the mouth is made up by a development of 


THE RORQUAL WHALE. 427 


the lower part of the mouth into a kind of huge pouch, which is capable of containing a very 
large volume of water and marine animals. The tongue is not tied down as in the Greenland 
Whale, but is free towards the apex, and almost as capable of movement as that of man. 

It is a native of the seas that wash the coasts of Greenland, and is sometimes seen near 
Iceland and Norway, descending but rarely into warmer latitudes. The flesh of this animal is 
in some repute for its delicacy, and is therefore much coveted by the natives of these northern 
regions. They do not, however, attempt to harpoon the creature, on account of its great 
activity, but content themselves with inflicting severe wounds with their darts and spears, in 
the hopes that the wounded animal may die, and may in time be stranded on their coasts. 
The oil which it furnishes is said to be particularly delicate. 

The Pike Whale feeds not only on the little creatures that form the food of the Greenland 


PIKE WHALE.—Balenoptera rostrata. 


Whale, but chases and kills the active salmon and other fish. In the stomach of one of these 
animals have been found the remains of various fish, those of the dog-fish being the most 
prevalent. The head of this species is elongated and rather flattened, and the throat and chest 
are furnished with very deep longitudinal folds, which are capable of dilatation to a great 
extent. 

At the extremity of the snout there are eight distinct bristles, arranged in perpendicular 
rows on the top of each jaw. It has been called by a great number of names by different 
writers, and is mentioned by various authors under no less than seventeen distinct titles. 
The color of this animal is black upon the upper parts of the body, and white on the abdo- 
men, tinged with a reddish hue. The pectoral fin is almost entirely dark, but changes into 
white on its upper surface, near its base. 

The name Baleenoptera signifies ‘‘ Finned-Whale,”’ and is given to the animal on account 
of the size of the pectoral fins. 


A GIANT among giant forms, the huge RorquAL roams the Arctic seas at will, seldom 
molested by the hunter, and scarcely ever captured. 


428 THE RORQUAL WHALE. 


The bulk of this animal is greater than that of any other Whale, as many specimens have 
been known to attain a length of more than one hundred feet, and one or two have reached the 
extraordinary length of one hundred and twenty feet. By inexperienced whalers it is some- 
times mistaken for the Greenland Whale and harpooned, but is very seldom killed; for the 
creature is so remarkably active and fearless, that in many cases the aggressors have paid 
dearly for their error by a crushed boat and the loss of several lives. On one such occasion 
the Rorqual started off in a direct line, and at such a speed that the men lost their presence of 
mind, and forgot to cut the rope that connected the Whale with the boat. Making directly 
for a neighboring ice-field, the Rorqual shot under it, and drew the boat with all its crew 
beneath the ice, where they disappeared forever from the gaze of mankind. 


= S~_ 
= S SSS 
SSS SSSSSSSSS 


RORQUAL.—Balenoptera bodps, Physalus antiquorum. 


Mr. Scoresby, desiring to secure one of these powerful animals, made preparations for 
the chase by employing very short lines, only two hundred fathoms in length, and attaching a 
buoy to each of their extremities, in order to tire out the creature by the resistance which they 
would offer to the water through which they would be dragged by the Whale. 

Two Rorquals were struck, and in both cases the intended victims escaped. In the first 
instance, the Whale dived with such impetuous speed that the line snapped by the resistance 
of the buoy against the surface of the water, and in the second case the line only held together 
fora single minute, and was severed apparently by friction against the dorsal fin. A third Ror- 
qual was afterwards harpooned through the error of the seamen, who mistook it for a Green- 
land Whale. As soon as it felt the sting of the harpoon, the animal dived with such rapidity 
that it carried nearly three thousand feet of line out of the boat in about a minute of time, 
and escaped by snapping the rope. 

Not contenting itself with such mode of escape, the Rorqual will often turn fiercely upon 


THE RORQUAL WHALE. 429 


the boats, and avenge itself by dashing them to pieces by repeated strokes of its fearful 
tail. 

These belligerent qualities would make the whalers very cautious in dealing with such 
formidable foes, even if their capture were attended with profit equal to the bulk of their prey. 
But as it is found that the Rorqual is almost valueless when killed, the whalers permit it to 
pass unmolested, and turn their attention to more valuable quarry. The layer of blubber 
which encompasses the Rorqual is only about six or eight inches in thickness, and is very 
chary in yielding oil, a large Whale only furnishing at the best ten or fifteen tons, and some- 
times scarcely a single ton of this valuable substance. 

As the head of the Rorqual is not nearly so much arched as that of the Mysticetus, and 
the capacity of the mouth is more owing to the huge pouch of the lower jaws than to the form 
of the upper jaw, the baleen, or whalebone, is necessarily very short, scarcely reaching four 
feet in length. Even if its quality had been good, it would be of comparatively little value. 
Yet it is so coarse and ‘‘unkindly”’ that it is almost valueless for manufacturing purposes. 
Whalers would rejoice if this substance were of more value, as it is extremely plentiful in the 
Rorqual, the jaws being lined with five thousand distinct plates or ‘‘slabs”’ of baleen. 

As the food of the Rorqual is not limited to the small animals which constitute the diet of 
the Greenland Whales, but consists also of various fish, it needs that the gullet should be 


SKELETON OF RORQUAL. 


larger than in that creature. In the stomach of a single Rorqual, six hundred large cod-fish 
have been found, together with a considerable number of pilchards. In order to procure a 
sufficiency of food for its vast bulk, the Rorqual often follows the shoals of migrating fish until 
it approaches the shores, where in many cases it prefers to take up its abode, hovering round 
the fishing-grounds, and swallowing whole boat-loads of herrings, pilchards, and other fish. 

Although the Rorqual may for a time support itself at the cost of our fishing-trade, it is 
nearly sure to fall a victim to its own temerity, and to be left by the returning tide, helplessly 
and ignominiously stranded on the shores. This is a season of great rejoicing among the 
fishermen, who flock to the fatal spot with their most deadly weapons, and avenge themselves 
of their losses by the slaughter of the giant robber. Even the ‘‘hollie-pike’’ himself fell a 
victim to his want of caution, and was at length stranded on the shores of the very bay which 
he had haunted for so many consecutive years. The length of this animal was seventy-five feet. 

Owing to the persevering manner in which the Rorqual follows its prey to our coasts, it is 
more frequently stranded upon the British shores than any other true Whale. One of these 
animals that was thus captured was ninety-five feet in length, and weighed two hundred and 
forty-nine tons. Its breadth was eighteen feet, the length of the head twenty-two feet. Each 
fin measured twelve feet six inches in length. The skeleton of this magnificent animal was 
preserved and mounted, and after the bones were dry, their united weight amounted to thirty- 
five tons. To procure the skeleton of so large an animal is no easy matter, for the preparation 
of a Rorqual that was only eighty-three feet in length occupied a space of three years. 

The Laplanders, who find the bones and other portions of this animal to be of great 
service to them, unite in its chase, and employ a very simple mode of action. To harpoon 
such a being would be useless, so they content themselves with inflicting as many wounds as 
possible and leaving it to die. After the lapse of a few days the huge carcase is generally 
found dead upon the strand, and becomes the property of all those who have wounded it and 


430 THE SPERMACETI WHALE. 


can prove their claims by the weapons which are found in its body. The person who finds the 
stranded carcase is by law entitled to one-third of the value. 

The whalers appear to regard this animal with as much detestation as do the European 
fisherman, for the Greenland Whale has no love for the Rorqual, and seems to avoid the 
localities where this marine giant takes up its residence. It does not frequent the more icy seas, 
but prefers the clear waters. The spoutings of the Rorqual are very impetuous, as indeed are 
all its actions, and while engaged in respiration it shoots along the surface of the water at a 
velocity of four or five miles an hour instead of lying still during that process, as is the custom 
with the Greenland Whale. The color of this species is a dark-gray, tinged with blue. 

The name Rorqual is derived from the Norwegian word, which signifies a ‘‘ Whale with 
folds,’’ in allusion to the deep longitudinal folds which lie along the under jaw and a consid- 
erable portion of the lower parts of the animal. The term Bodps is from the Greek, and 
signifies ‘‘ox-eyed,”’ in allusion to the small rounded ox-like eyes of the Rorqual. 

The Rorqual can be distinguished while in the water from the Mysticetus by the compara- 
tively longer and more slender body and more cylindrical form, and by the fact of its possessing 
a dorsal fin. Its actions too are so peculiar as to mark it out to an experienced eye. 


SUB-ORDER ODONTOCETI. 


TOOTHED WHALES, SPERM WHALES, ETC. 


Tur animals which form the next little group of Cetacea are remarkable for their 
immensely large head with its abruptly terminated snout, and the position of the blow-hole, 
which is situated upon the fore part of the head, nearly at the tip of the snout. 

They do not possess any baleen, but are armed with a most formidable set of teeth in the 
lower jaw, which fit into a series of conical depressions in the upper jaw. To a casual observer 
the upper jaw appears to be devoid of teeth, but on a closer examination it is found to possess 
a short row of them on each side, which are mostly placed nearer the interior of the jaw than 
the conical depressions already mentioned, but in some instances are found at the bottom of 
these cavities. The number of the teeth of the lower jaw is very variable, but the average in 
adult specimens is about fifty-two. The teeth are heavy, strong, and when the animal is young 
are rather sharply pointed, but become extremely blunt when worn by the attrition of a long 
course of service. In Europe the teeth of the CAcHALOT, or SPERMACETI WHALE, are of no 
great value, being considered merely as marine curiosities, and often carved with rude engrav- 
ings representing the chase of the animal from which they were taken, together with a very 
precise account of the latitude and longitude, and a tolerably accurate view of the vessel. In 
the South Sea Islands, however, these teeth are articles of the highest value, being thought 
worthy of dedication to the idol deities, or at least placed as rare ornaments in the king’s 
house. So great is the conventional value of these teeth, that several wars have arisen from 
the possession of a Whale’s tooth by an inferior and unfortunate chief who had discovered the 
rarity and meant to keep it. 

The partly-hidden teeth of the upper jaw are about three inches in length, but they hardly 
project more than half an inch through the soft parts in which they are imbedded. In prepar- 
ing the skull of the Spermaceti Whale these teeth are apt to fall out together with the softer 
parts, as their attachment to the jawbone is very slight. Eight of these teeth have been found 
on each side of the jaw. 

The CacHator is one of the largest of the Whales, an adult male, or ‘‘old bull,’’ as it is 
called by the whalers, measuring from seventy to eighty feet in length, and thirty feet in 
circumference. The head is enormously long, being almost equal to one-third of the total 
length. The term Macrocephalus is derived from two Greek words, signifying ‘‘long-headed,”’ 
and has been given to the animal in reference to this peculiarity of structure. Upon the back 


THE SPERMACETI WHALE. 431 


there is a rather large hump, which rises abruptly in front and tapers gradually towards the 
tail. The color of the Cachalot is a blackish-gray, somewhat tinged with green upon the upper 
portions of the body. Around the eyes and on the abdomen it is of a grayish-white. 

This species is chiefly notable on account of the valuable substances which are obtained 
from its body, including oil and spermaceti. The oil is obtained from the blubber, which is 
not very thick in this animal, being only fourteen inches in depth on the breast and eleven 
inches on the other parts of the body, and is therefore not so abundant in proportion to the 
size of the animal as that which is extracted from the Greenland Whale. Its superior quality, 
however, compensates fully for its deficiency in quantity. The layer of blubber is by the 


SPERMACETI WHALE.—Physeter macrocephalus. 


whalers technically called the ‘‘blanket,’’? probably in allusion to its office in preserving the 
anima! heat. ; 

The spermaceti is almost peculiar to a few species of the genus Catodon, and is obtained 
as follows. i 

The enormous and curiously formed head is the great receptacle of the spermaceti, which 
lies in a liquid, oily state, in two great cavities that exist in the huge mass of tendinous 
substance of which the head is chiefly composed. On reference to the skull of the Cachalot, 
the reader will observe that it dips suddenly over the eyes, and then is greatly prolonged. 
This portion of the skull is termed Neptune’s chair by the sailors, and it is in Neptune’s chair 
that the spermaceti is placed. When the Whale is killed and towed to the ship’s side, the 
head is cut off and affixed to tackles for the purpose of supporting it in a convenient position 
for the extraction of this valuable substance. A large hole is cut in the top of the head, and a 
number of sailors lower their buckets into the cavity and bale out the liquid matter. 

When first exposed to the air it has a clear, oily appearance, but after it has been sub- 
jected to the action of the atmosphere for a few hours, the spermaceti begins to separate itself 


432 SPERMACETI AND AMBERGRIS. 


from the oil, and in a short time is sufficiently firm to be removed and put into a different 
vessel. 

There is yet a considerable amount of oil mixed with the pure spermaceti, giving it a 
yellow, greasy aspect, which must be thoroughly removed before the spermaceti can assume 
its silky, crystalline appearance. The process of purifying it is rather a long and complicated 
one, consisting of various meltings and re-meltings, of squeezing through hair bags, and of 
treatment with a solution of potass. It is then sufficiently refined for commercial purposes, 
but if it should be required to be perfectly pure without any admixture of oil or extraneous 
substances, it is boiled in alcohol and is deposited in pearl-white laminated crystals, glistening 
with a silver sheen and separating easily into small scales. 

The amount of spermaceti which is produced from the head of a single Whale is very large 
indeed. From a Cachalot that only measured sixty-four feet in length, and was therefore by 
no means a large one, twenty-four barrels of spermaceti and nearly one hundred barrels of oil 
were obtained. ; 

Ambereris, that curious substance whose origin so long baffled the keenest inquirers, and 
which was formerly only found at rare intervals floating on the waves or cast upon the shore, 
is now often discovered within the intestines of the Cachalot, and is supposed to be a morbid 
secretion peculiar to the animal, and analagous to biliary calculi. Fifty pounds weight of this 
substance have been found in a single Whale, and on one occasion a single piece of ambergris 
of the same weight was discovered on the coast of the Bermudas by some sailors, who imme- 
diately deserted their ship and escaped to England with their valuable prize. The value of 
ambergris is rather variable, but it is always a costly article. 

It is seldom, if ever, found in young and healthy Cachalots, so that a ship may make a 
very successful whaling voyage, and yet return home without finding a single ounce of amber- 
gris in all the Whales killed. Ambergris is generally employed as a perfume, and is prepared 
for the use of the purchaser by being dissolved in alcohol. 

It sometimes happens that a stray Cachalot blunders into the shallow waters of the 
Bermudas, and being unable to discover the pas- 
sage through which it passed, is caught like a 
mouse in a trap, and falls a ready victim to the 
intrepid and almost amphibious natives. 

As soon as a Whale is discovered in this 
helpless situation, the populace is all astir and 
full of excitement at the welcome news. Boats 
are immediately launched, filled with men bear- 
ing guns, lances, and other destructive weapons, 
which would be of little use in the open sea, but 
are very effectual in the shoal waters of these 

SKULL OF SPERMACETI WHALE. strange islands. No sooner does the Whale feel 

the sharp lance in its body, than it dives with its 

ordinary velocity, forgetting that it is no longer in deep water, and strikes its head against 

the rocky bed of the sea with such unexpected force as to bring it to the surface half stunned. 

The hunters take advantage of its bewildered state to approach closely and to ply their deadly 

weapons with fatal effect. Some of these men are so cool and determined, that they will 

actually leap from their boats upon the Whale’s back, and, setting their shoulders to the butt 

of the spear, urge the sharp blade by the weight of their bodies. The Whale soon yields up 

its life under such circumstances, and the huge carcase is brought to shore amid the shouts 
and congratulations of the spectators. 

The fat and ivory of the slain animal are divided among the hunters who were actually 
engaged in the chase, but the flesh is distributed gratuitously to every one who chooses to 
apply for it. Every one who can own a barrow or a basket, bears it to the scene of slaughter, 
and is at liberty to take as much Whale’s flesh as he chooses. The connoisseurs in Whale’s 
flesh assert that there are three qualities of meat in every Whale, the best resembling mutton, 
the second quality imitating pork, and the third resembling beef, Captain Scott, an eye- 


‘ 
. 


ae 


< 


ACTIVITY OF THE SPERMACETI WHALE. 433 


witness of this animated scene, and to whom I am indebted for the information, avers that 
there really is some semblance of these various meats, and that the ‘‘ pork,’’ when salted and 
barrelled, might be readily taken for the flesh of the veritable hog. 

The same gentleman tells me that the leaping powers of the Cachalot are not in the least 
exaggerated, for that he has seen one of these animals spring to such a height out of the 
water, that the horizon could be seen under it, although the spectators were standing on the 
deck of a man-of-war. The Cachalot was about three miles from the ship at the time when it 
made its spring. 

The Spermaceti Whale, when it is in the open sea, lives chiefly on the ‘squids,’ or 
cuttle-fish, which swarm in the ocean, and when it approaches land, feeds on various fish. 
It seems, however, to dislike the propinquity of the shore, and is very seldom taken in 
‘“‘soundings.”’ It is a gregarious animal, being seldom seen alone, but in large herds, technic- 
ally called ‘‘schools,’’ and consisting of several hundred in number. The ‘‘schools’’ are 
generally divided into two bands, the one consisting of young males and the other of females. 
Each band of females is under the command of several large males, who exercise the strictest 
discipline over their harems, and will not permit any intruder to join their society. From 
their office, these leaders are called the school-masters. 

At distant intervals a large, overgrown Cachalot is seen roaming the ocean, apparently 
unconnected with any school. These solitary animals are, however, the ‘“ school-masters,”’ 
which have laid down their authority for a short space of time, and are engaged in search of 
food. These animals generally fall easy victims to the harpooner, as they are very reckless 
in their conduct, and will permit a boat to approach them without much difficulty. Some- 
times when struck they lie still and supine as if they did not feel the keen edge of the har- 
poon, and so afford time to the whalers to use their deadly lances at once instead of dragging 
them for miles over the waves. 

Sometimes, however, a ‘‘ large Whale”’ will become belligerent, and is then a most fearful 
antagonist, using its tail and its huge jaws with equal effect. One of these animals has been 
known to drive its lower jaw entirely through the plankings of a stout whaling boat, and 
another well-known individual destroyed nine boats in rapid succession. This formidable 
animal was at last killed, and in its carcase were found a whole armory of harpoons and spears 
belonging to different ships. Not only boats, but even ships have been sunk by the attacks 
of an infuriated ‘‘old bull”? Cachalot. 

An American ship, the Hssex, was thus destroyed by the vengeful fury of a Cachalot 
which accidentally struck itself against the keel. The irritated animal, evidently thinking 
that the ship was a rival Whale, retired to a short distance and then charged full at the 
vessel, striking it on one side of the bows, and crushing beams and planks like straws. There 
were at the time only a few men on board, the remainder of the crew being in the boats 
engaged in chasing the Whales ; and when the poor men returned to their ship, they found 
her fast sinking, and only reached her in time to secure a scanty stock of provision and 
water. Husbanding these precious supplies to the utmost, they made for the coast of 
Peru, but all perished excepting three, who were almost miraculously rescued as they lay 
senseless in their neglected boat, which was drifting at large in the ocean, unguided by 
human hands. 

Like the Greenland Whale, the Cachalot is an affectionate animal, and though constitu- 
tionally timid to a degree, is yet possessed of sufficient moral courage to come to the rescue of 
its wounded friends. If the harpooner strikes one female of the ‘‘school,’’ her companions 
will not attempt to make their escape, but will swim anxiously round their suffering com- 
panion, and remain in her vicinity until she is killed. Taking advantage of this trait of 
character, the whalers have often contrived, by sending a number of boats simultaneously, to 
secure almost every member of the ‘‘school.’? The young males, however, are far more 
selfish, and when one of them is struck, the others make off as fast as they can swim, leaving 
their wounded companion to shift for himself as he best can. 

The natural timidity of the Cachalot is very remarkable, considering the gigantic size of 
the animal and the formidable array of teeth with which it is armed. Any strange object 


454 THE BLACK-FISH. 


perceived by this creature throws it into a state of excited trepidation, during which time it 
performs several curious antics, and is said by the sailors to be ‘‘ gallied.”” When uneasy, it 
has a strange habit of slowly sweeping its tail from side to side upon the surface of the water, 
as if feeling for the object that excited its terror. 

When thoroughly frightened, and especially when roused to energetic action by the pain- 
ful sting of the harpoon, the Cachalot darts along the surface of the water at an astonishing 
rate, its speed being often from ten to twelve miles per hour. As it proceeds in its rapid 
course, the alternate upward and downward strokes of the tail cause its head to sink and 
emerge alternately, producing that mode of swimming which is technically termed ‘‘head- 
out.’ As the lower part of the head is compressed into a kind of cut-water shape, there is 
less resistance offered to the water than if the creature swam entirely below the surface, as is 
its wont when undisturbed. It is conjectured that the enormous amount of oil and spermaceti 
which exists in the head of the Cachalot may be intended for the purpose of lightening the 
head, and enabling it to lie more easily upon the surface. 

The ‘‘spoutings’’ of the Spermaceti Whale are very peculiar, and can be recognized at a 
distance of several miles. It generally lies still while spouting, but sometimes proceeds gently 
along the surface. Firstly the ‘‘hump”’ becomes perceptible as the animal rises, and at some 
forty or fifty feet distance the snout begins to emerge. From the extremity of the snout is 
ejected a continuous stream of water and vapor, which lasts for about three seconds, and is 
thrown forward at an angle of forty-five degrees. 

The intervals of time between the ‘‘spoutings”’ are as regular as clockwork, and their 
number is always the same in the same individual. The snout sinks under water as each 
spouting is finished, and emerges for the next respiration. Sometimes a Cachalot is alarmed 
before ‘‘ the spoutings are out,’’ and dives below the surface. In such a case, the animal soon 
re-appears in another spot, and completes the number of the respirations. The interval of 
time between the spoutings is ten seconds in the ‘‘old bulls,” and as the animal makes between 
sixty and seventy of these curious respirations, the time which is consumed in oxygenizing the 
blood is ten or eleven minutes. 

Having completed this business, the creature then lowers its head into the water, flings its 
tail in the air, and disappears into the far depths of the ocean, where it remains about an hour 
and ten minutes. The number and force of these ‘“‘spoutings,’’ together with the time which 
is consumed by respiration, and the period of the stay beneath the surface of the water, are 
extremely varied, according to the age, sex, and size of the individual. 

The Spermaceti Whale does not seem to choose any particular portion of the year for the 
production of its young, but is found at all seasons in charge of its offspring. Moreover, 
young Whales, or ‘‘ cubs,’’ are found of all sizes and ages, simultaneously roaming the seas, 
either in company with their parents or turned loose upon the world to shift for themselves. 
There is but a single cub ata birth. The milk of the animal is exceedingly rich and thick, 
as indeed is the case with the milk of all Whales. 

This animal is very widely spread over the world, as it is found in almost every portion of 
the aqueous portions of the globe with the exception of the Polar Seas. Several of these 
creatures have been discovered off our own coasts, and a few have been stranded on the beach. 

Sperm Whales are embraced under the family Catodontide. The head is enormously 
large, forming quite one-third of the bulk of the animal, and is curiously square and box-like 
in the snout. The latter contains the spermaceti, which is dipped out of the top of the head or 
snout when the upper surface is removed. The lower jaw is armed with numerous teeth, which 
fit into depressions in the upper. The pectoral limbs are small, and the dorsal fin is present. 
The blow-holes are situated nearer the extremity of the snout than those of the Right Whales. 

The Sperm Whales are confined to tropical waters. 


Tur BLAcK-FISH has been separated from the genus Catodon, and placed in the genus 
Physeter, together with one or two other Whales, because, although they possess the huge 
truncated head and heavily armed lower jaw of the Cachalots, the spout-holes are removed 
from the extremity of the snout and placed upon the middle of the top of the head. These 


DOLPHINS. 435 


spout-holes are separate, but are covered with a common flap. ‘The pectoral fin is moderate in 
size, being about four feet long, and rather triangular in its form, and the dorsal fin is long 
and slightly sickle-shaped. The head is remarkably large, and probably exceeds in length the 
fourth of the entire bulk. 

This species is of considerable dimensions when adult, as it is known to measure from fifty 
to sixty feet in length. In the lower jaw is a bountiful supply of teeth, white, powerful, and 
conical. These teeth are very variable in number, in different species, varying altogether from 
' twenty-two to forty-four. An equal number of cartilaginous sockets are placed in the upper 
jaw, into which the conical teeth are received when the mouth is closed. The teeth that are 
placed in the middle of the jaw are larger and heavier than those of the front or base. Some 
of these teeth will exceed nine inches in length, and weigh more than eighteen ounces when 
perfectly dried. 

The root of each tooth is hollow in the centre to the depth of several inches, and is so 
deeply buried in the jaw, that the projecting portion of the largest tooth rarely exceeds three 
inches. The teeth range from seven to nine inches in length. These teeth are very white and 
polished, are conical in their shape, tolerably sharp while the animal is young, but become 
blunt as the creature increases in years and dimensions. 

The dimensions of one these animals have been very accurately given by Sibbald. 

In total length it measured between fifty-two and fifty-three feet, its girth at the largest 
part of the body was rather more than thirty-two feet, and as it lay on the ground the height 
of its back was twelve feet. The lower jaw was ten feet in length, and was furnished with 
forty-two teeth, twenty-one on each side. Each tooth was slightly sickle-shaped, and curved 
towards the throat. From the tip of the snout to the eyes was a distance of twelve feet, and 
the upper part of the snout projected nearly five feet beyond the tip of the lower jaw. The 
eyes were remarkably small, about the size of those of the common haddock. As may be 
supposed from the popular name of this animal, the color of its skin is almost uniformly 
black. The throat is larger in proportion than that of other Whales. One of these animals 
was thrown ashore at Nice, in the month of November, 1736. 

When the upper part of the head was opened, it was found to contain spermaceti, which 
lay in a mass of two feet in thickness in the usual locality. The blow-hole is graphically 
termed the ‘‘lum”’ or chimney. 

In concluding this brief history of the Whales, it must be once more remarked, that, in 
spite of the earnest labors of many excellent observers, our knowledge of these wondrous 
creatures is as yet exceedingly rudimentary, and even the genera are not clearly ascertained. 
The native Greenlanders seem to possess a very large amount of information on this subject, 
and are extremely accurate in their knowledge of the various Whales and their habits. It 
has therefore been happily suggested, that succeeding voyagers should take advantage of this 
circumstance, and should use their best endeavors to extract from those illiterate, but very 
practical savages, the knowledge which they really possess. 


THE Do.tputns do not possess the enormous head which characterizes the true whales, 
and have teeth in both jaws, although they are liable to fall out at an early age. The blow- 
holes are united together, so as to form a single lunate opening, which is set transversely on 
the crown of the head. When first born, the young Dolphins are remarkable for their very 
great proportional dimensions, being little less than one-fourth the size of the parent, and 
affording a wonderful contrast,to the marsupials, whose young are of such minute proportions 
when first born. 

From the circumstance that the lower jaws are only furnished with two teeth, the rare 
and curious animal which is represented in the accompanying illustration is sometimes scien- 
tifically termed the Diodon, or two-toothed animal. But as this generic title has already been 
appropriated to the urchin-fishes, the name has been more recently changed into Ziphius. 

In the animals which belong to this genus, the spout-holes are placed upon the top of the 
head, the throat is furnished with two diverging furrows, and the teeth are only two in num- 
ber, rather large in proportion to the skull, slightly curved and compressed, and are situated 


436 THE NARWHALTL. 


in the middle of the lower jaw. The pectoral fins are placed rather low, and their shape is 
oval, tapering towards their extremities. Sowerby’s Ziphius is so called, because that well- 
known naturalist figured and described the animal. His description was founded upon a 
specimen that was cast ashore. The skull of this individual was preserved by Mr. Sowerby 
in his museum, and is so valuable.a specimen that it has been industriously multiplied by 
means of plaster casts, which have been distributed to various scientific institutions. 

The length of the creature was sixteen feet, and its girth at the largest part of the body 
was eleven feet. The head is small, narrow, and pointed, and the lower jaw is longer, blunter, 
and wider than the upper jaw, so that when the mouth is closed, the lower jaw receives the 
upper. In the upper jaw there are two depressions corresponding with the teeth, and permit- 
ting the perfect closing of the mouth. The color of the animal is black on the upper surface 
and gray below, and is remarkable for the pellucid and satin-like character of the skin, which 
reflects the rays of the sun to a considerable distance. The body is marked like watered silk. 
This effect is produced by a vast number of white streaks immediately below the skin, which 
are drawn irregularly over the whole body, and at a little distance appear as if they were made 
by means of some sharp instrument. 

Nothing is known of the habits of this curious animal, which is unknown to science, 
except by means of the specimen above mentioned. 

The Dolphins are represented in our Atlantic waters by the Common Dolphin. Historical 
and classical, this creature has in all ages claimed a good degree of interest and attention from 
the general reader, as well as the poet, the painter, and the savant. Its graceful form has 
long been the ideal of beauty in certain artistic groupings and designs. The characteristic 
prominence on its head, with its prolonged snout, is exaggerated somewhat to produce the 
conventional art-form. This is the true Dolphin of the poet and the painter, although the 
sailor may claim that the fish so called which exhibits most brilliant colors, made changeable 
while dying by certain aspects of the circulation of the blood, is also the true one. The latter 
has somewhat the same outline of head and shoulders, but the former, also, has the elongated 
flexible body, with the elegant forked tail, whose flukes add such grace to the drawings of 
ancient works. Though familiar to the reader by description and illustration, yet the Dolphin 
is seldom seen alive. An excellent opportunity was offered during the winter of 1878 in the 
New York Aquarium. A specimen measuring about seven feet in length was captured in the 
Long Island Sound, and was successfully exhibited alive during several months. 

The Porpoise is the most familiar Cetacean to people living near the sea. It is especially 
a harbor species. Herds of them are often seen rolling, rolling, as they come to the surface to 
breathe. The name is curiously corrupted from the French, porc-poisson, hog-fish literally. 
This species reaches the length of seven feet, though usually it is about four or five. 


THE word NARWHAL is derived from the Gothic, signifying ‘‘ Beaked-whale,’’ and is a 
very appropriate term for the SEA Unicorn, as the animal is popularly entitled. The head 
of the Narwhal is round, and convex in front, the lower jaw being without teeth, and not so 
wide as the upper jaw. From the upper jaw of the Narwhal springs the curious weapon which 
has gained for the animal a world-wide reputation. 

In the upper jaw of the young or the female Narwhal are found two small, hollow tusks, 
imbedded in the bone, which, in the female, are generally undeveloped throughout the whole of 
the animal’s existence, but in the male Narwhal are strangely modified. The right tusk 
remains in its infantine state, excepting that the hollow becomes filled with bony substance ; 
but the left tusk rapidly increases in length, and is developed into a long, spiral, tapering rod 
of ivory, sometimes attaining to the length of eight or ten feet. The tusks are supposed to be 
formed by an excessive growth of the canine teeth, and not of the incisors, as might be sup- 
posed from the position which they occupy in the jaw. 

The use of this singular tusk is very obscure, for if it were intended to serve some very 
important object, such as the procuring of food, it is evident that the females would need its 
aid as much as their companions of the opposite sex, for both sexes feed on the same food, 
and inhabit the same localities, at the same time. A very plausible conjecture has been offered, 


THE NARWHAL. 437 


to the effect, that the ‘‘horn”’ is useful in the light of an auger, with which the animal is 
enabled to bore breathing-holes through the ice-fields, whenever it finds itself in want of air 
beneath those vast frozen plains. But this theory is equally liable to the objection, that the 
females want to breathe as much as the males, and would stand in equal need of so indis- 
pensable an apparatus. ; 

That the ‘‘horn’’ is employed in some definite task, is evident from the fact, that its tip 
is always smooth and polished, however rough and encrusted the remainder of its length 
may be. 

The male Narwhal may perhaps use the tusk as a weapon of war, wherewith to charge his 
adversaries, as a medieval knight was wont to charge with shield on breast and lance in rest ; 
and if that be the case, the weapon is truly a terrible one. This conjecture derives some force 


NARWHAL.— Monodon monoceros. 


from the fact, that a herd of these aquatic spearmen have been seen engaged in sportive 
pastime, crossing their ivory lances, and seeming to fence with them, as the white weapons 
clashed against each other. The play of animals, not to mention mankind, is almost invariably 
founded on the spirit of combativeness, and generally consists in a sham fight; so that the 
Narwhal ‘“‘horn’’ may probably be analogous to the tusks of boars and the horns of deer, and 
be given to the animal as an offensive weapon, wherewith he may wage war with those of his 
own species and sex who arouse his feelings of jealousy, or would interfere with his supremacy. 

The food of the Narwhal consists chiefly of marine mollusks and of occasional fish, but is 
found to be generally composed of the same kind of squid, or cuttle-fish, which supplies the 
gigantic spermaceti whale with subsistence. As the remains of several flat fish have been dis- 
covered in the stomach of the Narwhal, it was supposed by some authors that the animal made 
use of its tusk as a fish-spear, transfixing them as they lay ‘‘sluddering”’ on the mud or sand, 
after their usual fashion, thus preventing their escape from the toothless mouth into which 
the wounded fish are then received. However this may be, the force of the tusk is terrific 
when urged with the impetus of the creature driving through the water at full speed, for the 
whole combined power of the weight and velocity of the animal is directed along the line of 


43 THE NARWHAL. 


the tusk. A Narwhal has been known to encounter a ship, and to drive its tusk through the 
sheathing, and deeply into the timbers. The shock was probably fatal to the assailant, for 
the tooth was snapped by the sudden blow, remaining in the hole which it had made, and 
acting as a plug that effectually prevented the water from gaining admission into the vessel. 

In some rare instances the right tusk has been developed instead of the left, and it is 
supposed that if the developed tooth should be broken, the right tusk becomes vivified, and 
supplies the place of the damaged weapon. One remarkable case is known where both tusks 
were almost equally developed, being rather more than ten inches in length; and another 
example is recorded of a Narwhal which possesses two long tusks, the one being seven feet 
five inches in length, and the other seven feet. These tusks diverge slightly from each other, 
as their tips are thirteen inches asunder, though there is only an interval of two inches 
between their bases. Both these specimens were females. Sometimes the female Narwhal 
possesses a spear like her mate, but this circumstance is probably the effect of age, which in 
so many creatures, such as the domestic fowl, gives to the aged female the characteristics and 
armature of the male. 

As both these double-tusked Narwhals were females, it may be probable that they owed 
their unusual weapons to some peculiarity in their structure, which prevented them from 
becoming mothers, and forced the innate energies to expend themselves in the development 
of tusks instead of the formation of offspring. The tusks of male swine and other animals, 
the horns of male deer, the mane of male lions, and other similar structures, appear to be safety 
valves to the vital energies, which in the one sex are occupied in the continual formation of 
successive offspring, and in the other find an outlet in the development of tooth, horn, and 
hair, according to the character of the animal. In all probability, the health of the animal 
would greatly suffer if the calcareous and other particles which are deposited in the tusk were 
forced to remain in the system instead of being harmlessly removed from it and placed upon 
its exterior. 

The ivory of the Narwhal’s tusk is remarkably good in quality, being hard and solid, 
capable of receiving a high polish, and possessing the property of retaining its beautiful 
whiteness for a very long period, so that a large Narwhal horn is of no inconsiderable com- 
mercial value. 

But in former days, an entire tusk of a Narwhal was considered to possess an inestimable 
value, for it was looked upon as the weapon of the veritable unicorn, reft from his forehead 
in despite of his supernatural strength and superhuman intellect. Setting aside the rarity of 
the thing, it derived a practical value from its presumed capability of disarming all poisons 
of their terrors, and of changing the deadliest draught into a wholesome beverage. 

This antidotal potency was thought to be of vital service to the unicorn, whose residence 
was in the desert, among all kinds of loathsome beasts and poisonous reptiles, whose touch 
was death and whose look was contamination. The springs and pools at which such monsters 
quenched their thirst were saturated with poison by their contact, and would pour a fiery 
death through the veins of any animal that partook of the same water. But the unicorn, by 
dipping the tip of his horn into the pool, neutralized the venom, and rendered the deadly 
waters harmless. This admirable quality of the unicorn-horn was a great recommendation in 
days when the poisoned chalice crept too frequently upon the festive board ; and a king could 
receive no worthier present than a goblet formed from such valuable material. 

Even a few shavings of unicorn-horn were purchased at high prices, and the ready sale 
for such antidotes led to considerable adulteration—a fact which is piteously recorded by an 
old writer, who tells us that ‘‘some wicked persons do make a mingle-mangle thereof, as I 
saw among the Venetians, being as I here say compounded with lime and sope, or perad- 
venture with earth or some stone (which things are apt to make bubbles arise), and after- 
wards sell it for the unicorn’s horn.’? The same writer, however, supplies an easy test, 
whereby the genuine substance may be distinguished from the imposition. ‘‘ For experi- 
ence of the unicorn’s horn to know whether it be right or not; put silk upon a burning 
coal, and upon the silk the aforesaid horn, and if so be that it be true, the silk will not 
be a whit consumed.”’ 


THE BELUGA. 439 


The native Greenlanders hold the Narwhal in high estimation ; for, independeutly of its 
value, it is welcomed on each succeeding year as the harbinger of the Greenland Whale. 

The Narwhal is, however, of the greatest service to the Greenlanders, for its long ivory 
tusk is admirably adapted for the manufacture of various household implements and of 
spear-heads, so that it is the sad fate of many a Narwhal to perish by means of the tooth 
that has been extracted from its near kinsman. It is easily killed, as it possesses no very 
great power of diving, and is soon tired out by means of the inflated buoys which are attached 
to the harpoon, and offer so great a resistance to the water. It seldom descends above two 
hundred fathoms below the surface, and when it again rises is so fatigued that it is readily 
killed by a sharp spear. 

The oil which is extracted from the blubber is very delicate, but is not present in very 
great amount, as the coating of fatty substance is seldom more than three inches in depth. 
About half a ton of oil is obtained from a large specimen. The flesh is much prized by 
the natives, and is not only eaten in its fresh state, but is carefully dried and prepared over 
the fire. 

The color of this animal is almost entirely black upon the upper surface of the body, but 
is slightly varied by streaks and patches of a deeper tint. The sides fade into grayish-white, 
diversified with sundry gray marks, and the under portions of the body are white. The tints 
of the Narwhal are rather variable even in the same individual, which assumes different hues 
at different stages of its existence. There is no fin upon the back of the Narwhal, but its 
place is indicated by a fold or ridge of skin which runs down the centre of the back, and 
in old specimens appears to have been subjected to hard usage. The pectoral fins are very 
small in proportion to the size of the animal, and appear to be of little service to the owner 
except for the purpose of preserving the balance of the body. In the upper jaw there are 
two other teeth beside the tusks, which are concealed in the gum, and are supposed to be false 
molars. 

The Narwhal is a gregarious animal, being seldom seen alone, and generally associating in 
little companies of fifteen or twenty in number. It seems to be gifted with a considerable 
amount of curiosity, as Sowerby mentions that several of these animals pursued the ship from 
some distance, diving below the strange monster and playing near the rudder. It is seldom 
found in southern latitudes, but is seen in great numbers between the seventeenth and eight- 
eenth degree of north latitude. The length of an adult Narwhal is about thirteen feet. 

The Narwhal is unique as a species and common to both hemispheres. Its wonderful 
tusk—one only being developed usually, though instances occur where both are full grown— 
has given it the appellation of Sea Unicorn. It is not easy to comprehend the uses of such 
a weapon. Its great length, though formidable as a means of offense, would seem an obstruc- 
tion in feeding. The ivory of the tusk is regarded of great value. 


THE BELUGA, which is sometimes called the WuirE WHALE on account of the color of its 
skin, is an inhabitant of the higher latitudes, being found in great numbers in Hudson’s Bay 
and Davis’ Straits, and is also known to frequent the northern coasts of Asia and America, 
being especially fond of the mouths of large rivers. 

The head of the Beluga is short and rounded, the forehead being convex, and the lower 
jaw not so wide as the upper. Both jaws of this animal are well supplied with teeth, some of 
which have a tendency to fall out as the animal increases in years, and are generally wanting 
in the jaws of those specimens which are captured. The dorsal fin is absent, and the pectorals 
are tolerably large, thick, powerful, and rounded. The thick and powerful tail is bent under 
the body while the animal is swimming, and is used with such singular strength that the 
creature shoots forward with arrowy speed, whenever it is alarmed or excited. 

The color of this animal is generally a cream-white, but in some specimens the cream tint 
is dashed with red, and becomes a pale orange. When young, the Beluga is marked with 
brown spots, the general hue of the body being a slaty gray. The average length of an 
adult male is about eighteen or twenty feet. The eye of this animal is hardly larger 
than that of man, and the iris is blue. The food of the Beluga consists chiefly of marine 


440 THE BELUGA. 


fish, such as cod, haddocks, and flounders, which are easily caught by these active and vora- 
cious animals. 

On account of their speed and agility, the whalers seldom attempt their capture, although 
their boldness is so great as to induce them to follow the boats in considerable numbers, and 
to play all kinds of antics within easy reach of a harpoon. As, however, they are so swift 
and agile as to elude the barbed steel, or to shake it from its hold if it should happen to strike 
them, the harpooner seldom runs the risk of losing time and patience in the chase of such a 
creature. Moreover, even were the animal fairly struck and secured, the blubber is not of 

‘ sufficient value to repay the crew for their expenditure of time, labor, and personal risk. 


BELUGA.—Beluga leucas. 


The oil that is furnished by the Beluga is of very good quality, although small in quan- 
tity, and is sufficiently valuable to lead to the establishment of regular Beluga hunts in the 
great rivers of Northern America, which they ascend for some distance in search of prey. 

These hunts are often very successful, and furnish a large supply of oil and skin. As 
soon as a Beluga is seen in the river or inlet, its retreat is cut off by strong nets laid from 
bank to bank. A number of boats then start in chase of the animal, while others are stationed 
along the line of nets, and manned with well-armed crews. When alarmed by the boats, the 
Beluga makes for the sea, but is interrupted by the nets, which bar its further progress sea- 
wards, and soon falls a victim to the bullets, spears, and other missiles which are rained upon 
it by its assailants. Sometimes the harpoon and rope are employed in this chase, and small 
specimens are occasionally taken by means of hooks baited with fish. Those Belugas which 
are taken in the St. Lawrence are seldom more than fifteen feet in length. 

The skin of the Beluga is subjected to the process of tanning, and can be made into a 
peculiarly strong though soft leather, which is said to be able to resist an ordinary musket- 
ball. The flesh is held in some estimation, and is said to bear some resemblance to beef. Its 
oily flavor, however, which cannot easily be destroyed, would render it unpalatable to our 
palates. When prepared with vinegar and salt, it is thought to be equal to the best pork. 
The fins and tail are considered as the best portions. 

It is a migrating animal, visiting the western coasts of Greenland at regular intervals, 


THE PORPOISE. 441 


reaching that locality about the end of November. It swims in large herds, and is of exceed- 
ing value to the natives, who not only eat its flesh, and burn and drink its oil, but employ the 
sinews for thread, which may be made of any degree of fineness by splitting the tendons, and 
use the delicate internal membranes for windows to their huts. The coming of the Beluga is 
anxiously expected by the Greenlanders, as their provisions generally run short about the end 
of November, and are replenished by the flesh of their welcome visitor. 

The Beluga, or White Whale, is closely allied to the above. This cetacean, in an adult, is 
about twelve feet in length. The color is a uniform creamy white. Its habitat is the region of 
the St. Lawrence River, where shoals of them even push into the fresh water. It is captured 
for its oil. Specimens ten feet in length have been transported to New York, where they have 
been kept in the great tanks of the Aquarium. Indeed, one was successfully taken to England, 
and lived long enough to give some opportunity to witness a living whale in confinement. This 
specimen was quite amenable to domestication—feeding from its keeper’s hands, ete. 


PORPOISE.—Phocaena communis. 


Most familiar of all the Dolphin fraternity is the well-known PorpoisE, or SEA Hoe, an 
animal which may be seen on any of our coasts, tumbling about on the waves, and executing 
various gambols in the exuberance of its sportive feelings. 

Before steamboats came into general use, the Porpoises were constant attendants on the 
packet and passenger boats, sometimes pursuing the vessels from sheer curiosity, and at other 
times following in their wake in hopes of picking up the garbage that might be thrown over- 
board. In the present day, however, the Porpoises are so frightened at the paddles and screws, 
that they remain at a respectful distance from the boats, content themselves with keeping pace 
with the vessels for a course of some miles, and then drop astern to rejoin their companions. 

The Porpoise is a very gregarious animal, herding together in large shoals, and sometimes 
swimming in ‘‘ Indian file’”’ as they shoot over the surface of the sea ; just showing their black 
and glossy backs above the water, and keeping such excellent line that they seem to be 
animated by one spirit and one will. 

As might be presumed from the formidable array of sharp teeth with which the jaws are 
studded, and which are so arranged that the upper and lower sets interlock when the animal 
closes its mouth, the food of the Porpoise consists entirely of animal substances, and almost 
wholly of fish, which it consumes in large quantities, much to the disgust of human fishermen. 
Herrings, pilchards, sprats, and other salable fish, are in great favor with the Porpoise, which 


449 THE PORPOISE. 


pursues its finny prey to the very shores, and, driving among the vast shoals in which these 
fish congregate, destroys enormous quantities of them. The fish are conscious of the presence 
of their destroyer, and flee before it in terror, often flinging themselves into the certain death 
of nets or shallow water in their hope to escape from the devouring jaws of the Porpoise. 
Even salmon and such large fish fall frequent victims to their pursuer, which twists, turns, and 
leaps with such continuous agility that it is more than a match for its swift and nimble prey. 
Not even the marvellous leaping powers of the salmon are sufficient to save them from the 
voracious Porpoise, which is not to be baffled by any such impotent devices. 

The Porpoise seems to keep closely to the coasts, and is seldom seen in mid-ocean. It 
appears to be a migratory animal, as the season of its disappearance from one locality generally 
coincides with its arrival on some other coast. It is very widely spread, appearing to inhabit 
with equal security the warm waters of the Mediterranean, the cool seas of our own coasts, cr 
the icy regions of the high latitudes. 

Many of these animals have been found in our rivers, which they have evidently ascended 
with the idea of varying their diet by a few meals on fresh-water tish. The combined influences 
of steamboats and sewerage afford a most effectual barrier to the presence in our rivers of any 
animal which could in any way remain in the sweet waters of the open sea. It is, nevertheless, 
seldom that a year passes away without several notices in local newspapers of Porpoises which 
have been seen or captured in fresh water. 

The length of a full-grown Porpoise is extremely variable, the average being from six to 

eight feet. In this animal the very great size of the new-born young is very remarkable. A 
mother-Porpoise and her new-born offspring were taken in the Frith of Forth in 1838. The 
length of the mother was four feet eight inches, and her girth two feet ten inches; while the 
length of her offspring was two feet ten inches, and its girth sixteen inches. On the nose of 
the young Porpoise there are always two thick bristles, which fall out as the creature advances 
in age, and cause two depressions, which have erroneously been taken for nostrils. The color 
of the Porpoise is a blue-black on the upper surface of the body, and a bright silvery white 
below ; so that when the animal executes one of its favorite gyrations the contrasting tints 
produce a strange effect as they rapidly succeed each other. The iris of the eye is yellowish. 

The word Porpoise is corrupted from the French term ‘‘ Pore-poisson,”’ 7. ¢., Hog-fish, and 
bears the same signification as its German name, ‘‘ Meerschwein.”’ 

When the skin of a Porpoise is removed from the body, a layer of white fat is seen lying 
upon the flesh, about an inch in depth. This fatty layer melts into oil when subjected to the 
action of heat, and is very fine and delicate in its quality. In common with the oil of other of 
the Porpoises, it contains a peculiar volatile acid, which can be separated from the fat by 
chemical agency, and is termed phocenine. The odor of this substance is very powerful, and 
its taste is acrid and aromatic. It does not congeal even when its temperature is lowered to 
fourteen degrees above zero, and its boiling-point is higher than that of water. 

The skin of the Porpoise is well suited for tanning, and can be manufactured into valuable 
leather. As it is naturally too thick and heavy for this process, it is planed down until it 
becomes partially transparent, and is then employed for covering carriages, as well as for some 
articles of apparel. 

In former times the flesh of the Porpoise was valued very highly, and was looked upon as 
a regal dish, being cooked with bread-crumbs and vinegar. Before it is dressed it is very 
unpleasing to the eye, being dark-colored, coarse-looking, and evidently too full of blood ; and 
its flavor when cooked is said to be coarse and unpleasant. As the Porpoise was convention- 
ally considered as a fish, in common with the otter, seal, and certain sea-fowl, by the ecclesias- 
tical rulers of the land, its flesh was a great boon to those who cared not for a fish diet on the 
multiplied meagre days which studded the calendar, and at the same time were too reverential 
towards their ecclesiastical superiors to eat that which was openly considered as butchers’ 
meat. 

On examining the jaws of a Porpoise, we find them to be closely set with rather long, 
sharp, compressed, and formidable teeth, variable in number, but always multitudinous. 
There are seldom less than eighty teeth in a Porpoise’s mouth, and in the jaws of the female 


THE GRAMPUS. 445 


specimen which has already been mentioned there were no less than one hundred and two teeth, 
twenty-six on each side of the upper jaw, and twenty-five on each side of the lower. In these 
animals there is no perceptible distinction between the teeth ; incisors, canines, and molars 
being all alike. 


THE head of the GRAMPUS is more rounded than that of the porpoise, and its forehead is 
move convex. There are several species of Delphinidz which are called by the name of Gram- 
pus, the best known of which is the ordinary or common Grampus. 

It is a decidedly large animal, an adult specimen measuring from twenty to thirty feet in 
length, and from ten to twelve in girth. The teeth are not nearly so numerous as in the por- 
poise, being only forty-four in total number, eleven at each side of each jaw. In shape they 


GRAMPUS.— Orca gladiator. 


are somewhat conical, strongly made, and slightly curved. The color of the Grampus is black 
on the upper part of the body, suddenly changing into white on the abdomen and part of the 
sides. There is generally a white patch of considerable size immediately above and rather 
behind the eyelid. 

The name Grampus appears to be a corruption of the French word ‘‘ Grand-poisson,’’ just 
as porpoise is a transmuted form of ‘‘ pore-poisson.”’ : 

Although it sometimes wanders into more southern regions, its favored home is in the 
northern seas that wash the coasts of Greenland and Spitzbergen, where it congregates in 
small herds. It is a very wolf in its constant hunger, and commits great havoc among the 
larger fish, such as the cod, the skate, and the halibut, caring little for the smaller fry. 
At times it is said to make systematic attacks on seals, by startling them from their slumber 
as they lie sunning themselves on the rocks or ice, and seizing them as the half-sleeping 
animals plunge instinctively into the sea. Even the smaller porpoises and dolphins fall victims 
to the insatiable appetite of the Grampus, as has been proved by the discovery of their 
remains in the dissected stomach of one of these animals. 

It is said that the Grampuses are fond of amusing themselves by mobbing the Greenland 
whale, just as the little birds mob owls when they venture forth in the daytime, and that they 
persecute it by leaping out of the water and striking it sharply with their tails as they descend. 
In consequence it has been called by the name of Thresher, or Killer. The sword-fish is 
reported to join the Thresher in this amusement, and to prevent the whale from diving by 


444 THE DOLPHIN. 


attacking it from below. Whatever credence may be given to the latter part of the story, the 
former is certainly true, and is corroborated by Captain Scott, who tells me that he has often 
seen the Thresher engaged in this strange amusement, springing high out of the water, and 
delivering the most terrific blows with its tail on the object of its pursuit. For the co-opera- 
tion of the sword-fish he does not vouch, but has remarked that the whale does not seek refuge 
in the ocean depths when thus persecuted, but makes short and hurried attempts to dive, 
seeming to be prevented from making its escape by some allied force beneath. 


Apart from the marvellous tales which were once rife concerning the beauty and aecom- 
plishments of the DoLputry, the animal is well worthy of notice, and needs no aid of fictitious 
narrative to enhance its value in the eyes of the naturalist or the observer. 

The Dolphin is remarkable for the enormous number of teeth which stud its mouth, no 
less than forty-seven being found on each side of both jaws, the full complement being one 


SSS 


hundred and ninety. In the head of one specimen were found fifty teeth on each side of each 
jaw, making a complement of two hundred in all. Between the teeth there is a space equal 
to the width of a single tooth, so that when the animal closes its mouth the teeth of both jaws 
interlock perfectly. All the teeth are sharply pointed and flattened, and slightly curved 
backward, so that the entire apparatus is wonderfully adapted for the retention of the slippery 
marine creatures on which the Dolphin feeds. Fish of various kinds form the usual diet of 
the Dolphin, which especially delights in the flat fishes of our coasts, and often prowls about 
the shoals of herrings and pilchards that periodically reach our shores. 

The Dolphin is not a very large animal, measuring, when full grown, from six to ten feet 
in length, seven feet being the usual average. Its color is black upon the back, and silvery- 
white on the abdomen, while the flanks are grayish-white. There is a peculiar satin-like sheen 
upon the skin when the animal is submerged beneath the water or freshly removed from the 
sea, but which rapidly disappears as the skin becomes dry. The beautiful colors which have 
been said to play about the body of a dying Dolphin are not entirely mythical, but belong 
rightly to one of the fishes, the coryphene, or dorado, which is popularly called the Dolphin 
by sailors. 

The eyes of the Dolphin are small, and are supplied with eyelids; the pupil of the eye is 
heart-shaped. The ears have but a very minute external aperture, barely admitting an ordi- 
nary pin, so that its sense of hearing appears to be very limited. 


BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHIN. 445 


In former days the flesh of the Dolphin was thought to be a very great luxury, so great, 
indeed, that a Dolphin was considered as a noble present to be made to the Duke of Norfolk 
by Dr. Caius, the well-known founder of the college bearing his name. As the Dolphin, in 
common with the porpoise and all the cetaceans, was considered as belonging to the fishes, 
its flesh was a permitted diet upon maigre days, when all flesh meat was rigidly forbidden by 
ecclesiastic prohibition, and was served to table with a sauce composed of bread-crumbs, vine- 
gar, and sugar. Now-a-days, however, the flesh of the Dolphin has fallen entirely into 
disrepute as an article of diet, and is not to be restored to its former station even by the force 
of prelatical discipline. 

It is a lively and playful animal, and being remarkably active in its native element, is 
fond of gambolling among the waves, and engaging in various sports with its companions. 
Being of a very gregarious nature, it is seldom seen alone, but prefers to associate in little 
flocks or herds, and is in the habit of accompanying ships for considerable distances, hovering 
about the vessel and executing various strange manceuvres. Sometimes it falls a victim to its 
curiosity, and when paying too close a visit to the vessel is struck with the ‘‘grains,”’ or 
barbed trident, which is kept on board in readiness for such an occasion, and is hauled strug- 
gling on deck, where it is soon deprived of life. 

The formation of the Dolphin’s brain is of such a nature that it indicates great intelligence 
on the part of its possessor, and goes far towards confirming some of the current reports on 
this subject. It is said that Dolphins have been tamed and taught to feed from the hand of 
their instructor, beside performing sundry feats at his bidding. That the seals are eminently 
capable of instruction is a well-known fact, and it is probable that the Dolphins may not be 
less endowed with intellectual powers. 

From the peculiar shape of the snout and jaws, which are rather flattened and consider- 
ably elongated, the animal has derived its French titles of ‘‘ Bec d’Oie”’ and ‘‘Oie de Mer,”’ 
z.e. Goose-beak, or Sea-goose. The forehead is rather rounded, and descends suddenly towards 
the base of the ‘‘beak.” The ‘‘beak”’’ itself is about six inches in length in a moderately 
sized specimen, and is separated from the forehead by a small but distinct ridge. The Dol- 

-phin only produces a single young one at a time, and nurses her offspring with exceeding 
tenderness and assiduity. 

The common Dolphin is found in the European seas, and in the Atlantic and the Medi- 
terranean, and may possibly have a still wider range. There are Dolphins to be found near 
the coasts of Africa and America, but whether they belong to the same species as the common 
Dolphin is at present a mooted point. 


In the BoTrLe-NosED DoLPuHIN there is not such an extraordinary array of teeth as in the 
preceding animal, their maximum number being one hundred, and their average about eighty- 
five. The average length of this animal is between seven and eight feet, although specimens 
have been taken which measured between ten and eleven feet in length. 

The color of the Bottle-nosed Dolphin is rather different from that of the common Dolphin. 
Its back is not of the same jetty hue, but is deeply tinged with purplé, its flanks are dusky, 
and the under portions are grayish-white, and do not glisten with the pure silvery-white of the 
ordinary Dolphin of our coasts. 

Although it is a rare animal, it has more than once been captured. Two Bottle-nosed 
Dolphins, a mother and her young one, were caught upon the sea-coast, where they had been 
seen for several days haunting the neighborhood. The first of these specimens was captured 
when it had ascended the river about five miles, and was so powerful and active that it did not 
resign its life until it had fought for a space of four hours against eight men armed with spears 
and guns, and assisted by dogs. While struggling with its foes it bellowed loudly, making a 
sound like that of an enraged bull. This individual was more than eleven feet in length. 

In many instances the teeth of the Bottle-nosed Dolphin are extremely blunt, a circum- 
stance which was once thought to be peculiar to the species. Mr. Bell, however, proves to the 
contrary by the fact of possessing two skulls of Bottle-nosed Dolphins, in which the teeth are 
of the usual length, and as sharp as in the ordinary Dolphin. When the teeth are thus worn 


446 THE SOOSOO. 


down, the creature is unable to interlock them rightly, as the narrow portion of the teeth has 
been ground down, and the interstices are too narrow to receive the wide stumps. The name 
of Blunt-toothed Dolphin has been given to this animal on account of the supposed normal 
shape of the teeth. The lower jaw of this species projects rather beyond the upper. 


BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHIN.—Delphinus turs.o. 


THERE is a curious animal belonging to this family, which inhabits the Ganges, and is 
known by the name of the Soosoo. 


S00S800.—Platanista gangetica. 


It is remarkable for the curious shape of its ‘‘ beak,’’ which is long, slender, compressed at 
the sides, and is larger at the extremity than in the middle. The number of its teeth is about 
one hundred and twenty. It is a swift and powerful, but at the same time a sluggish animal, 
appearing to partake largely of the curious mixture of sloth and energy which is found in the 
huge lizards that frequent the same river, and never caring to exert itself except in chase of its 


THE MANATEE. 447 


prey. Its color is grayish-black upon the back, and white on the abdomen. The eye is wonder- 
fully small, being only one-eighth of an inch in diameter in a Soosoo which measures four or 
five feet in length. There is no dorsal fin, its place being indicated by a small projection. 


S TRUER. Ne ITA: 


MANATEES AND DUGONGS. 


THE small but singular group of animals that are classed together under the title of the 
SIRENIA, are so formed that anatomists have had much difficulty in deciding upon their proper 
position in the animal kingdom. Many parts of their structure exhibit so strong an affinity to 


MANATEE.—Wanatus americanus. 


the pachydermata, or thick-skinned mammalia, that they have been placed next to the 
elephants by some zoologists, while their fish-like form and aquatic habits have induced other 
writers to place them in the position which they now occupy in the British Museum. They 
feed chiefly on vegetable substances, and find the greater part of their subsistence in the thick 
herbage that edges the waters where they reside. Their nostrils are placed at the extremity of 
the muzzle, as is the case with most mammalia, and they are never employed as blow-holes, 
after the manner of the cetaceans. : 


¢ Tur MANATEE, or LAMANTINE, is a very strange-looking creature, appearing like a curious 
mixture of several dissimilar animals, the seal and hippopotamus being predominant. 

There are several species of Manatee, two of which are found in America and one in Africa, 
but always on those shores which are washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The com- 
mon Manatee is generally about nine or ten feet in length, and is remarkable for the thick 
fleshy disc which terminates the muzzle, and in which the nostrils are placed. It is found in 
some plenty at the mouths of sundry large rivers, such as the Orinoko or the Amazon, and 
feeds upon the algze and other herbage which grows so plentifully in those regions. By some 


448 ; THE DUGONG. 


writers the animal is said to leave the water entirely, and to search for its food upon the land, 
but this assertion is now ascertained to be incorrect. It is, however, in the habit of crawling 
partly out of the water, and has a strange custom of elevating its head and shoulders above the 
surface in such a manner that it bears some resemblance to a human being. 

The flesh of this animal is said to be well flavored, and as the Manatee is ecclesiastically 
reckoned as a fish, together with the whales, seals, and other water-loving creatures, it is 
permitted as a lawful article of diet on fasting days. When properly salted and preserved by 
drying in the sun, the flesh of this animal will remain sweet for a whole year. The skin of the 
Manatee is in great request for the formation of sundry leathern articles in which great strength 
is required, and the oil which is extracted from its fat is of excellent quality, and is free from 
the unpleasant rancid odor which characterizes so many animal oils. 

So valuable an animal is subject to great persecution on the part of the natives, who dis- 
play great activity, skill, and courage in the pursuit of their amphibious quarry. The skin 
of the Manatee is so thick and strong that the wretched steel of which their weapons are com- 
posed is quite unable to penetrate the tough hide. Nothing is so effectual a weapon for this 
service as a common three-cornered file, which is fastened to a spear-shaft, and pierces through 
the tough hide with the greatest ease. The skin of the Manatee is so thick that it can be cut 
into strips like the too-celebrated ‘‘cow-hide”’ of America, which is manufactured from the 
skin of the hippopotamus. Before being dressed, the hide of the, Manatee is thinly covered 
with rather stiff bristles. 

The Manatee (Manatus americanus) is quite limited in its habitat. In North America, 
Tampa Bay, in Florida, is one of the few localities inhabited by it. Formerly it was very 
abundant in the creeks and inlets of Florida. The Seminole Indians hunted it largely ; and it 
is probable that it will soon become extinct. One characteristic of this creature is its herbivor- 
ous nature ; its teeth being of the nature of grinders. The front teeth are not developed, but 
instead there are cartilaginous pads, which are something like those of the upper jaw of 
ruminants, serving the same purpose, to nip the tender plants of the shallow water. 

A specimen was kept at the Central Park Menagerie several months, where ample oppor- 
tunity was offered to study the habits of this rare and strange animal. Perhaps no other. 
creature is so completely uncouth and unattractive. Its general aspect is much like that of a 
gigantic mole. 

The extinct form Rytina has lately been made somewhat more familiar to science by means 
of a large number of bones sent from Behring’s Strait to the Smithsonian Institution. The 
collection was sufficiently diversified to allow of several perfect skeletons being put together. 


THE DuGone may easily be distinguished from the manatee by the formation of the tail, 
which in the latter animal is rounded, but in the former is forked. These animals are found 
on the eastern coast of Africa and on the shores of the Indian Ocean. 

In Ceylon the Dugong is exceedingly plentiful, and it also inhabits the northern coasts of 
Australia, where it is assiduously chased by the natives. The name of Sirenia, which is given 
to this group of animals, is chiefly owing to the peculiar form and habits of the Dugong, 
which has a curious custom of swimming with its head and neck above the surface of the 
water, so that it bears some grotesque resemblance to the human form, and might have given 
rise to the poetical tales of mermaids and sirens which have prevailed in the literature of all 
ages and countries. When the female Dugong is nursing her child, she carries it in one arm, 
and takes care to keep the head of her offspring, as well as her own, above the surface of the 
water, and thus presents a strangely human aspect. If alarmed, she immediately dives below 
the waves, and flinging her fish-like tail into the air, corresponds in no inadequate degree with 
the popular notions of mermaid form. 

The usual haunts of the Dugong are at the mouth of rivers or similar spots, where the 
subaqueous alge grow in greatest profusion, and it never seems to be found where water is 
more than three or four fathoms in depth. It is not so good a diver as the seals, not being 
furnished with the peculiar blood-reservoirs which enable those animals to survive beneath the 
water for so great a length of time ; and it is therefore unable to seek its food except in shallow 


THE RYTINA. 449 


waters. Whole herds of these animals may be seen sporting near the shores, diving at intervals 
to procure food, and rising again in order to breathe. They are most affectionate creatures, 
and if one of a pair be captured, the other falls an easy prey to the pursuers, as it refuses to 
leave the fatal spot, and will rather suffer itself to be killed than forsake even the dead body 
of its late partner. 

There are several species of Dugong, which are all very similar in habits, although they 
vary in size. One species has been known to attain to the length of twenty-six feet. The skull 
of these animals is very singularly formed, the upper jaw being bent downward over the lower 
jaw, and terminated by two large incisor teeth. It is supposed that the object of this structure 
is to assist the animal in gathering together and dragging up by the roots the algee and other 
subaqueous vegetation on which it feeds. 

The skin of the Dugong is capable of being manufactured into various useful articles, and 
the flesh is in some repute, being said to bear close resemblance to veal. 


———————SSS —————— 


DUGONG—Halicore dugong. 


A THIRD genus of these herbivorous cetaceans is the Rytrna, which is supposed to be now 
extinct, the last known specimen having been killed in 1768, only twenty-seven years after the 
creatures were discovered. 

The Rytina possessed no true teeth, and masticated its food by means of two bony plates, 
one of which was attached to the front of the palate, and the other to the lower jaw. It was a 
large animal, measuring about twenty-five feet in length, and nearly twenty feet in circum- 
ference. The Rytina was discovered in the year 1741 on an island in Behring’s Strait ; and 
as the animals were large, heavy, and unarmed, they were most valuable in affording food to 
the unfortunate sailors who were shipwrecked upon that island, and were forced to abide 
there for the space of ten months. When the islands were visited by ships in search of sea- 
otters, which abounded in that locality, the crews found the Rytinas to be so valuable and so 
easy a prey that the entire race was extirpated in a few years. 

The only account of the Rytina is that which was furnished by Steller, one of the ship- 
wrecked party, who, undaunted by the terrible privations which he was forced to undergo, 
wrote an admirable description of the animal, which was afterwards published in St. Petersburg. 


RODENTIA; 
OR GNAWING ANIMALS. 


HE Ropents, or gnawing animals, derive their name from the peculiar structure 
of their teeth, which are specially fitted for gnawing their way through hard sub- 
stances. The jaws of the Rodents are heavily made, and very large in propor- 
tion to the head, their size being not only needful for the support of the 
enawing teeth, but for their continual development. There are no canines, but 
a wide gap exists between the incisors and the molars, which are nearly flat 
on their surfaces, and are well suited for grinding the soft substances on which 

these animals feed. 

The structure of the chisel-edged incisor teeth is very wonderful, and may be easily under- 
stood by inspecting the teeth of a rat, mouse, hare, or rabbit. 

As their teeth are continually worn out by the severe friction which they undergo, there 
must needs be some provision for renewing their substance, or the creature would soon die of 
starvation. In order to obviate this calamity, the base of the incisor teeth pass deeply into the 
jaw-bone, where they are continually nourished by a kind of pulpy substance from which 
the tooth is formed, and which adds fresh material in proportion to the daily waste. Some- 
times it happens that one of the incisor teeth is broken or injured by some accident, so that it 
offers no resistance to its corresponding tooth in the opposite jaw. The result of such an 
accident is very sad to the sufferer, and is not unfrequently fatal in its termination. For the 
unopposed tooth, being continually increased by fresh substance from behind, is gradually 
pushed forward until it attains an enormous length, having sometimes been known to form a 
complete circle. Examples of these malformed teeth are of tolerably frequent occurrence, and 
specimens may be seen in almost every museum of comparative anatomy. 

Something more is needed for the well-being of the animal than the mere growth of its 
teeth ; for unless their chisel-like edges were continually kept sharp, they would be of little 
use for cutting their way through the hard substances which the Rodents are in the habit of 
enawing. This result is attained as follows: 

The enamel which covers the front face of the incisor teeth is much harder than that 
which is laid upon the remaining surfaces, while the dentine which makes up the solid 
mass of each tooth is also harder in front than behind. It is evident that when these 
teeth are employed in their usual task, the softer enamel and dentine are worn away very much 
more rapidly than the remainder of the teeth, so that the peculiar chisel edge of the teeth 
is continually preserved. Following—perhaps unconsciously—the structure of these teeth, 
our cutlers have long been accustomed to make their axes on the same principle, a thin 
plate of steel being inclosed within two thick plates of iron, so that when the axe is used 
upon timber, the iron is continually worn away, leaving the plate of steel to project, and form 
a sharp cutting edge. f 

In many species of Rodents, the front faces of the incisor teeth are tinted with a light 
orange red, or a reddish-brown, by means of a very thin layer of colored enamel. In order to 
enable these teeth to perform their office rightly, the lower jaw is jointed so as to slide back- 
wards and forwards. 

The Rodent animals are widely spread over the entire globe, and are very numerous, 
comprising nearly one-third of the mammalia. 

The magnificent work on ‘“‘The North American Rodents,”? by Dr. Coues and J. A. Allen, 


THE BROWN RAT. 451 


published in Hayden’s Geological Reports, 1877, furnishes a vast amount of valuable matter 
on the subject. 

Members of this order belong to all portions of the globe, and are particularly abundant 
in America, where there are said to be as many as are known to all parts of the world. The 
order contains more species than any other class of mammals, between eight and nine hundred 
being known, and they are very evenly distributed. In South America there are more than in 
the northern half of the New World; but the great number of species included in the one 
genus, Hesperomys, cause this preponderance. 

There are no indigenous Rodents common to both Europe and America, excepting the 
beaver, which is regarded by some as the same in both countries. The Musk Rat and a species 
of Spermophilus are said to occur in Kamtschatka ; in this event these would hold as excep- 
tions. There are no South American species in North America, but a close relationship exists 
between the genera. Wallace gives the following, as regard the family of Rodents, and number 
of genera and species. Murida@, the Mouse family, has thirty-seven genera, and three hundred 


si 


DN 


BLACK RAT.—Mus rattus. BROWN RAT.—Mus decumunus. 


and thirty species. The true Mouse (the species common to our houses), he records as not 
found indigenous in North nor South America, nor the three insular groups belonging to the 
Australian region, but it is indigenous in the remaining portions of the globe very widely. 
Hesperomys represents it in the New World—eighty or more species are enumerated. The 
Pocket Mouse family, (Saccomyida) has six genera and thirty-three species, all in North 
America. The Beaver family (Castorid@) has one genus and two species, in America and 
Europe. The Squirrels (Sciwrid@) have eight genera and nearly two hundred species. 
These are largely from North America, and Europe and Asia. They are not found in the 
West Indies, in Australia, and in South America as far north as Paraguay. 


Few animals are so well known or so thoroughly detested as the common Brown Rat, or 
Norway Rat, as it is sometimes erroneously called. 

It has spread itself over almost every portion of the globe, taking passages in almost every 
ship that traverses the ocean, and landing on almost every shore which the vessel may touch. 
Wherever they set their feet, the Brown Rats take up their abode; and, being singularly pro- 
lific animals, soon establish themselves in perpetuity. They are marvellous exterminators of 


452 THE VORACITY OF THE BROWN RAT, 


other ‘‘ vermin,’ and permit none but themselves to be in possession of the domain which they 
have chosen. It is a well-known fact that they have driven away the black Rat, and estab- 
lished themselves in its place with wonderful rapidity, having been accidentally brought to 
England by some vessel in which they had embarked, and found the climate to suit them as 
a permanent residence. Some of these animals were purposely introduced into Jamaica, in 
order to extirpate the plantation Rats, which did such damage to the growing crops. They 
soon drove away the original ‘‘ vermin ;”’ but like the Saxons when invited to help the Britons, 
or like the man who was requested to aid the horse against the stag, were found to be more 
dangerous foes than the enemy whom they had overcome. 

The Brown Rat is well fitted for its exterminating mission, as it is a fierce and dangerous 
animal, and can inflict very painful wounds with its long incisor teeth. An unarmed man 
would be quite impotent against the attacks of even a small party of old sewer Rats, while a 
large body of these animals would make but short work of any man, however well he might be 
armed. There is a wonderful power of combination in the Brown Rat, which enables it to act 
in concert with its companions, and renders it a truly formidable animal when it chooses to 
make a combined attack upon man or beast. A number of these animals have been known 
to attack a cat, and inflict such grievous injuries that the poor creature had to be killed as 
soon as its evil plight was discovered by its owner. Even a single Rat is no despicable antag- 
onist, and, according to the observations of practical men, could beat off a ferret in fair fight, 
and would foil any but a properly trained dog. 

It is an exceedingly voracious animal, eating all kinds of strange food, and not sparing its 
own species in times of scarcity. Like the wolves, the Rats will always fall upon and devour 
one of their companions if it should chance to be wounded, and excite their carnivorous 
passions by the sight and smell of flowing blood. Ifa Rat should be caught by a foot or a leg 
in a steel trap, its former companions will often fly upon the poor captive and tear it to 
pieces, instead of endeavoring to effect its release. As in such instances the imprisoned limb 
is left in the teeth of the trap, it has been erroneously supposed that the Rat had severed its 
own limb in order to set itself free. 

From some strange cause, the male Rats far outnumber the females, the proportion being 
about eight of the former to three or four of the latter. This disproportion of the sexes may 
possibly be caused by the cannibalistic habits of the Rat, the flesh of the female being more 
tender than that of the opposite sex. Whatever may be the cause, it is clear that the wider 
increase of these creatures is greatly checked by the comparative paucity of females. 

There is scarcely a greater plague to the farmer, butcher, sailor, provision merchant, or 
poultry keeper than the Rat, whose mingled craft, daring, and perpetual hunger require the 
greatest watchfulness and the most elaborate precaution. The havoc which an army of Rats 
will make among the corn-ricks is almost incredible, while they carry on their depredation 
with so much secrecy that an unpractised eye would think the stacks to be sound and 
unharmed. Fortunately they can easily be dislodged from any rick by taking it down, and 
replacing it on proper ‘‘staddles,”’ taking great care that no stray weeds or branches afford 
a foothold to these persevering marauders. While the rick is being rebuilt, no particular care 
need be taken to shake the Rats out of the sheaves, for, as they are thirsty animals, they will 
be forced to leap from the stack in search of water, and then will not be able to return. 

Mice can subsist in a stack by means of the rain and dew which moistens the thatch, and 
may be often seen licking the straws in order to quench their thirst. But the Rats are less 
tolerant of thirst, and are forced to evacuate their premises. When mice and Rats are found 
inhabiting the same stack, the former animals reside in the upper parts and the Rats in the 
lower. 

Poultry of all kinds suffer sadly from these carnivorous creatures, which have a custom of 
invading the hen-roosts by night, and making prey of the fowls as they sit quietly sleeping on 
their perches. Birds are always indisposed to move during the hours of darkness, so that the 
cunning rodent finds no difficulty in carrying out its destructive intentions. Rabbit-fanciers 
have great cause to be indignant with the Rat, for when it once gains access to the hutches, 
the safety of the entire stock is in imminent danger. The only way to secure the survivors is 


INSTINCT OF THE BROWN RAT. 453 


to remove them at once to some spot which is made Rat-proof. Much of the damage which is 
done by Rats is laid upon innocent shoulders, the fox and the weasel being the ordinary 
scape-goats. 

The audacity of these animals is really wonderful, especially when they have enjoyed an 
unmolested life. They have been known to enter a stable and nibble the horn away from the 
horses’ hoofs, or to creep among dogs as they lay sleeping, and gnaw the callous soles of their 
feet. They have even been known to attack sleeping infants, and to inflict fearful damage 
before they were detected in their crime. Butchers in our large cities execrate the Rats very 
sincerely, as they are forced to remove every joint of meat as soon as their business is over 
for the day, and hang it up in some place which is so well protected that not even a Rat can 
gain access. Indeed, the black list of their misdemeanors is so extremely long, that even a 
rapid enumeration of their crimes would more than occupy the entire space devoted to one 
animal. 

Rats are not without their use, especially in large towns, which but for their never-failing 
appetites would often be in very sad case. Taking any of our large cities, we find that the 
sewers which underlie their whole extent are inhabited by vast hordes of Rats, which perform 
the office of scavengers by devouring the mass of vegetable and animal offal which is daily 
cast into those subterranean passages, and which would speedily breed a pestilence were it 
not removed by the ready teeth of the Rats. So that, when kept within proper bounds, the 
Rat is a most useful animal, and will continue to be so until the drainage of towns is con- 
ducted in a different manner. 

How to keep them to their own proper dominions is no easy task, as their sharp teeth can 
cut through almost any obstacle, and have been known even to grate away the corner of a par- 
ticularly hard brick. It is found, however, that if these tunnels be stopped up with mortar or 
cement well studded with pieces of broken glass, they will not venture their teeth against such 
a barrier. Moreover, if a few table-spoonfuls of quick-lime be placed in the hole before it is 
stopped up, it will deter the Rats from coming in that direction, as the lime burns their feet. 

Catching them in traps is by no means so easy a process as it appears to be, as the Rat is 
a very crafty animal, and is moreover gifted with so acute a nose that it can perceive the touch 
of a human hand upon a trap, and will keep aloof from so dangerous an article. In order to 
set a trap properly, it is needful to avoid touching it with the bare hand, and to wear thick 
gloves powerfully scented with aniseed, caraway, or other powerfully-smelling substance. 
Even in that case, the successful chase of the Rat requires such an accurate knowledge of the 
animal’s habits, and needs so many precautions, that it is almost impossible for an amateur to 
be permanently successful in that line. 

Although the Sewer and the Barn Rats belong to the same species, they are very different 
in aspect as well as in habits, the former being very much larger than the latter, and much 
fiercer in disposition. The Sewer Rats remain in their strange habitations during their whole 
lives, while the Barn Rats are in the habit of making annual migrations as soon as the spring 
season commences, some betaking themselves to the fields and hedge-rows, while others take 
up their abode on the river-banks, where they commit sad havoc among the fish. 

. During this temporary migration, the female Rats make their snug and comfortable nests 
in any sheltered spot; and before the autumnal season has fairly commenced add a consider- 
able number of new members to the Rat family. It is a wonderfully prolific animal, begin- 
ning to breed at four months of age, and having three broods in the year, each brood being 
from eight to twelve or fourteen in number. When the autumn has set in, the emigrants 
return to their old quarters, marvellously increased in number. 

The female Rat is a most affectionate mother, braving all dangers in defence of her young, 
and dashing boldly at any real or fancied foe who may happen to alarm her maternal sym- 
pathies. Unfortunately for her peace of mind, the paternal Rat is far from partaking of these 
tender affections, and if he condescends to pay a visit to his young family, only does so with 
the intention of eating them. Should the mother be at home, she shows such a defiant front 
that he is fain to decamp from the cradle of his offspring, but if she should perchance happen 
to be absent from her charge, the result is tragical indeed. 


454 THE BROWN RAT. 


Rats are very cleanly animals, always washing themselves after every meal, and display- 
ing the greatest assiduity in making their toilet. They also exhibit considerable delicacy of 
palate whenever they find a sufficiency of provisions, although they are in no way nice in their 
diet when pressed by hunger. If, for example, a party of Rats discover an entrance into a 
butcher’s store-house, they are sure to attack the best parts of the meat, utterly disdaining 
the neck, the shin, or other coarse pieces. ‘ 

There is one peculiarity in the structure of the Rat which is worthy of notice. These 
animals are able not only to ascend a perpendicular tree or wall by the aid of their sharp, 
hooked claws, but also to descend head foremost with perfect ease. In order to enable them 
to perform this feat, their hind legs are so made that the feet can be turned outwards, and the 
claws hitched upon any convenient projections. py 

However unpromising a subject the Rat may appear, it has often been tamed, and is a 
very much more educatable animal than could be supposed. It will obey its master’s com- 
mands with promptitude, and has been known to learn very curious tricks. 

For further information on this subject, the reader is referred to a work, entitled ‘‘ The 
Rat,’’ by James Rodwell, in which may be found an elaborate account of the animal and its 
habits, together with much curious and original information. 

There is a well-known proverb that Rats always desert a falling house ; in which aphorism 
there is really much truth. One curious example thereof I here offer to the reader. 

On page 164 may be seen an account of a cat which had, by some mysterious intuition, 
migrated from a mill in which she had long lived, and to which she was greatly attached, and 
which was burned to the ground in a few hours after she had taken her departure. Pussy, it 
seems, was not the only animal which had been thus forewarned of impending danger, for the 
Rats also took alarm, and were actually seen upon their journey from their late habitation. 
They were about one hundred in number, and, starting from the mill some two hours before 
the fire broke out, proceeded in a compact body towards four stacks belonging to the landlord 
of the Commercial Inn, and there took up their abode. 

A similar account of Rat prescience has been narrated to me by a spectator of the scene. 

When the English ship Leander was brought into harbor after her voyage, in the year 
1803, she was so infested with Rats that a wholesale destruction of these four-footed pests was 
rendered absolutely necessary, not only for the comfort of the crew, but for the very safety of 
the vessel. The entire contents of the ship were therefore landed on the wharf, a number 
of chafing-pans filled with lighted brimstone were placed between decks, and the hatches being 
battened down, the animals were soon stifled by the suffocating vapors. As soon as the 
preparation for this wholesale destruction commenced, the Rats took alarm, and endeavored 
to make their way on shore by traversing the ‘‘ warps,’ or ropes by which the vessel was 
made fast to the shore. Sentinels were accordingly placed by the warps, and furnished with 
sticks, so that as soon as a Rat came running along the ropes, it was speedily checked by a 
sharp blow, which struck it from its foot-hold, and knocked it dead or dying into the water, 
where it soon perished. 

It is a curious fact that the Rats were all found lying dead in circles round the braziers, 
heaped thickly upon each other’s bodies. They had instinctively run towards the spots 
which were comparatively free from vapor, as the heat of the burning coals forced the suffo- 
cating smoke to rise from the spot where it was generated. 1 

Some naturalists believe that the Brown Rat as well as the Black Rat originated from 
Central Asia, especially from India and Persia. Through emigration, caused by deluge and 
famine, this ugly and detestable creature has in course of time become an inhabitant of every 
country of the globe. In the beginning of the last century, the Brown Rat immigrated from 
the Caspian lands to Europe. In Paris, the cosmopolitan Rat was first noticed in the year 
1753, a few years after its appearance in England. In Northern America, it was first seen in 
the year 1755. 

From head to tail the Brown Rat measures sixteen to seventeen inches ; the tail alone 
measures about seven inches. Albinos are much more rarely found among them than among 
their kindred, the other Rats and the Mice. 


THE HARVEST MOUSE. 455 


Tue Buack Rar derives its name from the color of its fur, which is of a grayish-black, 
instead of the reddish-brown hue which tinges the coat of the brown Rat. The upper jaw pro- 
jects considerably beyond the lower, and a number of long stiff hairs project through the 
ordinary fur. In size it is rather less than the above-mentioned animal, and the ears and tail 
are rather longer in proportion. 

It cannot be said with certainty when the Black Rat made its first appearance’ in 
Europe. Albertus Magnus is known as the first naturalist who called the Black Rat a 
‘European animal. Accordingly the Black Rat must have already been found in Europe in 
the twelfth century. 

In the beginning of the fifteenth century, the bishop of Autun proscribed it, because it 
caused too much damage everywhere. In Sondershausen, in Germany, a day of fasting was 
even ordained for the purpose of calling God’s wrath upon it. Until the middle of the last 
century, it was omnipotent in Europe. Since that time the Brown or Wandering Rat has 
partially displaced it. 

The Black Rat is found in all warm and temperate regions, and was in former days 
extremely numerous, although it has now been gradually driven away from its domains by 
the larger and more powerful intruder. It is not, however, so rare as is sometimes imagined, 
and may still be found by those who know where to look for it. According to Mr. Rod- 
well’s theory, the manner in which the brown Rat has supplanted its black relation is not 
by war, but by love, the stronger males of the brown hue carrying off the black females 
by force of superior strength, and thus by degrees merging the weaker black race into the 
powerful brown Rats. 

In France the two varieties—for the distinction of species really seems to be but doubt- 
ful—live together in perfect harmony, mixing freely with each other, and producing a curious 
kind of parti-colored offspring. 

The skins of these brown-black Rats are considered to be of some value, and they are 
accordingly pursued by the rat-catchers for the purpose of sale to the furriers. Even the 
brown Rat is not without its value in commerce, as the prepared skin is said to furnish the 
most delicate leather for the manufacture of the thumbs of the best kid gloves; and the fur is 
used as a substitute for beaver in the composition of hats. i 

Albino, or White Rats, are of no very uncommon occurrence ; and when crossed with the 
black or brown species, their offspring is curiously pied with a darker or lighter hue, accord- 
ing to the color of the parent. 


SMALLEsT of the mammalia, the elegant little Harvest Mouss& next claims our attention. 
The total length of this tiny creature is not quite five inches, its tail being nearly two inches 
and a half in length. The color of its fur is a delicate reddish-brown, the base of each hair 
taking the darker tint, and the point warming into red, while the under parts of the abdomen 
are white. The line of demarcation between the brown and white is well defined. 

The description which is given of the Harvest Mouse and its wonderful nest, by the Rev. 
Gilbert White, is so well known that it need only be casually mentioned. I have fortunately 
had opportunities of verifying his observations by means of a nest which was found ina field 
in Wiltshire by some mowers. 

It was built upon a scaffolding of four of the rank grass-stems that are generally found on 
the sides of ditches, and was situated at some ten or eleven inches from the ground. In form 
it was globular, rather larger than a cricket-ball, and was quite empty, having probably been 
hardly completed when the remorseless scythe struck down the scaffolding and wasted all the 
elaborate labor of the poor little architect. The material of which it was composed was thin 
dry grass of nearly uniform substance, and its texture was remarkably loose, so that any object 
contained in it could be seen through the interstices as easily as if it had been placed in a lady’s 
open-worked knitting basket. There was no vestige of aperture in any part of it, so that the 
method by which it was constructed seems quite enigmatical. 

Iam inclined to suppose that the little builder remained in its centre while engaged in its 
construction, and after weaving it around her, pushed her way out through the loosely woven 


456 THE BARBARY MOUSE. 


wall, and re-arranged the gap from the outside. It may be that the nest is the joint work of 
both sexes, the one remaining inside and plaiting the grass, while her mate brings fresh mate- 
rial, and consolidates the work from the exterior. 

Perhaps the young Mice, when snugly packed into their airy cradle, may be fed by the 
mother from the exterior, by making a temporary opening opposite each little one, and 
replacing the material when she proceeds to the next in succession. This is Mr. White’s sug- 
gestion, and seems to be a very probable one. He also wonders how the little nest, which was 
entirely filled by the bodies of the eight young Harvest Mice that lay cradled in its embrace, 
could expand so as to accommodate itself to their increasing dimensions. This problem may 
be answered by the fact that the loose 
structure of the nest is precisely calcu- 
lated for such extension, for the materials 
are so interwoven that the entire struc- 
ture can be greatly expanded from the 
interior without losing its spherical shape. 
Such, at all events, was the case in my own 
specimen, and is probably so in all. 

Very little is known of the habits of 
the Harvest Mouse in a wild state, except 
that it is destructive to corn, whether 
stored in ricks or barns. It is also car- 
nivorous, or rather insectivorous, to no 
small degree, as was proved by Mr. Bing- 
ley, who kept one of these little creatures, 
and was accustomed to feed it with vari- 
ous insects. This propensity was discov- 
ered by mere accident, the Mouse springing 
with wonderful activity at a blue-bottle 
fly that happened to buzz against the wires 
of her cage. Taking the hint, Mr. Bing- 
ley caught the fly, and holding it against 
the wires, was pleased to see the little 
quadruped dart nimbly out of her hiding- 
place and take it from his fingers. She 
always preferred insects to vegetable food. 
The same observer noticed that the tail of BARBARY MOUSE.—Mus barbarus. 
this animal is prehensile. 

Independently of its small size, the Harvest Mouse may be distinguished from a young 
ordinary Mouse by its short ears, narrow head, slender body, and less projecting eyes. 


Tue bold and elegant markings with which the fur of the BARBARy Mouse is decorated, 
render it a very conspicuous animal, and when the creature is in captivity, always attract the 
attention of visitors who happen to pass before its cage. 

The dimensions of this animal are greater than those of the common Mouse, while they 
are smaller than those of the ordinary rat. Its color is very pleasing, the ground tint of the 
fur being a rich brown, and the stripes of a whitish-yellow, verging by degrees into the white 
hue of the under portions of the body. These pretty creatures are tolerably hardy, and can 
endure our climate as well as most animals which have been brought from a hot and arid 
country. They run about their cage with considerable liveliness, sometimes diving among 
their bedding, and ever and anon poking their intelligent-looking little heads from among the 
hay, and tripping about as if pleased to exhibit their beautiful fur. As may be supposed from 
its title, the animal is a native of Barbary. 

It is not devoid of the carnivorous habits of its race, and even when bountifully supplied 


SELMAR HESS, PUBLISHER, N. Y. 


HARVEST MOUSE. 


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THE COMMON MOUSE. 457 


with food, has been known to develop its carnivorous nature into cannibalism, eating the body 
of one of its companions that had died while in the cage. 


“Y* little vulgar Mouse,” as it is quaintly termed by old Topsel, is a truly pretty little 
creature, with its brown-gray back, gray throat and abdomen, soft, velvety fur, its little bright 
black bead-like eyes, and squirrel-like paws. A detailed description of so familiar an animal 
would be quite unnecessary, and we will therefore proceed to its habits and manners. 

Like the rat, it frequents both town and country, doing an infinity of damage in the 
former, but comparatively little harm in the latter. In the country it attaches itself mostly to 
farm-yards, where it gains access to the ricks, and when once firmly established, is not so easily 
dislodged as its larger relative, the rat. However, if the rick be kept under cover, the Mice 
cannot make any lengthened stay, for the cover keeps off the rain, on which they chiefly 
depend for drink, and they are then obliged to leave the stack in search of water. If the rick 
be placed on staddles, it will be then safe from these little pests. 

In the town they are not so objectionable as in the country, for they can only annoy the 
human inhabitants, and cannot inflict real damage upon them. They are bold little creatures 
in their way, although easily startled; and, if permitted to carry on their noisy sport undis- 
turbed, run about an inhabited room with perfect nonchalance. 

In old buildings in which the walls are papered over canvas, Mice run scuffling and 
squeaking between the canvas and the plaster, as if they were the legitimate owners of the 
place, and the tenants were only located there in order to cater for their benefit. Many a wall 
is riddled with holes that have been made by irritated occupants making furious lunges— 
always unsuccessfully, by the way—with all sorts of instruments, at the wiry little creatures 
as they scurry about behind the paper. 

They are odd little animals, and full of the quaintest gamesomeness, as may be Seen by 
any one who will only sit quite still and watch them as they run about a room which they 
specially affect. They are to the full as inquisitive as cats, and will examine any new piece 
of furniture with great curiosity. 

Mice are very easily tamed, and, as far as my own experience goes, the common brown 
Mouse is more readily brought under subjection, and more docile, than the white or albino 
variety. Ihave kept many a set of Mice, brown, white, and mottled, and have always found 
them to be very susceptible of kindness. To tame a young brown Mouse is an easy task ; but 
it must be remembered that, as all Mice are very cleanly animals, the strictest care is needful 
to rid their cage of all impurity. Their bedding should be constantly changed, and the false 
floor of their cage should be double, so that, while one is in use, the other is getting dry after 
being thoroughly washed. Any soft substance, such as hay, cotton wool, or rags, will suffice 
for their bedding ; but I have found that black cotton wool, or black ‘‘ wadding,” as it is some- 
times termed, is fatal to Mice in the course of a single night. Why it should be so, I cannot 
venture to guess, but that such is the case I have had practical experience. 

Mice are cunning creatures, and when they once have taken alarm at a trap, cannot be 
induced to put themselves within such peril, no matter how strong the inducement may be. 
For a while it is possible to entrap them by changing the kind of bait as soon as they have 
begun to learn the result of eating that particular substance; but in a few weeks the trap 
must be entirely removed until the animals have forgotten it. 

It is a marvellously prolific animal, producing its young several times in the course of the 
year, and at a very early age. The nests are made in any sheltered spot, and formed from any 
soft substance, such as rags, paper, or wool, that the mother can procure. On taking up 
some boards in my own room, I once found a Mouse-nest nearly as large as a man’s head, com- 
posed wholly of scraps of paper, and containing six or seven tiny red, semi-transparent mouse- 
lets, through whose little bodies one could almost see the substance of the nest on which they 
were lying. Another Mouse-nest which I discovered, was made in an old disused harmonicon, 
which had been put away in a cupboard, and was filled by the Mice with empty nutshells, the 
refuse of a bag of hazel-nuts which had been placed in the same cupboard ; no very enviable 
bed, as one would fancy, and the reason for its construction not at all obvious. 


458 THE WATER VOLE. 


Before closing this account of the common Mouse, a few words are due to the ‘‘ Singing 
Mice,’ concerning whose musical accomplishments the scientific world is rather at issue, some 
persons thinking the song to be nothing more than a symptom of bronchitis, and others believ- 
ing it to be voluntarily produced by the imitative powers of the performers. 

I may give a curious instance of ‘‘singing’’ which favors the former of these suppositions. 

A Mouse had been caught in a trap with weak springs, and being half choked by the wire 
pressing on its neck, gave vent to a twittering or chirruping not unlike that of a small bird. 
-Other naturalists, however, who have met with examples of singing Mice, seem rather to 
incline to the opinion that the musical sound is produced by healthy animals, and is not owing 
to disease. A very interesting letter on this subject has been sent to me by the Rev. R. L. 
Bampfield, and seems also to favor the latter supposition.- By the kind permission of the 
writer, I am enabled to present the account to the reader, and will leave him to come to his 
own conclusions on the subject. 

‘‘TIn a former residence of mine, some Mice took up their abode behind the wainscot in the 
kitchen. From motives which few housekeepers would appreciate, we allowed them to remain 
undisturbed ; and most merry, cheerful little creatures they were. 

‘Tt seemed to us that a young brood was being carefully educated ; but they did not learn 
all their accomplishments from their parents. In the kitchen hung a good singing canary, and 
we observed that by degrees the chirp of the Mice changed into an exact imitation of the canary’s 
song; at least it was so with one, for though several attempted it, one considerably excelled the 
rest. Jam not sure that admiration of the music influenced them, for from the funny facetious 
way in which it was done, I should rather say it was out of mockery, or at least from a love of 
imitation. Yet the result was very pleasing; far inferior to the canary’s note in volume, 
strength, and sweetness, it was, perhaps, superior to it in softness and delicacy. 

“‘Often have I listened to it with pleasure in the evening, when the canary was asleep 
with its head beneath its wing; and more than once have I observed a kitchen-guest glance 
at the canary, then look round in some astonishment and say, ‘Is that a bird, sir, singing ?’ 
One trustworthy person assured me that he too had had in his house a similar ‘Singing 
Mouse.’ I have, therefore, little doubt that if a young family of Mice were brought up from 
the first close to a canary or some other songster, some of them would learn to sing.”’ 

I have also been favored with an account of a young singing rat, which endeavored to 
imitate the sounds produced by a piping-bullfinch and an ordinary goldfinch. In the first, 
the creature entirely failed, but was tolerably successful in its imitation of the mild notes 
of the goldfinch. The same animal would begin to sing if a melody were played in the 
minor key, but would give no response to the major. The fondness of Mice for music is 
already well known, and may afford some clue to their sensitiveness of ear. I believe, by 
the way, that the untaught cries of all the lower animals, whether they be quadrupeds or 
birds, are in the minor key. 


THERE are many animals which have been saddled with a bad reputation merely on 
account of an unfortunate resemblance to another animal of really evil character. Among 
these misused innocents the WatTER VOLE is very conspicuous, as the poor creature has been 
commonly supposed to be guilty of various poaching exploits which were really achieved by 
the ordinary brown Rat. 

It is quite true that Rats are often seen on the river-banks in the act of eating captured 
fish, but these culprits are only the brown Rats which have migrated from the farm-yards for 
the summer months, and intend to return as soon as autumn sets in. The food of the true 
Water Rat, or Water Vole, as it is more correctly named, is chiefly of a vegetable nature, and 
consists almost entirely of various aquatic plants and roots. The common ‘‘mare’s-tail,’’ or 
equisetum, is a favorite article of diet with the Water Vole, and I have often seen it feeding 
on the bark of the common rush. Many years ago I shot a Water Vole as it was sitting upon 
a water-lily leaf and engaged in eating the green seeds; and on noticing the kind of diet on 
which the animal was feeding, I determined to watch the little creatures with more care. My 
own testimony coincides precisely with those of other observers, for I never yet saw the true 


THE CAMPAGNOL, OR SHORT-TAILED FIELD MOUSE. 459 


snub-nosed, short-eared, yellow-toothed Vole engaged in eating animal food, although the 
brown Rat may be often detected in such an act. 

Many communications have been made to me on the subject, written for the most part by 
persons who have seen water-side Rats engaged in catching and eating fish, and have thought 
that the delinquents were the true Water Vole. Indeed, the Vole is allied very closely to the 
beaver, and partakes of the vegetarian character of that animal. 

However guiltless the Water Vole may be of piscicapture, it is not altogether a harmless 
animal, for, independently of weakening the banks by its tunnels, it will sometimes leave the 
water-side and travel some little distance across the country in search of cultivated vegetables. 
One of these animals has been seen to cross a large field and enter a garden in which some French 
beans were growing. The Vole crept up the bean-stalks, and after cutting off several of the pods 
with its sharp and scissor-like teeth, picked them up and retraced its steps to its home. 

The color of the Water Vole is a chestnut-brown, dashed with gray on the upper parts 
and fading to gray below. The ears are so short that they are hardly perceptible above the 
fur. The incisor teeth are of a light yellow, and are very thick and strong. The tail is shorter 
than that of the common Rat, hardly exceeding half the length of the head and body. The 
average length of a full-grown Water Vole is thirteen inches, the tail being about four inches 
and three-quarters long. It is not so prolific an animal as the brown Rat, breeding only twice 
in the year, and producing from five to six young at a birth. 


THE CAMPAGNOL, or SHORT-TAILED FrELD Mouse, is even more destructive in the open 
meadows than the common gray mouse in the barns or ricks; for not contenting itself with 
plundering the ripened crops of autumn, it burrows beneath the ground at sowing-time, and 
devours the seed-wheat which has just been laid in the earth. Besides these open-air depre- 
dations, it makes inroads into ricks and barns, and by dint of multitudinous numbers does very 
great harm. As its food is entirely of a vegetable nature, it does not enter human habitations, 
where it would find but a poor chance of a livelihood. 

The color of the Campagnol is ruddy brown on the upper surface of the body, and gray on 
the abdomen and chest. The ears are rounded and very small, closely resembling those of the 
water vole. The tail is only one-third the length of the body, and the total length of the animal 
is rather more than five inches. As it belongs to the same genus as the water vole, and is very 
closely related to that animal, it sometimes goes by the name of Field Vole. 

It is a very prolific animal, and its numbers are almost incredibly great in districts where 
no means have been taken for its destruction. Even in well-cultivated fields, whether of grass 
or corn, the Campagnol may be found in vast quantities by any one whose eyes are sufficiently 
accustomed to the task to distinguish the little creature from the earth on which it moves. 

It creeps so easily through the green herbage that it scarcely stirs the blades ; and it is so 
similar in its color to the earth as it shows between the leaves, that none but a practised eye 
can detect them. There’is hardly any sign to tell of its presence, except an undefined sense of 
something red among the grass, which, unless it be immediately pounced upon, fades again 
into brown, and the thing is gone. 

The Campagnol is a water-loving creature, and is oftener found in marshy ground than in 
meadows which are elevated above the level of the neighboring lands and ditches. A dry 
summer is very trying to these animals, and a long-continued drought is fatal to hundreds 
of them. 

The Field Vole carries its destructive powers even into woods and plantations, and is often 
the unknown cause by which some cherished young tree has drooped, withered and died. 
These little animals are good burrowers, and are in the habit of digging into the ground, and 
nibbling the living roots of trees and shrubs. Sometimes the mice attack the bark, and by 
completely stripping it from the circumference of the tree, destroy it as effectually as if it had 
been cut down with an axe. 


THERE is another species of Field Mouse, in which the tail is much longer in proportion, 
and the dimensions are altogether smaller. This is the BANK VoLE, or BANK CAMPAGNOL, 


460 THE HAMSTER. 


and must not be confounded with the Long-tailed Field Mouse, which is not a vole at all, but 
a veritable Mouse. 


Famity J/uride@—the Mice-like animals, or Murine Rodents—embraces a large number 
of species. In North America, however, only two sub-families are represented, M/urine and 
Arvicoline. 

The typical genus J/ws has no representatives in this country, the mouse and rat being 
introduced from Europe. 

Of the sub-family Iuwrine, or Mouse-like animals of North America, the group called 
Sigmodontes embraces all the species. This designation is adapted from a peculiar sigmoid 
or S-like mark on the upper surface of the teeth. 

The genus WVeotoma includes a small number of rat-like animals of large size. 

The Florida Wood Rat (Weotoma floridiana) is rat-like, and about the size of a Guinea 
pig. It has a tail inclining to bushy. The Southern United States is its proper habitat. 

Three other species are known; one, inhabiting California, is eleven inches in length, 
the largest of the genus, and called the Bushy-tailed Wood Rat. 

The genus Sigmodon includes one species, the Cotton Rat (Sigmodon hispidus). It 
inhabits the coast region of the Southern States and Mexico. The pelage is hispid, from 
the presence of stiff hairs. 

The genus Hesperomys is so named from its including Western murine animals. The 
species are much like the Old World forms. 

The American Field Mouse (Hesperomys leucopus), called also White-footed Deer Mouse, 
inhabits the northern portion of North America as far as Puget’s Sound, and east as far as 
Massachusetts. A variety is found in the Southern States, larger, being about four inches in 
length, and with a shorter tail. Seven other species of this genus inhabit the Southern and 
- Western portions of the country. Three other sub-species are known, inhabiting the Western 
plains. 

The genus Ochetodon includes three little mouse-like creatures, much like the Common 
House Mouse in appearance, though having essentially different teeth. They are known only 
in California and Mexico. 

In the sub-family Avvicoling is one genus with one species, the Red-backed Mouse 
(Hvotomys rutilus). It inhabits the circumpolar regions, and is not uncommon in Massa- 
chusetts. 

The genus Arvicola includes eight species, distributed over every portion of the United 
States. The Common American Meadow Mouse (Arvicola riparius) is known to all parts of 
the country above Virginia. 

The genus Synaptomys is represented by Cooper’s Mouse (Synaptomys cooperi). 

Myodes is a genus closely resembling that of Cwniculus, which embraces the Lemmings. 
Myodes obensis is common to Asia and North America. 


THE short, sturdy, stupid rodent which is so famous under the name of the HamstTEr, is 
widely spread over many parts of Northern Europe, where it is an absolute pest to the agri- 
culturists, who wage unceasing war against so destructive an animal. Before proceeding to 
the habits and character of the Hamster, a short description of its external appearance will be 
necessary. 

The color of its fur is a grayish-fawn on the back, deepening into black on the under por- 
tions of the body, and softening into a yellow hue upon the head and face. The otherwise 
uniform tinting of the fur is relieved by some patches of whitish-yellow upon the cheeks, 
shoulders, and sides. The creature is furnished with two large cheek-pouches, which are 
capable of containing a considerable amount of food, and which can be inflated with air at the 
pleasure of the animal. The length of the adult Hamster is about fifteen inches, the tail 
being only three inches long. 

The Hamster is most destructive to the crops, whether of corn, peas, or beans, and when 
the autumn approaches, begins to plunder the fields ina most systematic manner, for the 


THE HAMSTER. 461 


purpose of laying up a winter store of provisions. By dint of dexterous management, the 
animal fills its cheek-pouches with grain, pressing it firmly with its paws, so as to lose no 
space, and then carries off its plunder to its subterranean treasury, where it disgorges the con- 
tents of the pouches, and returns for another supply. The husbandmen are so well aware of 
this propensity that they search after the habitation of the Hamster after the harvest is over, 
and often recover considerable quantities of the stolen grain. The destructive capability of 
the animal may be gathered from the fact that a single Hamster has been known to hoard no 
: less than sixty pounds of corn in its home, while a hundred weight of beans have been recoy- 
ered from the storehouses of another specimen. 
The skin of the Hamster is of some value in commerce, so that the hunters make a double 
use of a successful chase, for they not only recover the stolen property of the agriculturist, 
but gain some profit by selling the skins. 


HAMSTER.— Cricetus frumentarius. 


The burrow of the Hamster is a most complicated affair, and not very easy to describe. 
Each individual has a separate burrow, and not even in the breeding season do the male and 
female inhabit the same domicile. At some depth below the surface of the earth are several 
rather large chambers, communicating with each other by horizontal passages. In one of these 
chambers the creature lives, and in the others it places its store of provision. There are at 
least two entrances to each burrow, one being almost perpendicular, and the other sloping. 
Sometimes there are more than two entrances to the chambers, but there are never less than 
that number. The depth of the chambers is from three to five feet. Each burrow is only 
intended to serve for one season, and is abandoned at the end of winter. 

As the Hamster is in the habit of throwing the excavated earth from the oblique burrow, 
technically called the ‘‘creeping-hole,”’ its locality is discovered by means of the mound of 
loose earth which is heaped at its entrance. Eighty thousand of these animals have been 
killed in one year within a single district. 

The Hamster is a very prolific animal, as appears from the fact that it still holds its own 
in spite of the constant persecution to which it is subjected by the agriculturists and the 
regular hunters. There are several broods in each year, the average number of each family 
being from seven to ten or twelve. As soon as the young Hamsters are able to shift for them- 


462 THE LEMMING. 


selves, an event which occurs in a wonderfully short time, they leave the maternal home, and 
dig separate burrows. 

The strangest part of the Hamster’s character is its dull, unreasoning ferocity, which is 
utterly incapable of comprehending danger, and causes the animal to attack any kind of oppo- 
nent, whether animate or not. An irritated Hamster will fly upon a dog, a man, or a horse, 
without the least hesitation. If a cart were to crush it, it would try to bite the wheel; if a 
stone were to roll over it, it would turn upon the lifeless stone; threaten it with a stick, and it 
fastens upon the senseless weapon with malign fury ; and when opposed by a bar of iron nearly 
red hot, it has been known to grasp the burning metal in its teeth, and to retain its hold in spite 
of the pain which it must have suffered. This combative disposition leads it to fight desper- 
ately with its own species, caring nothing 
for sex or age; and it has actually hap- 
pened that when a pair of these animals 
have been placed together in a cage, the 
male has been killed and partly eaten by 
his disconsolate widow. 

The food of this animal is chiefly vege- 
table, but is varied. by animal diet, such 
as worms, insects, mice, small birds, lizards, 
frogs, and other such vermin. It is a noc- 
turnal animal, and achieves its robberies 
under cover of the darkness of night. It 
can hardly be termed a true hibernating 
animal, as it is quite lively for a consider- 
able portion of the winter, feeding on its 
ample stores for nearly two months, and be- 
coming very fat by the combined influence 
of inactivity and good feeding. Through 
a portion of the winter it becomes torpid, 
but awakes early in the spring, ready to 
renew its depredations in the fields. During 
the spring and summer months its food con- 
sists chiefly cf leaves and various herbage. 


: AT uncertain and distant intervals of 

THE LEMMING.—Myodes lemmus. time, many of the northern parts of Europe, 

such as Lapland, Norway, and Sweden, 

are subjected to a strange invasion. Hundreds of little dark, mouse-like animals sweep over 

the land, like clouds of locusts suddenly changed into quadrupeds, coming from some unknown 

home, and going no one knows whither. These creatures are the LEMMINGS, and their sudden 

appearances are so entirely mysterious, that the Norwegians look upon them as having been 
‘ained from the clouds upon the earth. 

Driven onwards by some overpowering instinct, these vast hordes travel in a straight line, 
permitting nothing but a smooth perpendicular wall or rock to turn them from their course. 
If they should happen to meet with any living being, they immediately attack, knowing no 
fear, but only urged by undiscriminating rage. Any river or lake they swim without hesita- 
tion, and rather seem to enjoy the water than to fear it. If a stack or a corn-rick should 
stand in their way, they settle the matter by eating their way through it, and will not be 
turned from their direct course even by fire. The country over which they pass is utterly 
devastated by them, and it is said that cattle will not touch the grass on which a Lemming 
has trodden. 

These migrating hosts are accompanied by clouds of predaceous birds, and by many pre- 
daceous quadrupeds, who find a continual feast spread for them as long as the Lemmings 
are on their pilgrimage. While they are crossing the rivers or lakes, the fish come in for their 


THE BEAVER. 463 


share of the banquet, and make great havoc among their columns. It is a very remarkable 
fact that the reindeer is often seen in chase of the Lemmings ; and the Norwegians say that the 
deer is in the habit of eating them. This statement, however, seems to be rather of doubtful 
character. The termination of these extraordinary migrations is generally in the sea, where 
the survivors of the much-reduced ranks finally perish. Mr. Lloyd mentions that just before 
his visit to Wermeland, the Lemming had overrun the whole country. The primary cause of 
these strange migrations is generally thought to be hunger. It is fortunate for the country 
that these razzias only occur at rare intervals, a space of some ten or fifteen years generally 
elapsing between them, as if to fill up the places of those which were drowned or otherwise 
killed in the preceding migration. 

The Lemming feeds upon various vegetable substances, such as grass, reeds, and lichens, 
being often forced to seek the last-named plant beneath the snow, and to make occasional 
air-shafts to the surface. Even when engaged in their ordinary pursuits, and not excited by 
the migratorial instinct, they are obstinately savage creatures. Mr. Metcalfe describes them 
as swarming in the forest, sitting two or three on every stump, and biting the dogs’ noses as 
they came to investigate the character of the irritable little animals. If they happened to be 
in a pathway, they would not turn aside to permit a passenger to move by them, but boldly 
disputed the right of way, and uttered defiance in little sharp, squeaking barks. 

The color of the Lemming is dark brownish-black, mixed irregularly with a tawny hue 
upon the back, and fading into yellowish-white upon the abdomen. Its length is not quite 
six inches, the tail being only half an inch long. 

The Collared Lemming (Cwniculus torquatus) is the only one of the genus found in 
America, and is identical with that of Northern Asia. The Cree Indians call it White Bear 
Mouse. It also is named Hair-tailed Rat, Hudson’s Rat, and Hudson’s Bay Lemming. In 
winter it is pure white. 


TuE family Haplodontide is a very peculiar one, founded upon the existence of a single 
species of Rodent, inhabiting only the northwestern portion of the United States—in Wash- 
ington Territory, from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains. 

The native name is ‘‘Sewellell ;”’ its systematic designation Haplodon rufus. In general 
aspect it is not unlike the woodchuck ; its smaller head at once distinguishes it, as well as its 
inferior size. It burrows, and is gregarious in nature. Its voice is a shrill whistle; its food 
of a vegetable nature. 

It was first brought to notice by Lewis and Clark, the U. 8. explorers, in 1805. Mr. Gibbs, 
the ethnographer, visited the region inhabited by these rare creatures. He saw them in com- 
munities like those of the prairie dog. They sat upright at the mouths of their burrows, and 
whistled much like the latter animal. 

A very singular habit was noticed ; they cut a kind of herb, and laid the pieces in bundles 
on any neighboring log or prominence; suggesting the frugal husbandry of the country 
matron, who cuts and dries her medicinal herbs. 

Its habits of breeding are not precisely known; but it is thought they have at least three 
broods in a year. 


THE common BEAVER has earned a world-wide reputation by the wonderful instinct which 
it displays, independently of its very great value in producing costly fur and perfume. 

This animal is found in the northern parts of Europe and Asia, but is found in the greatest 
profusion in North America. It is generally supposed that there is but one species of true 
Beaver, and that the Beaver of Europe and Asia is specifically identical with that of America, 
even though certain small differences of fur and coloring may be discerned between them. 
The social Beaver of Northern America is a truly wonderful animal, displaying a singular 
mixture of reason and instinct, together with a curious absence of both on occasions. The best 
account of this animal is to be found in Audubon and Bachman’s valuable work on the quad- 
rupeds of North America, to which work I am indebted for the following particulars. 

The Beaver lives in societies, varying considerably in number, and united together in the 


464 . THE BEAVER. 


formation of works which may fairly be considered as belonging to the profession of the 
engineer. They prefer to make their habitations by small clear rivers and creeks, or close to 
large springs, although they sometimes take up their abode on the banks of lakes. 

Lest they should not have a sufficient depth of water in all weathers and at all seasons, 
the Beavers are in the habit of building veritable dams, for the purpose of raising the water to 
the required level. These dams are composed of tree-branches, mud, and stones, and in order 
effectually to resist the action of the water, are about ten or twelve feet in thickness at the 
bottom, although they are only two feet or so wide at the summit. When the different parts 
of the stream run with varying velocity, the formation of the dam is really a triumph of 
engineering skill, for wherever the stream is gentle, the dam is built straight across it; but 
wherever the current runs smartly, the dam is curved so as to present a convex surface to its 
force. It often happens that when a dam hasbeen made for some years, its dimensions 
become very large, in consequence of the trees and branches that are intercepted by it, and in 
process of time it sprouts thickly with vegetation, and even nurtures trees of some dimensions. 

In forming the dam, the Beaver does not thrust the ends of the stakes into the bed of the 
river, as is often supposed, but lays them down horizontally, and keeps them in their place by 
heaping stones and mud upon them. The logs of which the dam is composed are about three 
feet in length, and vary extremely in thickness. Generally, they are about six or seven inches 
in diameter, but they have been known to measure no less than eighteen inches in diameter. 
An almost incredible number of these logs are required for the completion of one dam, as may 
be supposed from the fact that a single dam will sometimes be three hundred yards in length, 
ten or twelve feet thick at the bottom, and of a height varying according to the depth of 
water. 

Before employing the logs in this structure, the Beavers take care to separate the bark, 
which they carry away, and lay up for a winter store of food. 

Near the dams are built the Beaver-houses, or ‘‘lodges,’’ as they are termed ; edifices as 
remarkable in their way as that which has just been mentioned. They are chiefly composed 
of branches, moss, and mud, and will accommodate five or six Beavers together. The form of 
an ordinarily sized Beaver’s lodge is circular, and its cavity is about seven feet in diameter by 
three feet in height. The walls of this structure are extremely thick, so that the external 
measurement of the same lodges will be fifteen or twenty feet in diameter, and seven or eight 
feet in height. The roofs are all finished off with a thick layer of mud, laid on with marvel- 
lous smoothness, and carefully renewed every year. As this compost of mud, moss, and 
branches is congealed into a solid mass by the severe frosts of a North American winter, it 
forms a very sufficient defence against the attacks of the Beavers’ great enemy, the wolverene, 
and cannot readily be broken through, even with the help of iron tools. The precise manner 
in which the Beavers perform their various tasks is not easy to discern, as the animals work 
only in the dark. 

Around the lodges the Beavers excavate a rather large ditch, too deep to be entirely 
frozen, and into this ditch the various lodges open, so that the inhabitants can pass in or out 
without hindrance. This precaution is the more necessary, as they are poor pedestrians, and 
never travel by land as long as they can swim by water. Each lodge is inhabited by a small 
number of Beavers, whose beds are arranged against the wall, each bed being separate, and 
the centre of the chamber being left unoccupied. 

In order to secure a store of winter food, the Beavers take a vast number of small logs, 
and carefully fasten them under water in the close vicinity of their lodges. When a Beaver 
feels hungry, he dives to the store heap, drags out a suitable log, carries it to a sheltered and 
dry spot, nibbles the bark away, and then either permits the stripped log to float down the 
stream, or applies it to the dam. 

Their teeth are wonderfully powerful and sharp, and their jaws are possessed of singular 
strength. 

So sharp are their teeth, and with such address does the animal use them, that a tame 
Beaver has repeatedly been seen to take a potato or an apple in his fore-paws, to sit up on his 
hind feet, and by merely pressing the apple against his lower incisors, and manipulating it 


THE BEAVER. 465 


dexterously, to peel it as really as if the operation had been performed by human hands with 
the aid of a knife. 

Not all the Beavers employ themselves in these united labors, for there are some which, 
like drones, refuse to take any part in, the proceedings, and are technically called ‘ Les 
paresseux,’’ or the Idlers, by the Beaver-hunters. These animals make no dam and build no 
house, but content themselves with excavating long tunnels and taking up their abode therein. 
Several of these idlers inhabit the same burrow, and as they are always males, it is supposed 
that they must have been conquered in the contests which take place between most male 
animals while they are seeking their mates, and that they must have retired into comparative 
solitude until they have gained sufficient strength and courage to renew the fight. These 
idlers are gladly welcomed by the hunters, for they are easily caught, and a skilful trapper 
thinks himself ill-used if he does not capture every idler that he may meet. 

We now must bestow a little time on the curious odoriferous substance which is called 
““eastoreum’’ by the learned, and ‘‘ bark-stone’’ by the trappers. This substance is secreted in 
two glandular sacs which are placed near the root of the tail, and gives out an extremely power- 
ful odor. 

To the castoreum the trapper is mostly indebted for his success, for the Beavers are 
strangely attracted by this substance, and if their nostrils perceive its distant scent, the 
animals will sit upright, sniff about in every direction, and absolutely squeal with excitement. 
Taking advantage of this curious propensity, the hunter always carries a supply of castoreum, 
in a closed vessel, and when he comes to a convenient spot for placing his trap, he sets the trap 
and then proceeds to manufacture his bait. This process is simple enough, consisting merely 
of taking a little twig of wood about nine inches long, chewing one end of it and dipping it in 
the castoreum. The trap is now laid so as to be covered by about six inches of water, and the 
stick arranged so that its perfumed tip projects from the water. Any Beaver which scents this 
bait will most certainly come to it, and will probably be captured in the trap. 

Connected with this strange mode of baiting a trap, is a habit which has only recently 
been brought before the public by the researches of Messrs. Audubon and Bachman. 

If two Beaver lodges are tolerably near each other, the inhabitants of the one lodge, 
which we will call lodge A, go to a little distance for the purpose of ridding themselves of the 
superabundant castoreum. The Beavers of lodge B, smelling the castoreum, go to the same spot, 
and cover the odoriferous substance with a thick layer of earth and leaves. They then place their 
own castoreum upon the heap, and return home. The inhabitants of lodge A then go through 
precisely the same process, until they have raised a mound some four or five feet in height. 

To return to the baited trap spoken of in the last paragraph but one. If the Beaver 
which smells the bait is a young one, it will almost certainly be captured ; but if it should 
chance to be an old and experienced animal, it will not only avoid capture, but render the trap 
useless until it has been re-set. For instead of trying to get at the bait, it fetches quantities 
of mud and stones, heaps its load upon the trap until it has raised a small mound, and after 
placing its own superabundant castoreum upon the little hillock, goes away in safety. 

In spite of their store of provisions, the Beavers become very thin during the winter 
months, so that they are in bad case when spring comes in. However, the succulent diet which 
they then find has a rapid and beneficial effect upon them, and by the beginning of autumn 
they are quite fat. By study of the Beaver’s habits, the trappers are enabled to prognosticate 
the kind of weather which is likely to happen. For example, as it is well known that the 
Beavers always cut their winter’s store of wood in good season, the fact of their early com- 
mencement of this labor shows that winter will be earlier than usual. 

The color of the long shining hairs which cover the back of the Beaver is a light chestnut, 
and the fine wool that lies next to the skin is a soft grayish-brown. The total length of the 
animal is about three feet and a half; the fiat, paddle-shaped, scale-covered tail being about 
one foot in length. The flesh of the Beaver is eaten by the trappers, who compare it to flabby 
pork. The tail is something like beef marrow, when properly cooked, but it is too rich and 
oily to suit the taste of most persons. The female Beaver produces about three or four young 
at a litter, and the little creatures are born with open eyes. 


466 THE COYPU RAT. 


The Beaver (Castor fiber) is regarded by some naturalists as being unique in species. Two 
well-marked varieties at least are known. The American one is larger than the Kuropean. 
The habits are different in some respects. The European form does not build dams and houses 
to the extent seen in this country. e 

The Beaver is the largest of living rodents save the great Capybara of South America, 
which is about a third larger. 

The habitat of the Beaver extends from the borders of the Arctic Seas to the Gulf of 
Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They are seldom found now east of the 
Mississippi. Occasionally one is captured in Maine, New York, and Virginia. In some portions 
of Canada and California they are yet numerous. 

A small number of Beavers are known to inhabit a stream that enters into the west branch 
of the St. Regis River, in Franklin County, New York. It is probably the colony referred to 
by Dr. DeKay in his New York State Reports on Natural History, in 1842. Considerable 
pains is taken to preserve this colony, as these creatures are fast going out of existence. 

Mr. Morgan, of Syracuse, New York, has contributed the most valuable amount of litera- 
ture, on the subject of the Beaver, extant. In the Central Park Museum are two logs of trees 
sent by him. These are of yellow birch, a favorite kind with the Beaver, and they show the 
effects of the gnawing to the extent of being cut about two-thirds through. The diameter 
of the trees is about eighteen inches. One is cut considerably more on one side than on the 
other. It is said that the creature exercises an amount of intelligence that prompts him 
to thus cut the trunk, that it may fall as near to the requisite position as can be. These 
larger trunks are used for the first layers in dam-building. Mr. Morgan is the first scientific 
person that has ever succeeded in witnessing the work of Beavers. The creatures work at 
night, and are very shy, immediately retiring when disturbed by the slightest sound. 

Mr. Morgan was a civil engineer, on duty near Lake Superior. Being camped near the 
Beaver meadows, he watched many nights, and at last, during a moonlight night, was able to 
make some very interesting observations of the habits of these animals. 

His book on the American Beaver is full of new and valuable material. His descriptions 
of the construction of canals by Beavers are wonderful. He found a series of canals cut in the 
direction of trees that were desirable for use in building dams. These canals were connected 
with the water of the pond or lake, and any logs that the Beavers had prepared were easily 
transported through them. The Beaver’s fore-legs are very short, and are not used in swim- 
ming. When they moved the logs in the water, the paws were placed upon them, and while 
the hind legs, well webbed, were making vigorous strokes behind, the log was pushed and 
guided to its destination. Morgan says the Beaver does not use the tail for any purpose 
but that of steering while swimming. He regards the old stories about the use of the tail as a 
trowel, as exploded and untrue. One of the canals measured by Mr. Morgan was five hundred. 
feet in length—the trees coveted by the animals being that distance away from the lake. 


THE Coyrpu Rat, or RAcoonpDA, as it is sometimes termed, is a native of Central America, 
where it is found in such great numbers that its beautiful fur is imported into Europe in very 
large quantities. 

The color of this animal is a light reddish-brown, the hairs being variegated with both 
tints, not unlike that of the beaver in character and general appearance. Indeed, the creature 
bears a great resemblance to a miniature beaver, with the exception of its tail, which is long 
and rounded, instead of being flattened like that of the true beaver. The incisor teeth are a 
light reddish-orange, and are very conspicuous even at some distance. The length of a full- 
grown Coypu is about two feet six inches, its tail being about fifteen inches long. 

It is a quick and lively animal, and very amusing in its habits. It swims nearly, if not 
quite, as well as the beaver, using its webbed hind feet in much the same manner. It is 
wonderfully dexterous in the use of its fore-paws, which it uses as if they were hands, while it 
sits upright on its hinder paws and tail. I have often watched the funny antics of the Coypus 
in the Zoological Gardens, and have been much amused by the manner in which they traverse 
their domains, and examine everything that seems to be novel. If a tuft of grass is thrown to 


THE MUSQUASH, OR MUSK RAT. 467 


them, they pick it up in their fore-paws, shake it violently, in order to get rid of the earth 
that clings to the roots, and then, carrying it to the water-side, wash it with a rapid dexterity 
that might be envied by a professional laundress. 

While swimming it looks very like a magnified water vole, and is remarkably quick and 
agile in its movements ; but its gait on land is clumsy and awkward. It seems to be equally 
at home in salt or fresh water, inhabiting the banks of rivers or the shores of the sea creeks, 
according to the locality in which it is found, and living in burrows which it excavates along 
the banks. 


COYPU RAT, OR RACOONDA.—WMyopotamus coypu. 


It is said to be a tolerably powerful animal, and to make no despicable resistance to the 
dogs which are employed in its chase. It is, however, naturally of a gentle disposition, and 
can be rendered very tame by those who bestow proper attention upon it. 


THE ONDATRA, MusquasH, or Musk Rat, is a native of Northern America, where it is 
found in various places above the twentieth degree of north latitude. 

The color of this animal is a dark brown on the upper portions of its body, tinged with a 
reddish hue upon its neck, ribs, and legs, the abdomen being ashy gray; the tail is of the 
same dark hue as the body. In total length it rather exceeds two feet, of which measurement 
the tail occupies about ten inches. The incisor teeth are bright yellow, and the nails are 
white. The whole coloring of the animal is so wonderfully like the hue of the muddy banks 
on which it resides, that a practised naturalist has often mistaken the Ondatras for mere 
lumps of mud until they began to move, and so dispelled the illusion. The hinder feet of 
the Ondatra are well webbed, and their imprint on the soft mud is very like that of a common 
duck. 

The food of the Ondatra in a wild state appears to be almost wholly of a vegetable nature ; 
although, when confined in a cage, one of these animals has been seen to eat muscles and 
oysters, cutting open the softest shells, and extracting the inmates, and waiting for the hard- 
shelled specimens until they either opened of their own accord or died. Although the Ondatra 
is a clumsy walker, it will sometimes travel to some distance from the water-side, and has 
been noticed on a spot nearly three-quarters of a mile from any water. These animals 
have also been detected in ravaging a garden, which they had plundered of turnips, parsnips, 
carrots, maize, and other vegetables. The mischievous creatures had burrowed beneath them, 


468 HABITS OF THE MUSQUASH. 


bitten through their roots, and carried them away to their subterranean storehouses. The 
maize they had procured by cutting the stalks near the level of the ground. ; 

The Ondatra lives mostly in burrows, which it digs in the banks of the river in which it 
finds its food, but sometimes takes up its abode in a different kind of habitation, according to 
the locality and the soil. In the stiff clay banks of rivers the Ondatra digs a rather compli- 
cated series of tunnels, some of them extending to a distance of fifteen or twenty yards, and 
sloping upwards. There are generally three or four entrances, all of which open under water, 
and unite in a single chamber, where the Ondatra makes its bed. The couch of the luxurious 
animal is composed of sedges, water-lily leaves, and similar plants, and is so large as to filla 
bushel basket. On marshy ground, and especially if it be supplied by springs, the Ondatra 
builds little houses that rise about three or four feet above the water, and look something like 
small haycocks. 


ONDATRA, OR MUSK RAT.—Fiber zibethicus. 


As the fur of the Ondatra is rather valuable, and the flesh is considered to be nearly as 
good as that of the wild duck, it is rather persecuted by the human inhabitants of the same 
land, as well as by the regular fur hunters. If these creatures have taken up their abode in 
burrows, the hunters capture them by stopping up all the holes which they can reach, and 
intercepting the animals as they try to escape; but if the ground be marshy, and they live 
in houses or ‘‘ lodges,”’ a different plan is adopted. Being armed with a four-pronged barbed 
spear, the hunter creeps quietly towards one of the houses, and with the full strength of his 
arm drives the barbed prongs completely through the frail walls, transfixing one or more of 
the inhabitants. His companion, who is furnished with an axe, immediately hurls down 
the remainder of the wall, and secures the unfortunate victims who are held down by the 
merciless steel. 

The habits of the Ondatra are very curious, and are admirably related by Messrs. Audu- 
bon and Bachman, in the work to which allusion has already been made :— 


‘*Musk rats are very lively, playful animals when in their proper element, the water ; 
and many of them may be occasionally seen disporting themselves on a calm night in some 
mill-pond or deep sequestered pool, crossing and recrossing in every direction, leaving long 
ripples in the water behind them, while others stand for a few moments on little hurdles or 
tufts of grass, or on stones or logs, on which they can get a footing above the water, or on the 


THE GROUND PIG. 469 


banks of the pond, and then plunge one after the other into the water. At times one is seen 
lying perfectly still on the surface of the pond or stream, with its body widely spread out, 
and as flat as can be. Suddenly it gives the water a smart slap with its tail, somewhat in the 
manner of the beaver, and disappears beneath the surface instantaneously, going down head 
foremost, and reminding one of the quickness and ease with which some species of ducks and 
grebes dive when shot at. 

‘* At the distance of ten or twenty yards, the Musk Rat comes to the surface again, and 
perhaps joins its companions in their sports ; at the same time others are feeding on the grassy 
banks, dragging off the roots of various kinds of plants, or digging underneath the edge of the 
bank. These animals seem to form a little community of social, playful creatures, who only 
require to be unmolested in order to be happy. 

‘Should you fire off a fowling-piece while the Musk Rats are thus occupied, a terrible 
fright and dispersion ensues ; dozens dive at the flash of the gun, or disappear in their holes; 
and although in the daytime, when they see imperfectly, one may be shot while swimming, 
it is exceedingly difficult to kill one at night. In order to ensure success, the gunner must 
be concealed, so that the animal cannot see the flash, even when he fires with a percussion 
lock.”’ 


Traps are also largely employed for the destruction of this gentle, but, unfortunately for 
itself, valuable animal. The traps are so arranged, that when the creature is taken, and 
struggles to get free, it jerks the trap into the water, and is thus drowned. If its companions 
discover it while still entrapped, they behave in the manner of the brown Rats, and tear their 
imprisoned companion to pieces. If one of these animals is shot, and not immediately 
retrieved, the survivors surround the dead body of their companion, and carry it off to their 
homes from the reach of its murderer. In character it is quiet and gentle, and although 
armed with such powerful teeth, makes no offensive use of them, even when handled by man 
for the first time. 


THE shy and retirmg Hypromys, or BEAVER RAt, is not a very rare animal in its native 
country, but as, in addition to its natural timidity, it is nocturnal in its habits, it is but seldom 
seen by casual observers. It is a native of Van Diemen’s Land, and is found inhabiting the 
banks of both salt and fresh water. It is an admirable swimmer and diver, reminding the 
spectator of the water vole of Europe. Like that animal, it has a habit of sitting upright, 
supported by its hind paws and tail, while it employs the fore-feet for the conveyance of food 
to its mouth. 

The color of the Beaver Rat’s fur is as follows. The neck and upper parts of the body 
are of a dark rich brown, which is washed with a light golden hue along the sides of the face, 
shoulders, and the flanks, as far as the hind limbs. The under surface of the body is golden 
yellow, and has earned for the animal the name of ‘‘chrysogaster,’”? which signifies ‘‘ golden- 
bellied.”” The basal half of the tail is black, and the remaining moiety is white. The total 
length of the Beaver Rat is about two feet, the tail being the same length as the body. The 
hinder feet are webbed. 


THE GRouND Pic is one of the links between the beavers and the porcupines, and has a 
considerable affinity with the latter animals. 

It is found in many parts of Southern Africa, as well as on the coast of Guinea, where it 
is not at all uncommon. The hair of this animal is rather peculiar, and approximates closely 
to the quill-hairs of the true poreupines, being either flat and grooved above, or developed 

“into flexile spines. The tail is but sparely covered with hair, and is rather short in proportion 
to the size of its owner. The hinder feet are only furnished with four toes, armed with large, 
rounded, and rather blunt claws. The ears are short and rounded. 


THE Porcupine has long been rendered famous among men by the extraordinary armory 
of pointed spears which it bears upon its back, and which it was formerly fabled to launch at 
its foes with fatal precision. 


470 THE PORCUPINE. 


This animal inhabits many parts of the world, being found in Africa, Southern Europe, 
and India. The spines, or quills, with which it is furnished, vary considerably in length, the 
longest quills being flexible, and not capable of doing much harm to an opponent. Beneath 
these is a plentiful supply of shorter spines, from five to ten inches in length, which are the 
really effective weapons of this imposing array. Their hold on the skin is very slight, so that 
when they have been struck into a foe, they remain fixed in the wound, and, unless imme- 
diately removed, work sad woe to the sufferer. For the quill is so constructed, that it grad- 
ually bores its way into the flesh, burrowing deeper at every movement, and sometimes even 
causing the death of the wounded creature. In Africa and India, leopards and tigers have 
frequently been killed, in whose flesh were pieces of Porcupine quills that had penetrated 
deeply into the body, and had even caused suppuration to take place. In one instance, a tiger 
was found to have his paws, ears, and head filled with the spines of a Porcupine, which he 
had vainly been endeavoring to kill. 

Conscious of its powers, the Porcupine is not at all an aggressive animal, and seldom, if 
ever, makes an unprovoked attack. But if irritated or wounded, it becomes at once a very 
unpleasant antagonist, as it spreads out its bristles widely, and rapidly backs upon its oppo- 
nent. There are few horses which will face an irritated Porcupine ; and even the preliminary 
rustle of the quills with which a Porcupine generally prepares every attack, is sufficient to 
make an ordinary horse flee in terror. The rustling sound is produced by a number of hollow 
quills which grow upon the Porcupine’s tail, and which, when that member is agitated, clash 
against each other with a sound very like the peculiar ruffling of a peacock’s train. 

The Porcupine is a nocturnal animal, seldom venturing out of its retreat as long as the 
sun is above the horizon, and is therefore not often seen even in the localities which it most 
prefers. It is said not to require the presence of water, but to quench its thirst by eating the 
succulent roots and plants which it digs out of the ground. Its food is entirely of a vegetable 
nature, and consists of various kinds of herbage, as well as of bark, fruit, and roots. This 
animal takes up its abode in deep burrows which it excavates, and in which it is supposed to 
undergo a partial hibernation. 

As the spines of the Porcupines are of some commercial value, and are used for many 
purposes, the chase of the animal is rather popular in the countries which it inhabits, and 
derives a further interest from the fact that the Porcupine, although a timid creature, can 
make a very powerful resistance when it is driven to despair. In fighting, it depends wholly 
on its quills, and does not attempt to make the least use of its strong and sharp incisor teeth, 
which are able to cut their way through the hardest wood as if it were butter, and would inflict 
most dangerous wounds. So far, indeed, is it from making any use of these formidable 
weapons, that its first care is to protect its head, being probably led to that course of action 
by its fear for its nose, which is so sensitive that the animal is stunned by a comparatively 
slight blow on that organ. 

It does not appear to be very susceptible of domestication, probably because it cannot find 
teachers who are sufficiently fearless of its quills to pay very close attention to it. With the 
exception of the hollow quills in the tail, the spines are encircled with alternate rings of black 
and white, producing a very rich contrast of coloring. The upper parts of the body are 
covered with hair instead of quills, and upon the head and neck there is a kind of crest, com- 
posed of very long stiff hairs, which can be erected or depressed at pleasure. Like the hedge- 
hog, it can coil itself into a ball when it is surprised at a distance from its haven of refuge, 
and can present such an array of threatening spikes, that it is quite safe from any enemy 
excepting man. When, however, the animal is at peace, it is capable of depressing the brist- 
ling spears, and can squeeze itself through an opening which would appear at first sight to be 
hardly large enough to permit the passage of an animal of only half its size. 

The total length of the common Porcupine is about three feet six inches, the tail being 
about six inches long. Its gait is plantigrade, slow, and clumsy, and as it walks, its long 
quills shake and rattle in a very curious manner. Its muzzle is thick and heavy, and its eyes 
small and pig-like. 


“ANIdNOdOd 


“ACN SHSHSINSNd ‘SSAH YVINTSS 


THE CANADIAN PORCUPINE, OR URSON. 471 


THE TUFTED-TAILED PORCUPINE is even a more singuiar animal than that which has 
just been described. 

The quills which cover the body are very short in proportion to the size of the animal, and 
instead of preserving the rounded, bamboo-like aspect of the ordinary Porcupine-quills, are 
flattened like so many blades of grass. The tail is scaly throughout a considerable part of its 
length, but at the tip is garnished with a tuft of most extraordinary-looking objects, which 
can hardly be called hairs or quills, but, as Buffon remarks, look very like narrow, irregular 
strips of parchment. The coloring of the quills is rather various, but, as a general rule, they 
are black towards the extremity and white towards the base. They are very sharply pointed, 


TUFTED-TAILED PORCUPINE.—Atherura africana. 


and are remarkable for a deep groove that runs along their entire length. Upon the head the 
quills are not more than one inch long, but on the middle of the body they reach four or even 
five inches. Among these quills there are a few long and very slender spines or bristles, which 
project beyond the others. 

The Tufted-tailed Porcupine has been found at Fernando Po, and is an inhabitant of 
India and the Peninsula of Malacca. 


THE Urson, CawQuaw, or CANADIAN PORCUPINE, is a native of North America, where it 
is most destructive to the trees among which it lives. 

Its chief food consists of living bark, which it strips from the branches as cleanly as if 
it had been furnished with a sharp knife. When it begins to feed, it ascends the tree, 
commences at the highest branches, and eats its way regularly downward. Having finished 
one tree, it takes to another, and then to a third, always choosing those that run in the same 
line; so that its path through the woods may easily be traced by the line of barked and 
dying trees which it leaves in its track. A single Urson has been known to destroy a hun- 
dred trees in a single winter, and another is recorded as having killed some two or three 
acres of timber. ‘ 

It is a tolerably quiet animal, and easily tamed ; although subject to sudden fits of alarm 
at any strange object. One of these animals was so entirely domesticated, as to come volun- 
tarily, and take vegetables or fruit from the hand of its master, and would rub itself against 
him after the manner of an affectionate cat. When irritated or alarmed, it has a curious 
habit of striking sharply with its tail, which is thickly set with short quills, and causing no 
small damage to the object of attack. In the work of Messrs. Audubon and Bachman is a 
very amusing little story of the manner in which the tame Urson above mentioned repelled 
an attack made upon it by a fierce dog. 


472 THE CANADIAN PORCUPINE, OR URSON. 


‘“‘ A large, ferocious, and exceedingly troublesome mastiff, belonging to the neighborhood, 
had been in the habit of digging a hole under the fence, and entering our garden. Early one 
morning we saw him making a dash at some object in the corner of the fence, which proved to 
be our Porcupine, which had, during the night, made its escape from the cage. 

‘““The dog seemed regardless of all its threats, and probably supposing it to be an animal 
not more formidable than a cat, sprang upon it with open mouth. The Porcupine seemed to 
swell up in an instant to nearly double its size, and as the dog pounced upon it, it dealt him 
such a sidewise blow with its tail, as to cause the mastiff to relinquish his hold instantly, and 
set up a loud howl in an agony of pain. His mouth, tongue, and nose were full of Porcupine 
quills. He could not close his jaws, but hurried, open-mouthed, off the premises. It proved 
to him a lesson for life, as nothing could ever afterwards induce him to revisit a place where 
he had met with such an unneighborly reception. Although the servants immediately 


CANADIAN PORCUPINE, OR URSON.—Zrethizon dorsatum. 


extracted the spines from the mouth of the dog, we observed that his head was terribly swelled 
for several weeks afterwards, and it was months before he finally recovered.” _ 

The victorious Urson did not long survive the affray, for as the summer weather 
approached, it betrayed unmistakable signs of distress, and finally died of heat. _ A similar 
anecdote is recorded of an Urson, which took a sudden umbrage at the attentions of a person 
who was attempting to caress it, and unexpectedly dealt him such a blow with its tail that his 
offending right hand was instantly covered with wounds. 

The Urson is not so fully defended with spines as the two preceding animals, but is covered 
with long, coarse, blackish-brown hair, among which the short pointed quills are so deeply 
set, that, except in the head, tail, and hinder quarters, they are scarcely perceptible. These 
spines are largely used by the American Indians in the decoration of their hunting-pouches, 
moccasins, and other articles, and after the quills are extracted, the remainder of the fur is 
sufficiently soft to be used for clothing. The flesh of the Urson is considered eatable, and is 
said to bear some resemblance to flabby pork. 

The length of the Urson is not quite four feet, the head and body measuring rather more 
than three feet, and the tail about nine inches. The teeth are of a bright orange. 

The Canada Porcupine is, probably, much less known than the African species, which is 
figured very commonly in books. It is known as Hedgehog in the country, but the true 
Hedgehog is an European species of animal, entirely different ; belonging to another order, 
the Insectivora. The Canada Porcupine has been kept alive in Central Park. The tales con- 
cerning the throwing of the quills are fabulous. We had an opportunity to observe the 


THE COENDOO, OR BRAZILIAN PORCUPINE. 473 


manner of using the quills as means of defence. In the Park Collection was an adult Canada 
Porcupine, in a box with a small rabbit. Each animal kept as far from the other as possible, 
but in an unlucky moment the rabbit chanced to approach near the Porcupine, when in an 
instant the tail of the latter was struck against the rabbit, leaving hundreds of the smaller 
quills studding his face and shoulders. Like the African species, the larger and longer quills 
are for ornament ; the weapons are the small ones massed just over the rump and base of tail. 
The motion is so quick it easily escapes notice, hence the uninformed observer is ready to believe 
that the quills are thrown out. 

This animal was common in 
Massachusetts during the first half 
of this century. Its range is from 
Maine to Kentucky, but it is not 
seen on the sea-board. A Western 
variety reaches as far as Arizona 
and New Mexico. It is often seen 
in the albino state. 


In Southern America, the Por- 
cupines find a representative in 
the CorENDOO, an animal which is 
not only remarkable for its array 
of quills, but also for the prehen- 
sile power of its long tail. 

As might be presumed, from 
the prehensile tail and the pecu- 
liarly armed claws, the Coendoo 
is of arboreal habits, finding its 
food among the lofty branches of 
trees. On the level ground it is 
slow and awkward, but among the 
more congenial boughs it climbs 
with great ease, drawing itself 
from branch to branch by means 
of its hooked claws; but seldom 
using its tail, except as an aid in 
descent. The food of this animal 
consist of leaves, flowers, fruit, 
bark, and the soft woody substance 
of young and tender branches, 
which it slices easily with its chisel-edged incisor teeth. During the summer months the 
Coendoo becomes extremely fat, and its flesh is then in great request, being both delicate in 
flavor and tender in character. The young of this animal are born in the month of September 
or October, and are very few in number. 

The total length of the Coendoo is about three feet six inches, of which the tail occupies 
one foot six inches. Its nose is thick and blunt, like that of the common Porcupine, and the 
face is furnished with very long whisker-hairs of a deep black. The numerous spines which 
cover the body are parti-colored, being black in the centre and white at each extremity. Their 
length is rather more than two inches on the back, an inch and a half on the fore-legs, and not 
quite an inch on the hinder limbs. A number of short quills are also set upon the basal half 
of the tail, the remainder of that organ being furnished with scales, and tapering to its 
extremity. The color of the scales is black. The entire under surface of the tail is covered 
with similar scales, among which are interspersed a number of bright chestnut hairs. The 
abdomen, breast, and inner face of the limbs are clothed with dense, brown, coarse hairs. 

It is a nocturnal animal ; sleeping by day, and feeding by night. 


COENDOO, OR BRAZILIAN PORCUPINE.—Cercolabes urchensilis. 


474 THE AGOUTI. 


THe two succeeding animals bear some resemblance to each other, but may be distin- 
guished by the different shape of the head, and the structure of the feet and toes. These tech- 
nical distinctions may be found in the list of generic differences which closes the first volume 
of this work. There are several species of Agoutis, the Common AGourtiI being considered as 
the type of the genus, and their habits being very similar. 

The Agouti is a native of Brazil, Paraguay, Guiana, and other neighboring countries, but 
its numbers have been considerably thinned in many spots where cultivation has been indus- 
triously carried on. In some of the Antilles, where it formerly swarmed, it is now nearly 
extirpated, and in St. Domingo is but rarely seen. It is a voracious animal, eating almost 
every kind of vegetable food, having, however, an unfortunate preference for those plants 
which have been reared under human 
superintendence. It is especially fond 
of roots, such as potatoes and yams, 
and is so destructive among sugar- 
canes that the planters are forced to 
wage a war of extermination against 
the Agouti before they can hope for a 
good crop. Very few of these animals 
are to be found in any spot where the 
sugar-cane has been cultivated to any 
extent. Besides plants and nuts, the 
Agouti eats various fruits, displaying 
a strong predilection for nuts. Like 
many of the rodent animals, it is capa- 
ble of varying its diet with animal 
substances, and will seldom refuse a 
piece of meat if offered. 

It is a tolerably swift animal, as 
might be supposed from the great com- 
parative length of its hinder limbs, but 
does not appear to be capable of sustain- 
ing a long chase. Open country is on 
that account rather distasteful to the 
Agouti, who prefers wooded districts, 
where it can find shelter without being 

AGOUTL—Dasyprocta aguti. forced to run for any considerable 

distance. When running, it bears 

some resemblance to the common hare, and, like that animal, is rather apt to overbalance itself 
when running down hill, and to roll for some yards before it can recover itself. 

All its movements are sharp, quick, and active, and even while sitting upright and 
engaged in feeding itself by the assistance of its fore-paws, its head is continually being 
turned from side to side, and its bright eyes glance in every direction, in order to guard 
against a surprise. As it is a nocturnal animal, and spends the whole of the day in its dark 
hiding-place, its ravages take place under cover of night, and are the more difficult to be 
repelled. Its usual resting-place is in the cleft of a rock, or in the hollow of some decaying 
tree, where twenty or thirty of these animals may be found living amicably together. 

In these dark recesses the young Agoutis are born, and are laid upon a soft bed of leaves, 
where they remain for a few weeks, and then sally out with their parents on their nocturnal 
expeditions. There are generally two broods in each year, and the number of young at a 
birth is from three to six. 

The Agouti can be readily domesticated, but is in no great favor as a pet, because it is so 
fond of exercising its sharp teeth upon any article of furniture which may fall in its way, and 
will in a very few minutes cut its way through an ordinary wooden door. Moreover, it ill 
repays the trouble which has been taken in taming it, for it seems to lose all its amusing qual- 


THE MARA. 475 


ities when it is once placed in an enclosure and furnished with regular food. It appears 
hardly to be capable of distinguishing kindness from cruelty, and displays but little emotion 
at the presence of the person who brings its daily food. It is naturally a gentle creature, and 
when captured will not attempt to bite the hand that seizes it, but only gives vent to a piteous 
squeak as it feels itself made a prisoner. The flesh of the Agouti is white and good-flavored, 
and is thought to resemble a mixture of the hare and rabbit. In some countries which it 
inhabits it is commonly eaten, while in others a prejudice prevails against its use as an article 
of diet. 

The name, Dasyprocta, which has been given to the genus, refers to the thick hair which 
falls over the hind quarters, and nearly conceals the little pointed stump of a tail. The hair 


MARA.—Dolichétis patach6nica. 


of this part of the body is a bright golden-brown, but on the back and sides the fur has a 
curious speckled aspect, on account of the black, brown, and yellow tints with which each hair 
is marked. On the greater part of the body the fur is only about one inch in length, but the 
golden-brown hair of the hinder parts is more than four inches long. In character it is coarse, 
though glossy. 

Though all the species are furnished with powerful claws, the Agouti is incapable of 
climbing trees or digging burrows. It is said to have some idea of laying up provisions, and 
to hide any superabundance of food in some place of concealment. In size it equals the 
common rabbit, but does not equal the hare. 


BETWEEN the agoutis and the pacas is placed the Mara, or Patagonian Cavy, as it is 
sometimes called, an animal which is remarkably swift for a short distance, but is so easily 
fatigued that it can be run down by a man on horseback. It is more tamable than the agouti, 
and is often kept in a state of domestication, being permitted to range the house and premises 
at will. It is generally found in couples, a male and his mate occupying the same ‘‘form.”’ 
It does not seem to burrow, nor to keep so close to its retreat as the agouti, but is fond of 


476 THE DUSKY PACA. 


crouching in a form like our common hare. It is about thirty inches in length, and about 
nineteen inches high at the crupper, which is the most elevated part of the animal. At 
the shoulder it hardly exceeds sixteen inches. The fur of this animal is soft and warm, 
and from the contrasting colors of black, white, and golden-brown, presents a very handsome 
appearance. Its scientific title is Dolichotis patachénicus. 


THE Pacas are remarkable for the extraordinary development of a portion of the skull, 
which gives to the entire head a very singular aspect. The cheekbone is enormously developed 
into a large, expanded mass of bone, concave and very rough on the exterior, and smooth and 
concave interiorly. This enlarged bone is so enormous that its lower edge descends below the 
lower jawbone, and hides a considerable portion of it. Closely connected with this curious 
structure is a cheek-pouch, for which no use has hitherto been discovered. There are also 


DUSKY PACA.—Celégenys paca. 


two large cheek-pouches which open into the mouth, and extend past the jaws into the neck. 
In consequence of this formation, the name of Coelogenys, or ‘‘ Hollow-cheek,”’ has been given 
to this genus. ; 

The Pacas inhabit Southern America, being mostly, if not entirely, restricted to the east- 
ern portions of that country, and have also been found in some of the West Indian islands. 


THE Dusky Paca is really a pretty animal, the rows of white spots which decorate its 
sides standing out in pleasing contrast to the rich black-brown hue with which the remainder 
of the fur is tinged. The throat and abdomen are white, and the lowermost of the four rows 
of white spots is often nearly merged into the white fur of the under portions of the body. 
The coloring is rather variable in different individuals. The paws are light flesh-color, and 
the large full eyes are dark brown. The total length of this animal is about two feet. 

In its native land it is quite as destructive as the agouti, and, like that animal, is a terrible 
foe to the sugar-canes, which are too frequently destroyed in great quantities by the nocturnal 
visits of the Paca. The aggrieved planters retaliate by making diurnal attacks on the Paca 
burrows when they know the animal will be at home; and by stopping up two of the three 
entrances which lead to the secret chamber of the midnight robber, are enabled to dislodge the 
hidden animal from its retreat. When hard pressed, the Paca turns fiercely on its assailant, 
and fights desperately in defence of itself and its home. 

It is an active animal, in spite of its clumsy looks, and not only runs with considerable 
speed, but is a good swimmer, and can jump well. 

The favorite localities of the Pacas are in wooded distgicts, in marshy grounds, or near the 


THE CAPYBARA. 477 


banks of rivers. Their domiciles are excavated in the ground, but are at no great depth, and 
are remarkable for the admirable state of cleanliness in which they are preserved by the 
inhabitants. The burrows are often so shallow that their roofs cannot support any superin- 
cumbent weight, and will give way under the tread of man or horse. 

When properly dressed by being scalded and roasted, the flesh of the Paca is much 
esteemed, although it is too rich and fat to please the palates of some persons. The fur is of 
little value, being short and harsh, so that the skin of the Paca is useless until it has been 
deprived of hair and tanned. The Paca is only moderately intelligent ; and when in captivity 
appears, like the agouti, to lose a great portion of the bright intelligence which characterizes 
its wild nature. It appears to take great care of its fur, and is as fastidious in its toilet as the 
domestic cat, washing itself in the same manner, and combing itself carefully with the claws 
of its hind and fore feet. 


CAPYBARA.—Hydrocherus capybara. 


FEw persons, on seeing a CAPYBARA for the first time, would be inclined to class it with 
the animals to which it is so nearly related. The great size, the harsh, coarse hair, more like 
the bristles of a hog than the soft, delicate fur which clothes the generality of rodent animals, 
the hoof-like toes, and the heavy, clumsy bearing of the animal, are so swinish in appearance 
that any ordinary spectator might well imagine that he saw before him a very curious example 
of the wild-hogs. In allusion to the external resemblance which this animal bears to the 
swine, it has received the name of Hydrochcerus, or Water Hog. It is a native of Southern 

* America, and has a rather wide range. 

The Capybara is the largest of all the living rodent animals, rather exceeding three feet 
in total length, and being so bulkily made that when it walks its abdomen nearly touches the 
ground. The muzzle of this animal is heavy and blunt, the eyes are set high in the head, and 
are moderate in size, the tail is wanting, and the toes are partially connected together by a 
development of the skin. The color of the Capybara is rather indeterminate, owing to the 
manner in which the hairs are marked with black and yellow, so that the general idea which 


478 THE GUINEA PIG. 


its coat presents is a dingy, blackish-gray, with a tinge of yellow. The hairs are rather long, 
and fall heavily over the body. The incisor teeth are of enormous dimensions, and the molars 
are very curiously formed, presenting some analogy to those of the elephant. 

It is a water-loving animal, using its webbed feet with great power, and fleeing instinct- 
ively to the stream when terrified by real or imaginary danger. It not only swims well, but 
is a good diver ; and when endeavoring to escape from a foe, always tries to evade its pursuer 
by diving as long as its breath will hold out, and only permitting the top of its head to appear 
above the surface when it rises for the purpose of respiration. As, however, it can remain 
under water for a space of eight or ten minutes, it finds no difficulty in escaping from any 
ordinary foe, if it can only gain the shelter of the welcome stream. The food of this animal 
is exclusively vegetable, and its curious teeth are needed in order to bruise the herbage on 
which it feeds into a mass sufficiently pulpy to enable it to pass through the very narrow throat. 

The Capybara is a gregarious crea- 
ture, being generally found in small herds 
upon the banks of the streams which they 
frequent. These animals are subject to 
considerable persecution at the hand of 
man and beast, as the flesh is remarkably 
good, and when properly treated can be 
preserved like ham or bacon. The jaguar 
preys largely on the Capybara, which is 
so large and fat that it affords a plentiful 
and succulent meal ; and is so easily over- 
come that the jaguar finds no difficulty in 
supplying himself with a dinner. There 
is a kind of musky flavor about the flesh 
of the Capybara which is very attractive 
to some persons, but is equally repulsive 
to others. When startled, it utters a 
peculiar sound, something between a bark 
and grunt, in which an indefinite noise is 
produced, and a large amount of breath 
expended. 


THE Cavies are well represented by 
BR EG a the common GUINEA Pie. 

GUINEA PIG.—Cavia aperea. Few animals have received less appro- 

priate names than the Guinea Pig; for it 

is not a pig, but a rodent, and does not come from Guinea, but from Southern America. It is 

very easily tamed ; for its disposition is so unimpressible and dull that it accommodates itself 

to change of locality without betraying any emotion, and seems hardly to be susceptible even 

of fear. Being a very pretty little creature, it is in some favor as a domestic pet; and as it is 

remarkably prolific, it very rapidly increases in numbers, if it is well defended from cold and 

preserved from damp, as without warmth and a dry habitation it soon dies. The food of the 

Guinea Pig is exclusively of a vegetable nature, and while feeding it generally sits on its 
hinder feet, and carries the food to its mouth with its fore-paws. 

An idea of the extreme fecundity of this animal may be formed from the fact that it begins 
to breed at ten months of age, that each brood consists on an average of six or eight, and that 
in less than three weeks after the birth of the young family they are driven to shift for them- 
selves, and the mother is then ready for another brood. The young Guinea Pigs are born with 
their eyes open, and covered with hair, and do not attain their full dimensions until they have 
reached the age of eight or nine months. 

The color of the Guinea Pig is very variable; but is generally composed of white, red, and 
black, in patches of different size and shape in each individual. The bare portions of the skin 


THE HARE. 479 


are flesh-colored, and the eye is brown. The animal is of little direct use to mankind, as its 
flesh is held in very low estimation, and its hair is so slightly attached to the skin that its 
coat is useless to the furrier. There was formerly a prevalent idea that rats had an especial 
antipathy to the Guinea Pig, and would not haunt any place where one of these animals was 
kept. Rabbit owners were therefore in the habit of placing a Guinea Pig in the same apart- 
ment with the hutches, in hopes of scaring away the rats, which are the chief enemies of tame 
rabbits. As, however, in several instances the Guinea Pigs were eaten by the rats instead of 
driving them from the premises, the custom has gradually fallen into deserved disrepute. 


THE group of animals which is known by the name of Leporide, from the Latin word, 
lepus, a hare, is easily distinguishable from the other rodents by the peculiar dentition of the 
upper jaw. Usually there are only two incisor teeth in that jaw; but in the Leporide there 
are four incisors, a pair of smaller teeth being placed immediately behind the usual upper 
incisors. 

The common Hare is known from the rabbit by the redder hue of its fur, the great pro- 
portionate length of its black-tipped ears, which are nearly an inch longer than the head ; by 
its very long hind legs, and its large and prominent eyes. When full-grown it is of consid- 
erable size, weighing on the average about eight or nine pounds, and sometimes attaining the 
weight of twelve or even thirteen pounds. In total length it rather exceeds two feet, the tail 
being about three inches long. The color of the common Hare is grayish-brown on the upper 
portions of the body, mixed with a dash of yellow ; the abdomen is white, and the neck and 
breast are yellowish-white. The tail is black on the upper surface and white underneath, so 
that when the creature runs it exhibits the white tail at every leap. Sometimes the color of 
the Hare deepens into black, and there are many examples of albino specimens of this animal. 

It is popularly supposed to be a timid animal, and has therefore received the specific title of 
“timidus ;”’ but it is really possessed of no small share of courage. According to a well-known 
writer—not a sportsman—we malign the poor creature by stigmatizing it as cowardly or timid, 
because it runs away when it is hunted. Half a hundred horsemen, together with a pack of 
dogs, band together in pursuit of one defenceless Hare, which is likely to run away under 
such circumstances. There is hardly any animal, from an elephant or lion downwards, that 
would not run away in like manner; and it is very unfair to brand the poor Hare with an 
offensive epithet because it does not attempt to fight a field of horsemen and a pack of hounds. 

However disposed the Hare may be to flight, when matched against such overwhelming 
odds, she is really a courageous animal when more fairly dealt with. 

A countrymen had captured a young leveret in a furrow, and was proceeding to mark it 
by notching its ears, when he was interrupted in his work by the mother Hare, which flew at 
him with singular courage, and struck so fiercely with her feet that she tore his hands rather 
severely. Finding that she could not release her child, she stood within a few feet of the 
captor, and waited patiently until he liberated the little Hare, with which she went off. The 
Hare is a very pugnacious animal, and is in the habit of waging the most savage fights with 
those of its own species. 

The very long and powerful hind legs of the Hare enable it to make prodigious bounds, 
and to cover a considerable space of ground at every leap. The hinder limbs are, indeed, of 
such great proportionate length that the animal does not walk, but proceeds by a series ot 
hops or leaps. The Hare is so constituted that it never becomes fat, however rich and fertile 
may be the pasture in which it feeds, and is therefore enabled to run for a very great distance 
without being fatigued, as would be the case if its muscles were loaded with fat. It can also 
leap to a considerable height, and has been known to jump over a perpendicular wall of eight 
feet in height in order to escape from its pursuers. 

It is a wonderfully cunning animal, and is said by many who have closely studied its 
habits to surpass the fox in ready ingenuity. Appearing to understand the method by which 
the hounds are enabled to track its footsteps, it employs the most crafty manceuvres for the 
purpose of throwing them off the scent. Sometimes it will run forwards for a considerable 
distance, and then, after returning for a few hundred yards on the same track, will make a 


480 ; THE HARE. 


great leap at right angles to its former course, and lie quietly hidden while the hounds run 
past its spot of concealment. It then jumps back again to its track, and steals quietly out of 
sight in one direction, while the hounds are going in the other. 

The Hare also displays great ingenuity in running over the kind of soil that will best suit 
the formation of her feet, and be most disadvantageous to her pursuers, and has been known, 
on more than one occasion, to break the line of scent most effectually by leaping into some 
stream or lake, and swimming for a considerable distance before she takes to the land again. 
A Hare has been seen to brave “the salt waters and tossing waves of the sea when closely 
pressed by the hounds, and to evade them by its bold ingenuity. Sometimes an old crafty 


HARE.—Lepus timidus. 


Hare will baffle the hounds for a succession of seasons, until it is as familiar to the hunters as 
any of the dogs or horses, and makes the hounds so ashamed of their failures that they cannot 
be induced to chase it with any good will. 

As may be supposed from the fact of its taking the water, the Hare is a good swimmer, 
and can sustain itself upon the surface for no inconsiderable time. One of these animals was 
seen to swim to an island which was at least a mile distant from the main land, and to perform 
its task right bravely. The clever animal actually waited upon the shore until slack water, 
when the tide is not running, and having ascertained this fact by frequently examining the 
rippling waves as they came curling over the beach, launched itself boldly upon the water, 
and swam rapidly to the nearest point of land. 

Although possessed of a remarkably delicate sense of hearing, and furnished with very 
quick eyesight, the Hare seems to employ those senses upon objects which are behind her 
rather than on those in her front. On more than one occasion a Hare has been known to 
swerve in her course, and to run into the very midst of the hounds without having either seen 
or heard them. 

The Hare does not live in burrows, like the rabbit, but only makes a slight depression in 
the ground, in which she lies so flatly pressed to the earth that she can hardly be distinguished 


THE HARE. 481 


from the soil and dried herbage among which she has taken up her temporary abode. Although 
she has no definite home, the Hare is strongly attached to her ‘‘form,’? wherever it may be 
placed, and even if driven to a great distance by the hounds, contrives to regain her little 
domicile at the earliest opportunity. As the varying seasons of the year bring on their varied 
accompaniments of heat and cold, rain and drought, or clouds and sunshine, the Hare changes 
the locality of her ‘‘ form,’’ so as to be equally defended against the bitter frost and snows of 
winter, or the blazing rays of the noontide summer sun. 


Tur common Hare is not found in Ireland, but the Irish Hare, Zepus hibérnicus, is 
extremely common in that country, and takes the place of the common Lepus timidus. It 
may be distinguished from its English relation by its shorter limbs, its round head, and short 
ears, which are not so long as the head. According to some writers, the Irish Hare is identical 


” ALPINE HARE.—Lepus varidbilis. 


with the ALPINE Hares, and ought to be ranked with that animal, under the title of Lepus 
variadbilis, or Variable Hare, in reference to the annual blanching of its coat during the 
winter months. 

The Rabbit family (Zeporid@) is represented in both North and South America, but is far 
more numerous in the temperate portions of North America. 

One species only reaches the Arctic zone—the Polar Hare—which also ranges around the 
globe within the circle. Zepus braziliensis is the only species found in South America, which 
ranges from Patagonia to Central America. 

The great interior plains, or prairies, of North America afford numerous species. Four 
are enumerated. 

The Hares are regarded as forming one of the best defined groups among mammals. 

The Prairie Hare (Lepus campestris) is one of the kinds discovered early by Lewis and 
Clark, on the first opening of the great interior prairies. It is not known eastward of Fort 
Riley, in Kansas. It is about twenty inches in length. Its winter coat is white, with some 
rusty marks. In summer its coat is a yellowish-gray. In the Great Salt Lake Valley it is 
abundant. 

The Northern Varying Hare (Lepus americanus) is about the same size as the preceding. 
It is the most familiar and common variety known to our markets in winter, Several varieties 


482 THE RABBIT. 


are found in different parts of North America. In winter it is white, with its ear-tips bor- 
dered with black. In summer it is brown, varied with black. 
The Wood Hare (Lepus sylvaticus) is represented by three varieties. The term Gray Rab- 
bit is very commonly used to designate the three. This species is smaller than the preceding. 
Its habitat ranges from Hudson’s Bay to Florida. It is timid and inoffensive. It does not 
burrow, but makes a ‘‘form,”’ a slight depression on the ground sheltered by some shrub. It 
breeds about three times in a season, producing four to six ata birth. Its general form and 


ehabits are much like those of the English rabbit. 


Trowbridge’s Hare (Lepus trowbridgii) is the smallest of the family. Its habitat is on 
the Pacific coast. Six other species are 
known to North America: found in Cali- 
fornia and Texas. 


AN interesting animal is the North 
American Pika (Lagomys princeps), 
known as the Lirrne Cuter Hare. It 
was once regarded as allied to the Hares ; 
now, it forms a family by itself. It is 
quite small—but little larger than a com 
mon Norway rat. Its range is from the 
tops of the Rocky Mountains to British 
America. Though not properly a Hare, 
it strongly resembles a young English 
rabbit. 


RESEMBLING the hare in general ap- 
pearance and in many of its habits, the 
Rassir is readily distinguished from that 
animal by its smaller dimensions, its dif- 
ferent color, its shorter and uniformly 
brown ears, and its shorter limbs. 

The Rabbit is one of the most familiar 
of quadrupeds, having taken firm posses- 

PRESS sion of the soil into which it has been im- 
ADIT iano canes ported, and multiplied to so great an 
extent that its numbers can hardly be 
kept within proper bounds without annual and wholesale massacres. As it is more tamable 
than the hare, it has long been ranked among the chief of domestic pets, and has been so 
modified by careful management that it has developed itself into many permanent varieties, 
which would be considered as different species by one who saw them for the first time. The 
little, brown, short-furred, wild Rabbit of the warren bears hardly less resemblance to the 
long-haired, silken-furred Angola variety, than the Angola to the pure lop-eared variety with 
its enormously lengthened ears and heavy dewlap. 

Tn its wild state the Rabbit is an intelligent and amusing creature, full of odd little tricks, 
and given to playing the most ludicrous antics as it gambols about the warren in all the unre- 
strained joyousness of habitual freedom. 

To see Rabbits at their best, it is necessary to be closely concealed in their immediate 
vicinity, and to watch them in the early morning or at the fall of evening. No one can form 
any true conception of the Rabbit nature until he has observed the little creatures in their 
native home ; and when he has once done so, he will seize the earliest opportunity of resuming 
his acquaintance with the droll little creatures. 

To describe the manifold antics of a Rabbit warren would occupy the space which ought 
to be devoted to some twenty or thirty animals, and even then would be quite inadequate to 
the proposed task, They are such odd, quaint, ludicrous beings, and are full of such comical 


THE RABBIT. 483 


little coquetries and such absurd airs of assumed dignity, that they sorely try the gravity of 
the concealed observer, and sometimes cause him to burst into irrepressible laughter, to their 
profound dismay. 

At one time they are gravely pattering about the doors of their subterranean homes, occa- 
sionally sitting upright and gazing in every direction, as if fearful of a surprise, and all behav- 
ing with the supremest gravity. Next moment, some one gets angry, and stamps his feet 
fiercely on the ground as a preliminary observation before engaging in a regular fight. Sud- 
denly a whole party rush off at full speed, scampering over the ground as if they meant to 
run for a mile at least, but unexpectedly stop short at an inviting tuft of herbage, and nibble 
it composedly as if they had not run a yard. Then a sudden panic will flash through thé whole 
party, and with a rush and a scurry every rabbit leaps into its burrow and vanishes from sight 
like magic. The spot that was so full of life but a moment since is now deserted and silent as 
if it had been uninhabited for ages; but in a few minutes one little nose is seen cautiously 
poked out of a burrow, the head and ears follow, and in a very few minutes the frightened Rab- 
bits have come again into the light of day, and have recommenced their interrupted pastimes. 

Few animais are so easily startled as the Rabbit, and with perfect good reason. For their 
enemies are found in so many directions and under such insidious guises, that they are well 
justified in taking every possible precaution for their safety. Sundry rapacious birds are very 
fond of young Rabbits, and sweep down unexpectedly from some unknown aérial region before 
the doomed creature can even comprehend its danger. Stoats and weasels make dreadful havoc 
in a warren, and even the domestic cat is sadly apt to turn poacher if a well-stocked warren 
should happen to be within easy distance of her home. Foxes are very crafty in the pursuit 
of young Rabbits, and dig them out of the ground in a very ingenious and expeditious man- 
ner; while the common hedgehog is but too apt to indulge its carnivorous appetite with an 
occasional Rabbit. 

The burrows in which the Rabbit lives are extremely irregular in their construction, and 
often communicate with each other to a remarkable extent. 

From many of its foes the Rabbit escapes by diving suddenly into its burrow; but there 
are some animals, such as the stoat, weasel, and ferret, which follow it into its subterranean 
abode, and slay it within the precincts of its own home. Dogs, especially those of the small 
terrier breeds, will often force their way into the Rabbit burrows, and have sometimes paid 
the penalty of their lives for their boldness. The Rabbit has been seen to watch a terrier dog 
safely into one of the burrows, and then to fill up the entrance so effectually that the invader 
has not been able to retrace his steps, and has perished miserably beneath the surface of the 
ground. 

When the female Rabbit is about to become a mother, she quits the ordinary burrows, 
and digs a special tunnel for the purpose of sheltering her young family during their first few 
weeks of life. At the extremity of the burrow she places a large quantity of dried herbage, 
intermixed with down which she plucks from her own body, so as to make a soft and warm 
bed for the expected occupants. The young Rabbits are about seven or eight in number, and 
are born without hair and with their eyes closed. Not until they have attained the age of ten 
or twelve days are they able to open their eyelids and to see the world into which they have 
been brought. 

When domesticated, the female Rabbit is sometimes apt to eat her own young, a practice 
which has been considered as incurable. It seems, however, that the Rabbit acts in this 
apparently unnatural manner from very natural causes. It has long been the custom to 
deprive Rabbits of water, on the plea that in a wild state they never drink, but obtain the 
needful moisture from the green herbage on which they feed. But in the open country they 
always feed while the dew lies heavily upon every blade, which is never the case with the green 
food with which the Rabbits are supplied. 

Rabbits are fed very largely on bran, oats, and other dry nourishment which they do 
not obtain in their normal state of freedom. The mother Rabbit instinctively licks her young 
when they are born, and is evidently liable to an exceeding desire for liquid nourishment 
which prompts her to eat anything that may assuage her burning thirst. A Rabbit, which 


484 THE CHINCHILLA. 


had already killed and begun to eat one of her offspring, has been seen to leave the half-eaten 
body and to run eagerly to a pan of water which was placed in her hutch. It may easily be 
supposed that when an animal is obliged to afford a constant supply of liquid nourishment to 
her young, she is forced to imbibe a sufficiency of fluid to enable her to comply with the ever 
recurring demands of her offspring. 

Rabbits are terribly destructive animals, as is too well known to all residents near a warren, 
and are sad depredators in field, garden, and plantation, destroying in very wantonness hun- 
dreds of plants which they do not care to eat. They do very great damage to young trees, 
delighting in stripping them of the tender bark as far as they can reach while standing on 
their hind feet. Sometimes they eat the bark, but in many cases they leave it in heaps upon 
the ground, having chiselled it from the tree on which it grew, and to which it afforded 
nourishment, merely for the sake of exercising their teeth and keeping them in proper order, 
just as a cat delights in clawing the legs of chairs and tables. 

When the Rabbits have begun to devastate a plantation, they will continue their destruc- 
tive amusement until they have killed every tree in the place, unless they are effectually 
checked. There are only two methods of saving the trees—one of killing all the Rabbits, and 
the other by making them disgusted with their employment. The latter plan is generally 
the most feasible, and can be attained by painting each tree with a strong infusion of tobacco, 
mixed with a sufficiency of clay and other substances to make it adhere to the bark. This 
mixture should be copiously applied to the first three feet of every tree, so that the Rabbit 
cannot find any portion of the bark that is not impregnated with the nauseous compound, 
and is an effectual preservative against their attacks. 

In their normal state of freedom, Rabbits feed exclusively on vegetable food, but in 
domestication they will eat a very great variety of substances. Many of my own Rabbits 
were very fond of sweetmeats, and would nibble a piece of hardbake with great enjoyment, 
though they were always much discomposed by the adhesive nature of their strange diet, and 
used to shake their heads violently from side to side when they found themselves unable to 
disengage their teeth. They would also eat tallow candles, a fact which I discovered acci- 
dentally, by seeing them devour a candle-end that had fallen out of an old lantern. These 
curious predilections were the more unaccountable, because the animals were most liberally 
supplied with food, and were also permitted to run in the kitchen garden for a limited time 
daily, and to feed upon the growing lettuces, parsley, carrots, and other vegetables, as they 
pleased. 

As a general fact, the Rabbit has a great antipathy to the hare, so that the two animals 
are seldom, if ever, seen in close proximity. The possibility of a hybrid progeny between the 
two species was, until late years, entirely denied. There are, however, several accidental 
instances of such a phenomenon, and in every case the father has been a Rabbit and the 
mother a hare. There are many examples of young Rabbits which possess much of the color- 
ing and general aspect of the hare, but these are almost invariably the offspring of domes- 
ticated Rabbits which have been turned into a warren. 

In its native state, the fur of the Rabbit is of nearly uniform brown, but when the animal 
is domesticated, its coat assumes a variety of hues, such as pure white, jetty black, pied, dun, 
slaty-gray, and many other tints. 


THE CHINCHILLA, so well known for its exquisitely soft and delicate fur, belongs to the 
group of animals which are known to zoologists under the title of Jerbédize, and which are 
remarkable for the great comparative length of their hinder limbs, and their long, hair-clothed 
tails. 

The Chinchilla is an inhabitant of Southern America, living chiefly among the higher 
mountainous districts, where its thick silken fur is of infinite service in protecting it from the 
cold. It is a burrowing animal, digging its subterranean homes in the valleys which intersect 
the hilly country in which it lives, and banding together in great numbers in certain favored 
localities. The food of the Chinchilla is exclusively of a vegetable nature, and consists chiefly 
of various bulbous roots, which it disinters by means of its powerful fossorial paws. While 


THE LAGOTIS. 485 


feeding, it sits upon its hinder feet, and conveys the food to its mouth with its fore-feet, which 
it uses with singular adroitness. It is a most exquisitely cleanly animal, as might be sup- 
posed from the beautiful delicacy of its fur, for we may always remark, that whenever an ani- 
mal is remarkable for the coloring or the texture of its natural robes, it is always most assidu- 
ous in preserving them from any substance that might stain their purity or clog their fibres. 

The fur of the Chinchilla is of a delicate, clear gray upon the back, softening into a gray- 
ish-white on the under portions, and its texture is marvellously soft and fine. As the fur 
seems to be of two different qualities in 
animals that are brought from different 
parts of South America, it is supposed 
that there may be either two distinct spe- 
cies of this animal, or at least two perma- 
nent varieties, the hair of one being very 
much more delicate than that of the other. 
Besides being dressed and employed as a 
fur, the hair of the Chinchilla is so long 
and soft that it is well adapted for the 
loom, and has been manufactured into vari- 
ous fabrics where warmth and lightness 
are equally required. 

As the animal is very small, only 
measuring fourteen or fifteen inches in 
total length, the tail occupying nearly 
one-third of the measurement, many skins 
are employed in the manufacture of one 
article of ordinary dress, and the destruc- 
tion of the Chinchilla is necessarily very 
considerable in order to supply the con- 
stant demand for this deservedly popular 
fur. 


As far as is known, the Chinchilla is CHINCHILLA.— Chinchilla laniger. 
not a very intelligent animal, seeming to 
be hardly superior to the Guinea pig in intellect, and appearing scarcely to recognize even 
the hand that supplies it with food. 


THe LaGotis is distinguishable from the preceding animal by the structure of the fore- 
feet, which are only furnished with four toes, while those of the chinchilla possess five. The 
ears are very long in proportion to the head, and being somewhat similar to those of the hare, 
have gained for the animal the generic name of Lagotis, or Hare-eared. 

The hinder limbs are long, and very much resemble those of the hare or rabbit ; and the 
whole aspect of the creature partakes greatly of the leporine character. The coat is very like 
that of the hare in color and texture, and is soft, long, and rather woolly, but as it is only 
slightly attached to the skin, is valueless as a fur. The long ears are rounded at their extrem- 
ities, and their margins are rolled inwards. The tail is so long that it forms a ready means of 
separating the Lagotis from the hares or rabbits, being quite as long as the body, and thickly 
covered with stiff hairs. : 

It is an inhabitant of Peru, and takes up its residence in the crevices of the rocky local- 
ities among which it dwells. Although tolerably active, it appears to be possessed of little 
endurance, never attempting to escape by speed if it should chance to be alarmed, but diving 
at once into the welcome shelter of the nearest cranny. When wounded, they always seek 
the same retreat, so that unless they are killed by some instantly mortal injury, their bodies 
cannot be recovered by the hunter. The fur of this animal is so slightly attached to the skin 
that it comes away when handled. The flesh, however, is delicate and tender, and it is chiefly 
for the sake of its value as an article of food that the Lagotis is hunted. 


486 THE GERBOA. 


LAGOTIS.—Lagotis cuvieri. 


THE GERBOAS bear a curious resemblance to the kangaroos, not only in their general 
appearance, but in many of their habits. Like those animals, they leap over distances which 
are absolutely enormous when the size of their bodies is taken into consideration, they con- 
stantly sit upright in order to observe surrounding objects, their food is of the same nature, 
and they carry it to their mouths in a similar manner. Their fore-limbs are extremely short, 
while the hinder legs and feet are developed to a very great extent, and they are all furnished 
with a long, hair-clad tail, which serves to aid them in preserving their balance while shooting 
through the air. 


One of the most familiar of these leaping rodents is the Sprine Haas, or CAPE GERBOA, 
sometimes called, from its hare-like aspect, the CapE LEAPING HARE. 

It is a native of Southern Africa, and is found in considerable numbers upon the sides of 
mountains, where it inhabits certain burrows which it tunnels for itself in the ground. It 
prefers sandy ground for the locality of its habitation, and associates together in great pro- 
fusion in favorable spots, so that the earth is completely honeycombed with its burrows. 
Being a nocturnal animal, it is rarely seen by daylight, seldom leaving its stronghold as long 
as the sun is above the horizon. The natives, who set some value on its flesh, take advantage 
of this habit, and being sure of finding the Spring Haas at home during the daytime, take their 
measures accordingly. Placing a sentinel at the mouth of the burrow, they force the inmate 
to evacuate the premises by pouring a deluge of water into the hole, and as it rushes into the 
open air, it is seized or struck down by the ready hand of the sentinel. 

Like the kangaroos, the Spring Haas prefers rough and rocky ground to a smooth soil, 
and displays such wonderful agility as it leaps from spot to spot, that it can baffle almost 
any foe by its mere power of jumping. At a single leap this creature will compass a space 
of twenty or thirty feet, and is able to continue these extraordinary bounds for a great dis- 
tance. It is rather a mischievous animal, as, like the common hare, it is in the habit of 
making nocturnal raids upon the corn-fields and gardens, and escaping safely to its subter- 
ranean burrow before the sunrise. 

With the exception of shorter ears, and the elongated hinder limbs, the Spring Haas is 
not unlike our common hare. The fur is of a dark fawn, or reddish-brown, perceptibly 
tinged with yellow on the upper parts, and fading into grayish-white beneath. In texture 
it is very similar to that of the hare. The tail is about as long as the body, and. is heavily 
covered with rather stiff hairs, which at the extremity are of a deep black hue. Upon the 


THE GERBOA. 487 


SSS 


SPRING HAAS.—Pedetes caffer, 


fore legs there are five toes, which are armed with powerful claws, by means of whieh the 
animal digs its burrows, while the hinder feet are only furnished with four toes, each of 
which is tipped with a long and rather sharply pointed claw. 


THE Jerbdide find their best type in the common GuRBOoA of Northern Africa. 

This beautiful and active little animal is hardly larger than an ordinary English rat, 
although its peculiar attitudes and its extremely long tail give it an appearance of greater 
dimensions than it-really possesses. The general color of its fur is a light dun, washed with 
yellow, the abdomen being nearly white. The tail is of very great proportionate length, is 
cylindrical in shape, and tufted at its extremity with stiff black hairs, the extreme tip being 
white. From various experiments that have been made upon this member and its use to the 
animal, it appears that the tail is of infinite service in preserving the proper balance of the 
body while the creature is flying through mid-air in its extraordinary leaps ; for in proportion 
as the tail was shortened, the power of leaping diminished, and when it was entirely removed, 
the animal was afraid to leap at all. Such truncated specimens were almost deprived of all 
power of locomotion, for they could never preserve their balance as they rose upon their 
hinder feet, but rolled over on their backs. As the Gerboa rises from one of its huge bounds 
for the purpose of commencing a second leap, it curves its tail into the peculiar form which is 
represented in the engraving, but straightens it in its aérial course. 

The Gerboa is a burrowing animal, and lives in society, so that it forms large natural 
‘‘warrens’’ in those parts of the country where it takes up-its residence. It is much hunted 
by the natives, who set some store by its rather unpalatable flesh, and is captured by stopping 
up as many burrows as can conveniently be reached, and killing the Gerboas as they rush 
affrighted from the open entrances. This is, indeed, almost the only successful mode of cap- 
turing these fleet and agile creatures ; for if they can once leap away from the immediate 
vicinity of their pursuers, they scour over the ground with such wonderful speed that they 
can hardly be overtaken even by a trained greyhound. 

Dry and sandy spots are in greatest favor with the Gerboa, which is better able to dig in 
such soils than in moist situations. Against the injurious effects of the hard and burning 


488 THE DORMOUSE. 


ground upon its feet it is guarded by a thick covering of stiff, bristly hairs, which defend the soles 
of the feet from injury, and, moreover, are useful in giving a firm hold upon the ground when 
the animal is in the act of making one of its extraordinary bounds. It is a lively and playful 
animal, delighting to bask itself in the sun near the entrance of its burrows, and to divert 
itself by occasional gambols with its compan- 
ions. Although it makes these visits to the 
open air for the sake of enjoying the warm 
beams of the sun, the Gerboa is a nocturnal 
animal, and feeds only by night. 

By the united powers of its teeth and 
Claws it can drive its tunnel through impedi- 
ments which would baffle any ordinary animal ; 
for it can not only cut its way through the 
hardest sand, but is even able to gnaw a pas- 
sage through the thin layer of stone which 
lios beneath the sand. The food of these ani- 
mals consists chiefly of roots and similar sub- 
stances, which it digs outof the earth, but it 
also feeds on various kinds of grain. 

The generic term ‘‘ Dipus,’’ or two-footed, 
has been given to the true Gerboas because they 
press their fore-feet so closely to their breasts 
while they leap that they appear to be entirely 
destitute of those limbs, and only to possess the 
two long hind legs. All theanimals that belong 
to this genus have five toes on their fore-feet and 
only three on the hinder feet. The hair of the 
tailis arranged in a double row, after the man- 
ner which is scientifically called ‘‘ distichous.” 


GERBOA.—Dipus egyptius. 


THERE are many species of Jerboide in- 
habiting different countries, all of which are very similar in shape and habits. Among these may 
be noticed the ALACTAGA, or Jumping Rabbit of Siberia, and the GERBILLEs of Africa and India. 


TuE family Zapodidee embraces those little forms called Jumping Mice. It is represented 
by a single species, the Jumping Mouse; Deer Mouse (Zapus hudsonicus). This odd little 
creature was first brought to notice by Pennant during his extended Northern tour. According 
to De Kay it is ‘‘numerous in all parts of New York State.’’ The Indians call it Wah-peh-sous, 
or the animal that jumps like a deer. It is said to leap ten or twelve feet at a bound. It pro- 
duces four young at a birth, and three litters in a year. The little creatures are sometimes 
turned out of their homes during the haying time, and a common sight is that of the mother 
with four little ones hanging to her teats. 


Next in order to the Gerboas is placed the small group of animals which are sufficiently ~ 
familiar by the name of, Dormice. This term signifies ‘‘ Sleepy Mouse,” and is most appro- 
priate to the lethargic little creatures, which spend the greater part of their time in somnolency. 
One of these animals, the Lorrr, or Far Dormouss, is celebrated in classical literature as 
being in great request among the luxurious Romans as an article of diet. For this purpose the 
Loire was carefully fattened, being placed in certain receptacles, which were called Gliraria, 
from the Latin word glis, which signifies a dormouse. The Loire is found in almost all the 
warmer portions of Europe, but is seldom seen at any great elevation above the level of the sea. 


Tur Lerot, or GARDEN Dormouss, inhabits the same localities as the Loire, but its 
flesh is not eatable like that of the Fat Dormouse, although it resembles it very nearly in 
every point but size. 


THE DORMOUSE. A8¢ 


The total length of this animal is rather more than eight inches, of which measurement the 
tail occupies three inches. The general color of its fur is gray, deeply tinged with red 
upon the back, and becoming white upon the abdomen. Below the eye is a patch of black 
fur, which extends nearly to the ears. The tail of the Lerot is covered with short black 
hair, changing rather abruptly into white at its extremity. It has derived its title of Garden 
Dormouse from its annoying habit of entering gardens and making sad havoe of the choicest 
fruit ; for it isan animal of great taste, and 
makes its selection among the ripest and 
best fruits with an accuracy of judgment 
that may be highly agreeable to itself, but 
is sincerely execrated by the owner of the 
garden. It is particularly fond of espalier- 
trained fruit-trees, and is much given to 
devouring the peaches when they are just 
in their bloom of rosy perfection. 

The Lerot is not content with making 
these autumnal raids upon the gardens, 
but is sufficiently provident to lay up a 
store of food for the winter, and for that 
purpose to carry off corn, peas, and beans 
in no small quantity. Its winter nest is 
made in some convenient recess, where six 
or eight Lerots congregate, and pass the 
cold wintry months in a slumber which is 
almost unbroken, except by the needful 
occasional wakings for the purpose of tak- 
ing food. In summer time it makes a 
temporary nest in hollow trees, holes in 
old walls, or in similar localities, and 
reposes during the daytime upon a bed 
of dried grass and leaves. Sometimes it 
is so bold that it will make its way into 
human habitations, and establish itself in 
the very home of the justly incensed owner 
of the garden. LOIRE, OR FAT DORMOUSE.—Myorus glis. 

The young Lerots enter upon their 
existence in the middle of summer, and grow with wonderful rapidity. They do not, 
however, become parents in their turn until the following year. The average number of 
young Lerots which are produced at a single birth is from four to six. 


THE common DormMovssE is abundantly found in many districts of England, as well as on 
the Continent, and is in great favor as a domestic pet. 

The total length of this pretty little animal is rather more than five inches, the tail being 
two inches and a half long. The color of its fur is a light reddish-brown upon the back, 
yellowish-white upon the abdomen, and white on the throat. These tints belong to the adult 
animal only, as in the juvenile Dormouse the fur is nearly of the same color as that of the 
common mouse, the ruddy tinge only appearing on the head and sides. It is not until the 
little creatures have nearly completed a year of existence that they assume the beautiful 
hues of adult age. The tail is thickly covered with hair, which is arranged in a double row 
throughout its length, and forms a slight tuft at the extremity. The head is rather large in 
proportion to the body, the ears are large and broad, and the eye full, black, and slightly 
prominent. 

The Dormouse is a nocturnal animal, passing the whole of the day in its warm and neatly 
constructed nest, which is generally built in the most retired spot of some thick bush or small 


490 THE DORMOUSE. 


tree. It is a very active little creature, leaping from branch to branch, and traversing the 
intricate mazes of the brushwood with such ready fleetness, that it can scarcely be taken by a 
human hand. Generally, when a Dormouse is captured, it is secured while sleeping in its 
nest, for during its slumbers it is so deeply buried in repose that it can be handled without 
offering resistance or attempting escape. The food of the Dormouse consists of various fruits 
and seeds, such as acorns, nuts, haws, and corn. 

As the animal is one of the hibernaters, it is in the habit of gathering together a supply 
of dried food, to afford occasional nourishment during the long wintry months when it lies in 
its bed, imprisoned in the bands of irresistible sleep. Like many other hibernating animals, 
the Dormouse becomes exceedingly fat 
towards the end of autumn, and is therefore 
enabled to withstand the severity of the 
winter season better than if it retired into 
its home in only its ordinary condition. 
As soon as the weather becomes cold, the 
Dormouse retires into its nest, and there 
slumbers throughout the entire winter, 
waking up for a short period whenever a 
milder temperature breaks the severity of 
the frost, and after taking a little nourish- 
ment, sinking again into its former lethargy. 
Several interesting experiments have been 
made on this animal in connection with 
the phenomenon which is termed hiber- 
nation, and with the same results as have 
already been mentioned when treating of 
the hedgehog and the bat. 

This hoard of provisions is not gathered 
into the nest, which is solely employed for 
the purpose of warmth and concealment, 
but is hidden away in sundry convenient 
nooks and crannies, close to the spot where 
the nest is placed. Comparatively little of 
the store is eaten during the winter, unless, 

COMMON DORMOUSE.—Muscardinus avellanarius. indeed, the weather should happen to be 

peculiarly mild, but it is of very great ser- 

vice in the earlier part of the spring, when the Dormouse is awake and lively, and there are 
as yet no fresh fruits on which it could feed. 

The Dormouse is rather gregarious in its habits, so that whenever one nest is discovered, 
several others may generally be found at no very great distance. These nests are of consider- 
able dimensions, being about six inches in diameter, and are composed of grass, leaves, and 
similar substances. The entrance to the nest is from above. 

The young animals are generally three or four in number at a birth, and make their 
appearance about the end of spring, or the beginning of summer. It is probable that there 
may be a second brood towards the end of autumn, as Mr. Bell received from one locality in 
the month of September one half-grown Dormouse, which had evidently been born in the 
spring, and three very little specimens, which were apparently not more than a week or two 
old. They are born blind, but are able to see in a very few days, and in a remarkably short 
space of time become independent of their parents. 

Like many other rodent animals, the Dormouse carries the food to its mouth with its 
fore-paws, while it sits upright on its hinder legs. It is also able to suspend itself by the 
hind-feet from any convenient branch, and may often be seen hanging in this manner, and 
eating as comfortably as if it were seated on firm ground. 


THE TAGUAN FLYING SQUIRREL. 491 


Tue beautiful and active group of animals of which our Squirrel is so familiar an example, 
are found in almost every portion of the globe, and, with one or two exceptions, live almost 
exclusively among the branches of trees. In order to enable them to maintain a firm clasp 
upon the branches and bark, they are furnished with long, finger-like toes upon the fore-feet, 
which are armed with sharp curved claws. 

In the Flying Squirrels, of which the TAGUAN is a good example, the skin of the flanks is 
modified in a method similar to that which has already been noticed in the Petaurists of 


TAGUAN—Ptleromys petaurista. 


Australia and the Colugo of Java. This skin is so largely developed, that when the animal is 
sitting at its ease, its paws but just appear from under the soft folds of the delicate and fur- 
clad membrane. When the creature intends to make one of its marvellous leaps, it stretches 
all its four limbs to their fullest extent, and is upborne through the air on the parachute-like 
expansion which extends along its sides. This animal is a native of India, where it is tolerably 
common. 

It is rather a large species, as its total length is nearly three feet, the tail occupying about 
one foot eight inches, measured to the extremity of the long hairs with which it is so thickly 
clothed. The general color of this animal is a clear chestnut, deepening into brown on the 
back, and becoming more ruddy on the sides. The little pointed ears are covered with short 
and soft fur of a delicate brown, and the tail is heavily clad with bushy hairs, grayish-black on 
the basal portions of that member, and sooty-black towards the extremity. The parachute 


492 THE GRAY SQUIRREL. 


membrane is delicately thin, scarcely thicker than ordinary writing-paper, when it is stretched 
to its utmost, and is covered with hair on both its surfaces, the fur of the upper side being 
chestnut, and that of the lower surface nearly white. A stripe of grayish-black hairs marks 
the edge of the membrane, and the entire abdomen of the animal, together. with the throat and 
the breast, is covered with beautiful silvery grayish-white fur. 


THERE are many other Flying Squirrels, belonging to different countries, but presenting 
very similar characteristics of form and character. They are all playful and lively animals, 
and engage in the most gamesome sports as they chase each other about the branches of the 
tree on which they have taken up their residence. Among 
these creatures we may record the names of the ASSAPAN, 
or Flying Squirrel of America, the PoLaToucue of Siberia, 
and the Rasoo of India. 


SQUIRRELS are found in every part of the world except- 
ing in Australia. Even in the latter country there are flying 
animals that so closely resemble the Flying Squirrels it is 
impossible to determine them without examining the teeth, 
which are those of the curious forms seen among the 
pouched animals. 

One species only of the Flying Squirrels is native to 
North America. It is a very common animal in New Eng- 
land, and often proves a pleasing pet, being easily tamed. 
It extends through the eastern portion of the continent, and 
into South America as far as Guatemala. 

The Chickaree (Sciurus hudsonicus), called Red Squir- 
rel in the country, is a familiar form. Like many other 
of our native animals, this exhibits more than one variety. 
A Western form, the same species, but varying in some 
coloration or markings, is found in the Rocky Mountains. 
This is a noisy little creature, and gains its name from its 
usual cry. 

The Gray Squirrel (Scirus carolinensis) is familiar to 
all in our country side. Its large size renders it an attrac- 
tive game for the hunter. The markets in winter are well 
supplied with them. 

In the South a variety is found, somewhat smaller. 
Another variety is found in Yucatan and Mexico, which is 
intermediate between the last mentioned and the first. 

The eastward range of this Squirrel is New Brunswick. 
It is remarkable for its habits of migration. Dr. Bachman, the eminent naturalist of South 
Carolina, witnessed a migration of these animals in the year 1808, in autumn. A short distance 
above Albany a troop of Gray Squirrels suddenly made their appearance. They swam the 
Hudson in some places between Waterford and Saratoga. Those which were noticed crossing 
the river, were swimming deeply and awkwardly, with their bodies submerged. Many were 
drowned, and those which were fortunate in reaching the opposite bank were so wet and 
fatigued that they were readily killed. The motive for this extraordinary movement was sup- 
posed to be the temporary failure of supplies of food. 

The Fox Squirrel (Sciuwrus niger) is a large animal, having three distinct varieties. The 
Northern Fox Squirrel has a length of body varying from thirteen to fourteen inches. In the 
South it is called Cat Squirrel. 

Another form is the California Gray Squirrel (Sciwrus fossor). It differs in being larger 
than the Eastern form, and hasa much larger tail. It has none of the reddish hue on the back 
su characteristic of the latter. Collies’ Squirrel is a near relative, and has its habitat in the 
neighboring State of Mexico. 


ASSAPAN.—Sciurépterus volucella. 


THE BLACK SQUIRREL. 493 


Abert’s Squirrel (Sciwrus aderti) is found.in Arizona and Colorado. It is peculiar in 
having in winter long tufts of hair on the ear-tips. The ears are very large. Like other 
species, it is subject to the albinistic influence ; and the black varieties are often found. Hight 
other species are found in the warmer portions of America. 

The genus Zamias embraces a group of pretty squirrels, a notable member of which is the 
familiar Chipmuck, or Striped Squirrel (Zamias striatus). Their forms resemble the Sper- 
mophiles, the next succeeding group. Four species are known, three of them being contined 

‘to North America. The fourth species is found in the northern portions of both continents. 
No other animal is more familiar to the country side than this cheery little Chipmuck, Chip- 
ping, or Ground Squirrel, as it is variously termed. Hackee is another name, known more in 
the Middle States. Old stone walls seem to be the favorite resort of this little creature, and 
every country boy finds such localities certain to yield ready game to his box-trap. Its habi- 


BLACK SQUIRREL.—Sciurus niger. 


tat is from Minnesota to the Atlantic, and from Canada to Georgia. It is not found in the 
alluvial districts of Carolina, nor in Florida. 

The Northern Chipmuck (7. borealis) is found equally abundant in Northeastern Europe, 
Northern Asia, and Northwestern America, southwards nearly to the United States. Several 
varieties are known in the Western plains and the Rocky Mountain Range. 

Harris’s Chipmuck is a New Mexican and Californian species. It is peculiar ia being an 
inhabitant of the desert, instead of the woodland. 

Another species is named for the naturalist Say—being first described by him in 1823— 
from specimens sent from the Arkansas River. Its habits resemble closely those of the East- 
ern form. 


THE BLACK SquIRREL has most appropriately been named, for the whole of its fur, with 
very slight and variable exceptions, is dyed with the deepest jet. 

Even the abdomen and under parts of the body, which in almost all quadrupeds are of a 
lighter hue than the back, are in the Black Squirrel of the same sable tinge, with the exception 
of a few small tufts of white hairs which are scattered at wide and irregular intervals. A few 
single white hairs are also sown sparingly upon the back, but are so few in number as to 
escape a mere casual glance. The tail is also slightly flecked with these white hairs. The 
total length of this animal is about two feet ten inches, the tail being about thirteen inches 
in length, measured to extremity of the fur. When the creature spreads its tail to its full 
width, it measures nearly five inches in diameter in the largest part. 

The Black Squirrel is a native of many parts of Northern America, and is tolerably com- 
mon in some localities, though very scarce in others. It is a curious fact, that it vanishes 
before the advent of the common northern Gray Squirrel, and in many instances has been 
driven from some of its private haunts and supplanted by the more powerful intruder. It 
seems to be rather a timid animal, as it has been observed to fly in terror when threatened 
with the anger of the Red Squirrel (Scitirus hudsénius). Despite its cowardice, it is rather 


494 ; THE GROUND SQUIRREL, OR HACKEE. 


a fierce creature when captured, biting savagely at its opponent, and is not very easily tamed. 
One of these animals which was partially domesticated, was always noted for its evil temper, 
and justified the opinion that had been formed of its disposition by biting a piece from a 
servant’s hand as cleanly as if it had been cut with a chisel. The injury was of so severe a 
nature that the man was obliged to go into a hospital for some weeks. 

When undisturbed in its native domains, it appears to be an active and lively animal, and 
is remarkable for a curious habit of suddenly ceasing its play and running to the water side to 
refresh itself before it reeommences its sport. In drinking it does not lap after the manner of 
dogs and cats, but bends over the water, and thrusting its nose fairly beneath the surface, 
drinks a steady draught. After it has satisfied its thirst, it sits on its hind legs, and with its 
fore-feet carefully washes its face, occasionally dipping its paws into the water, as if to 
perform its ablutions in the most effectual manner. 

The skin of the Black Squirrel is rather valuable, as it not only possesses the uniform 
jetty hue which is so universally admired in ornamental furs, but is also peculiarly smooth 
and glossy. As is generally the case with dark coated animals, the hairs are lighter towards 
the base, and partake of a slaty-blue tint. 


ALL the preceding examples of the Squirrel tribe are remarkable for their extreme agility 
in climbing trees, traversing the branches, and making extraordinary leaps from one bough to 
another or from some elevated spot to the earth. The Ground Squirrels, however, are intended 
to abide on the earth, and are seldom known to ascend trees of any great height. As they 
possess cheek-pouches, they are placed in a separate genus, under the name of Tamias, which 
is a Greek word, signifying a storekeeper, and are separate from the true Squirrels, which are 
not furnished with those appendages. 

The HACKER, or CHIPPING SQUIRREL, as it is sometimes termed, is one of the most 
familiar of North American quadrupeds, and is found in great numbers in almost every 
locality. It is a truly beautiful little creature, and deserving of notice both on account of the 
dainty elegance of its form, and the pleasing tints with which its coat is decked. The general 
color of the Hackee is a brownish-gray on the back, warming into orange-brown on the fore- 
head and the hinder quarters. Upon the back and sides are drawn five longitudinal black 
stripes and two streaks of yellowish-white, so that itis a most conspicuous little creature, and 
by these peculiar stripes may easily be distinguished from any other animal. The abdomen 
and throat are white. It is slightly variable in color according to the locality in which it 
exists, and has been known to be so capricious of hue as to furnish specimens of pure white 
and jet black. As a fur it is extremely elegant, and if it were not quite so common would long 
since have taken nearly as high a rank as the sable or ermine. 

The length of the Hackee is about eleven inches, the tail being about four inches and a 
half in length. It is, however, slightly variable in dimensions as well as in color. 

The Hackee is one of the liveliest and briskest of quadrupeds, and by reason of its quick 
and rapid movements, has not inaptly been compared to the wren. It is chiefly seen among 
brushwood and small timber; and as it whisks about the branches, or shoots through their 
interstices with its peculiar, quick, jerking movements, and its odd, quaint, little clucking cry, 
like the chip-chipping of newly-hatched chickens, the analogy between itself and the bird is 
very apparent. As it is found in such plenty, and is a bold little creature, it is much perse- 
cuted by small boys, who, although they are not big or wise enough to be entrusted with 
guns, wherewith to work the destruction of larger game, arm themselves with long sticks, 
and by dexterous management knock down many a Hackee as it tries to escape from its pur- 
suers by running along the rail fences. Among boys the popular name of the Hackee is the 
“¢ Chipmuck.”’ 

It is a burrowing animal, making its little tunnels in various retired spots, but generally 
preferring an old tree, or the earth which is sheltered by a wall, a fence, or a bank. The 
burrows are rather complicated, and as they run to some length, the task of digging the animal 
out of its retreat is no easy one. In the work of Messrs. Audubon and Bachman is given the 
following spirited narrative of an attack upon the home of some unfortunate Hackees. ‘‘ This 


THE GROUND SQUIRREL, OR HACKEE. 495 


species is to a certain extent gregarious in its habits. We had in autumn marked one of its 
burrows which we conceived well adapted to our purpose, which was to dig it out. It was in 
the woods, in a sandy piece of ground, and the earth was strewed with leaves to the depth of 
eight inches, which we believed would prevent the frost from penetrating to any considerable 
depth. Wehad the place opened in January, when the ground was covered with snow about five 
inches deep. The entrance of the burrow had been closed from within. We followed the course 
of the small winding gallery with considerable difficulty. The hole descended at first almost 
perpendicularly for about three feet. It then continued, with one or two windings, rising a 
little nearer the surface until it had advanced about eight feet, when we came to a large nest, 
made of oak leaves and dried grasses. Here lay snugly covered three Chipping Squirrels. 

‘“‘Another was subsequently dug from one of the small lateral galleries, to which it had 
evidently retreated to avoid us. They were not dormant, and seemed ready to bite when taken 
in the hand ; but they were not very active, and appeared somewhat sluggish and benumbed, 
which we conjectured was owing to their 
being exposed to sudden cold from our hav- 
ing opened their burrow. There was about 
a gill of wheat and buckwheat in the nest ; 
but in the galleries, which we afterwards 
dug out, we obtained about a quart of the 
beaked hazel nuts (Corylus rostrata), nearly 
a peck of acorns, some grains of Indian corn, 
about two quarts of buckwheat, and a very 
small quantity of grass seeds.”’ 

Whenever menaced by one of the numer- 
ous foes by which so defenceless and con- 
spicuous an animal is sure to be surrounded, 
the Hackee makes at once for its burrow, 
and is there secured from the attacks of 
nearly every enemy. One foe, however, 
cares nothing for the burrow, but follows 
the poor Hackee through its windings, and 
never fails to attain its sanguinary object. 
This remorseless foe is the stoat, or ermine, 
one of which animals has been detected in 
entering a Hackee’s burrow, where it 
remained for a few minutes, and then 
returned, licking its lips, and appearing 
highly satisfied with its proceedings. When 

CHIPMUCK.—Tamias lysteri. the burrow was examined in order to ascer- 

tain the amount of slaughter which the stoat: 

had performed, one female Hackee and five young were found lying dead in their home, 
the stoat having contented itself with sucking their blood, without deigning to eat their flesh. 

From the principal burrow the Hackee drives several snpplementary tunnels, in which it 
lays up its stock of provisions. The general nature of this store, and the amount of treasure 
which is garnered within the burrows, may be gathered from the account which has just been 
quoted. When the Hackee carries off the beaked nuts into its cave, it goes through its work 
in a very business-like manner. Fearing lest the sharp ‘‘beak”’ of the nut may hurt its cheeks 
when it puts the fruit into its pouch, it bites off the sharp point, and then deliberately pushes 
it into one of the pouches with the assistance of its fore-paws. Another and another are 
similarly treated, and taking a fourth nut between its teeth, the Hackee dives into its burrow, 
packs away its treasures methodically, and then returns for another cargo. It is rather curious 
that it always carries four nuts at each journey. As the little creature goes along with its 
cheek-pouches distended to their utmost limits it has the most ludicrous aspect imaginable, 
its cheeks prodigiously swelled, and laboring most truly under an embarrassment of riches. 


496 | THE PRAIRIE DOG. 


The Hackee moves into its winter quarters early in November, and, excepting occasional 
reappearances whenever the sun happens to shine with peculiar warmth, is not seen again 
until the beginning of spring. The young are produced in May, and there is generally a 
second brood in August. Their number is about four or five. The male Hackee is rather 
a pugnacious animal, and it is said that during their combats their tails are apt to snap 
asunder from the violence of their movements. It is undoubtedly true that those members 
are wonderfully brittle, but whether they undergo such spontaneous amputation is not so 
certain. 

Pretty as it is, and graceful as are its movements, it hardly repays the trouble of keeping 
it in a domesticated state ; for its temper is very uncertain, and it is generally sullen towards 
its keeper. Although the food of the Hackee is mostly of a vegetable character, it is occa- 
sionally diversified with other substances; for the Chipping Squirrel, like his relative, is 
occasionally carnivorous in his appetite. One of these animals was detected in the very act 
of robbing a bird’s nest and devouring the callow young. 


BETWEEN the squirrels and the marmots there are one or two intermediate links, one of 
which has already been noticed in Tamias, and another is found in the genus Spermophilus ; 
also in Cynomys, to which the PRArrr1e Doc belongs. 

The Prairie Dog, as it is popularly called, is found in very great plenty along the course 
of the Missouri and its tributaries, and also near the River Platte. It congregates together in 
vast numbers in certain spots where the soil is favorable to its subterranean habits of life and 
the vegetation is sufficiently luxuriant to afford it nourishment. The color of this animal is a 
reddish-brown upon the back, mixed with gray and black in a rather vague manner. The 
abdomen and throat are grayish-white, and the short tail is clothed for the first half of its 
length with hair of the same tint as that of the body, and for the remaining half is covered 
with deep, blackish-brown hair, forming a kind of brush. The cheek-pouches are rather 
small, and the incisor teeth are large and protruding from the mouth. The length of the 
animal rather exceeds sixteen inches, the tail being a little more than three inches long. 
The cheek-pouches are about three-quarters of an inch in depth, and are half that measure- 
ment in diameter. 

The Prairie Dog is a burrowing animal, and as it is very gregarious in its habits, the spot 
on which it congregates is literally honeycombed with its tunnels. There is, however, a kind 
of order observed in the ‘‘ Dog-towns,’’ as these warrens are popularly called, for the animals 
always leave certain roads or streets in which no burrow is made. The affairs of the commu- 
nity seem to be regulated by a single leader, called the Big Dog, who sits before the entrance 
of his burrow, and issues his orders from thence to the community. In front of every burrow 
a small heap of earth is raised, which is made from the excavated soil, and which is generally 
employed as a seat for the occupant of the burrow. 

As long as no danger is apprehended, the little animals are all in lively motion, sitting 
upon their mounds, or hurrying from one tunnel to another as eagerly as if they were trans- 
acting the most important business. Suddenly a sharp yelp is heard, and the peaceful scent 
is in a moment transformed into a whirl of indistinguishable confusion. Quick barks resound 
on every side, the air is filled with a dust-cloud, in the midst of which is indistinctly seen an 
intermingled mass of flourishing legs and whisking tails, and in a moment the populous 
‘*town”’ is deserted. Not a ‘‘dog’’ is visible, and the whole spot is apparently untenanted. 
But in a few minutes a pair of dark eyes are seen gleaming at the entrance of some burrow, 
a set of glistening teeth next shine through the dusky recess, and in a few minutes first one 
and then another Prairie Dog issues from his retreat, until the whole community is again in 
lively action. 

The title of Prairie Dog has been given to this animal on account of the sharp yelping 
sound which it is in the habit of uttering, and which has some resemblance to the barking of 
a very small and very peevish lapdog. Every time that it yelps it gives its tail a sharp jerk. 
This peculiar sound is evidently employed as a cry of alarm ; for as soon as it is uttered all 


THE PRAIRIE DOG. 497 


the Prairie Dogs dive into their burrows, and do not emerge again until they hear the shrill 
whistle which tells them that the danger is past. 

As it is so wary an animal, it is with difficulty approached or shot, and even when severeiy 
wounded it is not readily secured, owing to its wonderful tenacity of life. A bullet that 
would instantly drop a deer has, comparatively, no immediate effect upon the Prairie Dog, 
which is capable of reaching its burrow, even though mortally wounded in such a manner as 
would cause the instantaneous death of many a larger animal. A tolerably large bullet 
through the brain seems to be the only certain method of preventing a Prairie Dog from 
regaining his stronghold. The mode by which this animal enters the burrow is very comical. 
It does not creep or run into the entrance, but makes a jump in the air, turning a partial 
somersault, flourishing its hind legs and whisking its tail in the most ludicrous manner, and 


PRAIRIE DOG.— Cynomys ludovicvanus. 


disappearing as if by magic. Scarcely has the spectator recovered from the ludicrous effect of 
the manceuvre, when the animal begins to poke out his head again, and if not disturbed soon 
recommences his gambols. 

The burrows of the Prairie Dog are generally made at an angle of forty degrees, and after 
being sunk for some little distance, run horizontally, or even rise towards the surface of the 
earth. It is well known that these burrows are not only inhabited by the legitimate owners 
and excavators, but are shared by the burrowing owl and the rattlesnake. According to pop- 
ular belief, the three creatures live very harmoniously together ; but careful observations have 
shown that the snake and the owl are interlopers, living in the burrows because the poor 
owners cannot turn them out, and finding an easy subsistence on the young Prairie Dogs. A 
rattlesnake has been killed near a burrow, and when the reptile was dissected, a Prairie Dog 
was found in its stomach. 

Although it does not endure a domesticated life as well as many of the rodents, it is pos- 
sessed of very great affection and courage, as is seen from the following anecdote. A hunter 
was engaged in shooting Prairie Dogs, and had succeeded in killing one animal, which was 
seated upon the little hillock in front of its burrow. A companion, which had not hitherto 
dared to expose itself to the hunter’s fire, immediately issued from the same burrow, and 
seizing the body of its friend, dragged it into the hole. The hunter was so touched with this 


498 HOODS MARMOT. 


exhibition of true, loving feeling on the part of the little creature, that he never could be 
induced to shoot another Prairie Dog. 

From the most recent accounts, it appears that the Prairie Dog does not hibernate, but 
that it is as fresh and lively during winter as in the heat of summer. 

The Prairie Dog (Cynomys ludovicianus), erroneously so called, as it is a rodent or 
gnawing animal, is represented by two species only, the genus being peculiar to North 
America. 

This little creature easily becomes domesticated, and proves a pleasing pet. Its voice, far 
from being a bark, is like that of its near relatives, squirrel-like. 

The Western Prairie Dog (Cynomys columbianus) is confined to the region west of the 
Rocky Mountains. Like the other species, it lives in large companies; sometimes several 
hundred acres are occupied by their holes. Each burrow has ten or twelve occupants. 


- Aw example of the genus Spermdphilus may be found in the beautiful little crea- 
ture which is scientifically known as Hoop’s Marmot, but more popularly as the LEoPARD 
MARMOT. 

This pretty little animal is about the same size as the hackee, and is remarkable for the 
brilliant and conspicuous manner in which its fur is diversified with contrasting hues. Along 


HOOD’S MARMOT.—Sperméphilus hoodit. 


the back are drawn eight pale yellowish-brown bands, and nine dark brown bands of greater 
width. The five upper bands are marked with pale spots. The coloring is slightly variable, 
both in distribution and depth of tint, for in some specimens the dark bands are paler than in 
others, while in several specimens the pale spots have a tendency to merge altogether and form 
bands. The average length of this creature is nearly eleven inches, the tail slightly exceeding 
four inches in length. The cheek-pouches are moderate in dimensions. It is an inhabitant of 
Northern America. 

This animal is said to be more lively and active than any of its relations, and to be remark- 
ably fearless as it whisks about the neighborhood of its home, uttering its sharp little cry of 
‘* Seek-seek-seek’’ continually. This cry is common to many of the Spermophili, and has 
given the name of Seek-seek to another species belonging to the same genus. It generally 
leaves its winter quarters at the beginning of spring, and roams about in search of a mate. At 
this time the males are very pugnacious, and engage in fierce contests for the possession of 
some favored individual of the opposite sex. They are very heedless at this time of year, and 
can be easily caught in ordinary traps. 

The burrow of the Leopard Marmot is generally driven perpendicularly into the ground, 
to the depth of four or nearly five feet ; but on the plains of the Upper Missouri, where the 
soil is sandy and mixed with gravel, the burrow is almost horizontal, and lies barely one foot 
below the surface. The Leopard Marmot is rather a prolific animal, producing about eight or 
ten young at a litter. It is said to be destructive to gardens which may happen to be in the 
vicinity of its home, and is as capable of exercising its teeth upon an antagonist as on its food 


THE MARMOT. 499 


Its bite is remarkably severe for so small an animal, and it is of such a sour disposition that it 
is always ready to snap at those who attempt to capture or handle it. 


SPERMOPHILUS is a genus embracing a few little animals, which are striped or spotted like 
the preceding, but are long-bodied and have a more slender and often shorter tail. The figure 
of Hood’s Marmot in this volume is quite characteristic of the group. They have well- 
developed cheek-pouches. They are confined to the colder portions of North America, and 
Europe and Asia. None are found east of the plains or prairies. They range westward to the 
Pacific coast, and southward to the plains of Northern Mexico. Several species are remark- 
able for their carnivorous propensities. They devour mice and such small game. The farmers 
are troubled by their carrying off small chickens. 

Murray’s ‘‘ Geographical Distribution of Animals’’ enumerates twenty-five species, of 
which one is extinct. Of these, nine are of the Old World, and fifteen North American. 
Two only occur in Europe. Some of the species are called Ground Squirrels. The Line-tailed 
Spermophilus is so called. Its habitat is Colorado and southward to Mexico. 

Franklin’s Sperméphile—or Gray-headed—is common as far east as Illinois and Wiscon- 
sin, though Audubon and Bachman seem to have overlooked it. Mr. Jillson, a veteran 
taxidermist, informs us that this Sperméphile was introduced into Tuckerton, New Jersey, in 
1867, two pets having escaped. From this pair the species has increased to great numbers, 
and they are seen in several towns nine miles in different directions from Tuckerton. They 
inhabit the fields, but never the woodland. They are proving a pest, as the loss of young 
chickens and turkeys has been considerable since their introduction. 


b>) 


THE Bopac, or PoLanD MArmot, is one of the true Marmots, and is a native of parts 
of Northern Europe and Asia. 

It is larger than the preceding animals, and appears to be of still greater dimensions, 
owing to the full coat of thick hair with which it is profusely covered. The color of this 
animal is a tolerably uniform gray-brown, slightly tinged with yellow, and having a ‘‘ watered ”’ 
appearance along the back. The length of the Bobac is rather more than twenty inches, the 
tail being about six inches long. The Bobac is a gregarious animal, living in small bands of 
thirty or forty in number, and being always found to prefer dry to moist soil. It does not 
seem to be fond of elevated situations, but generally takes up its residence on the sides of 
valleys, where the temperature is not so bleak as on the mountain-top. 

Like many other burrowing animals, it lays up a store of provisions for the winter, and 
generally chooses well-dried hay for that purpose. So hard does the animal labor at amassing 
this treasure, that in a single burrow there is generally found as much hay as will suffice a 
horse for a night. It is slightly variable in color, some specimens being more brown than 
others. 


THE common Marmot is about the size of an ordinary rabbit,-and not very unlike that 
animal in color. The general tint of the fur is grayish-yellow upon the back and flanks, 
deepening into black-gray on the top of the head, and into black on the extremity of the tail. 

It is very common in all the mountainous districts of Northern Europe, where it associates 
in small societies. The Marmot is an expert excavator, and digs very large and rather compli- 
cated burrows, always appearing to reserve one chamber as a storehouse for the heap of dried 
grasses and other similar substances which it amasses for the purpose of sustaining life during 
the winter. The chamber in which the animal lives and sleeps is considerably larger than the 
storehouse, measuring, in some cases, as much as seven feet in diameter. The tunnel which 
leads to these chambers is only just large enough to admit the body of the animal, and is about 
six feet in length. 

To these burrows the Marmot retires about the middle of September, and after closing the 
entrance with grass and earth, enters into the lethargic hibernating state, and does not emerge 
until the beginning of April. Like other hibernating animals, they are very fat just before 
they take up their winter-quarters, and as their fur is then in the best condition, they are 


500 THE MARMOT. 


eagerly sought after by the human inhabitants of the same country. The burrow of the 
Marmot is always dug in dry soil, and is seldom known to be at all above, or very much below, 
the line of perpetual snow. In these burrows the young Marmots are born, about three or four in 


Theta. 


BOBAC,—Arctomys bobac. 


average number. The burrow forms also a stronghold into which the Marmot can retire on the 
least alarm. It is so wary an animal that it always plants one of its number to act as a 
sentinel, and on the first symptom of danger, he gives the alarm cry, which is a signal for every 
Marmot to seek the recesses of its subterranean home. 

The Marmot is a clumsy looking animal, and is not very active. Its movements are 
rather slow, and devoid of that brilliant activity which distinguishes the Leopard Marmot. 


THE MOLE RAT. 501 


Although it is easily tamed when taken young, it hardly repays the trouble of its owner, as it 
is a very unintellectual creature, and is ever too ready to use its powerful teeth upon the hand 
of any one who may attempt to handle or caress it. Naturally it is a timid animal, but when 
it finds itself unable to escape, it turns to bay and fights most desperately by means of the 
weapons with which its jaws are furnished. 


Tuer genus Arctomys is represented in America by three species. Animals of this group 
are not found out of the northern and middle portions of North America, Europe and Asia. 

The Woodchuck (Arctomys monaz) is a most familiar creature in our countryside. It is 
the legitimate game of the rural small boy. With his mongrel cur, to ‘‘ dig out a Woodchuck,”’ 
our urchin is ever ready to rush to the conflict. 

The generic term means literally Bear Mouse; so called, doubtless, on account of the 
bear-like aspect of the animal’s head. The Woodchuck is often of considerable size, measur- 
ing fourteen inches in length ; its tail, exclusive of this, is but four inches. 

This species is found from the Carolinas to Hudson’s Bay, and from the Atlantic coast 
to Missouri and Wisconsin. It burrows, forming large excavations in which are stored its 
winter provisions. 

It hibernates in the winter, after carefully closing its burrow. This species resembles some- 
what the European Marmot. 

The Rocky Mountain Marmot (Arctomys flaviventor) was first described by Audubon and 
Bachman in 1841, from a specimen brought from California. It is, unlike the preceding, 
alpine in habits. Its size is considerably more ; in some instances measuring eighteen inches 
in length. The tail is longer, measuring to the tips of the hairs ten inches. . Black specimens 
are often seen. 

The Hoary Marmot (Arctomys pruinosus), called also the ‘‘ Whistler,’’ is the largest of 
the species ; its length being from twenty-three to twenty-five inches, the tail being nearly half 
as long. 

The three species seem to be so distributed as not to encroach on the territory of each ; the 
habitat of this one being northward to the Arctic Circle, the Columbia River being its southern- 
most limit. 

Some interesting facts are known concerning the hibernation of the Woodchuck, which 
tend to invalidate the statement of earlier authors that the creature stores up provisions, 
though the latter may be the case in the more southern portions of its habitat. 

The common Woodchuck of our Eastern States retires to hibernate about the time of the 
autumnal equinox, and, curiously, comes forth about the time of the vernal equinox. It is 
singular that the creature should retire so early, when its favorite food, red clover, is in full 
growth, and the weather usually fine for some weeks after this period. And it is equally 
strange that the animal should come forth so early, when it is usual to see the ground covered 
by snow, when no green thing is to be found near his haunts. 

Dr. Bachman, who wrote a portion of the work on mammals published by Audubon and 
Bachman, marked a burrow in which he knew were two Woodchucks, a pair. Early in 
November he had it opened, and found two Woodchucks lying coiled up close to each other in 
a nest of dry grass, twenty-five feet from the entrance. They were perfectly dormant. 

This Woodchuck gives birth to four or six young, about the last week in April. A branch 
gallery is often seen in their burrows, which is used for depositing their dejections. This is 
regarded as quite unique in the history of mammals. 


Ce) 


Ar the end of the rodents are placed the singular animals which are grouped together 
under the title of Aspalacidee, or Mole Rats, the word Aspalax, or Spalax, being the Greek 
term for a mole. The incisor teeth of these animals are extremely large, and project beyond 
the lips. The external ears are either wholly wanting or are of very small dimensions. The 
eyes are small, and in some species are concealed by the skin. The body is heavily and 
clumsily made, the-tail is either very short or entirely absent, and the head is large and 
rounded. 


502 THE COAST RAT, OR SAND MOLE. 


The common Mo.e Rat, which is also known by its Russian name of SLEPEz, is a native 
of Southern Russia, Asia Minor, Mesopotamia, and Syria. Like the ordinary Mole, to which 
it bears no little external resemblance, it passes its existence in the subterranean tunnels which 
it excavates by means of its powerful claws. As it but seldom ventures into the light of day, 
it stands in no need of visual organs, but is compensated for their absence by the very large 
development of the organs of hearing. The place of the eyes is taken by two little round black 
specks, which lie under the fur-covered skin, so that even if they were sensitive to light, they 
would be unable to perceive the brightest rays of the noontide sun. The ears, however, are 
extremely large, and the hearing is exceedingly sensitive, so that the animal receives earlier 
information of danger through its sense of hearing than through that of sight, which latter 
faculty would indeed be useless in its dark abode. Sometimes the Slepez leaves the burrow 
and lies basking in the warm sunshine, but upon the least alarm, or unexpected sound, it 
plunges into its tunnel, and ~ 
will not again make its 
appearance until it feels 
perfectly assured of safety. 

Should it be unexpect- 
edly attacked, it assumes 
an offensive attitude, and 
trusting to its delicate sense 
of hearing to inform it of 
the direction in which the 
foe is approaching, bites 
most savagely with its long 
chisel-like incisors. While 
engaged in combat, or while 
threatening its adversary, 
it utters a sharp crying 
snort at short intervals. MOLE RAT, OR SLEPEZ.—Spalax typhlus. 

The food of the Mole 
Rat is believed to be entirely of a vegetable nature, and it is in search of the various plants 
on which it feeds that it drives its long and complicated tunnels through the soil. It is 
especially fond of roots, more particularly preferring those of a bulbous character, but 
will also feed on grain and different fruits, and is said to lay up a store of provisions in a 
subterranean chamber connected with its burrow. The usual form of the Mole Rat’s habi- 
tation and hunting-ground may be easily imagined. <A series of horizontal tunnels, or main 
roads, are driven through the ground at no great depth from the surface of the earth, and 
are connected with a number of chambers excavated at some depth, and with an endless 
variety of shallow passages which are made in the course of the animal’s daily peregrina- 
tions in search of food. 

The Russian peasants have an idea, that if any one will have the courage to seize a Slepez 
in his bare hands, permit the animal to bite him, and then squeeze it to death between his 
fingers, he will ever afterwards possess the power of curing goitre by the touch of his hands. 
The general color of the Slepez is a very light brown, slightly tinged with red in some parts, 
and fading into an ashen-gray in others. Its total length is about ten or eleven inches, and the 
tail is wanting. The head is broad, flat on the crown, and terminates abruptly at the muzzle. 
The feet are short, and the claws small. 

This animal is presumed to be the Blind Mole of the ancient Greek authors, and if so, 
affords another of the many instances where the so-called errors of the old writers on natural 
history have proved, on further acquaintance, to be perfectly correct. The specific name 
typhlus is a Greek word, signifying blind, and has been given to the Slepez on account of its 
absolute deprivation of external eyes. 


THE incisor teeth of the Coast Rat, or SAND MoLs, are even larger in proportion than 
those of the preceding animal, and those of the upper jaw are marked by a groove running 


THE GOPHER. 503 


throughout their length. The fore-feet are furnished with long and powerful claws, that of 
the second toe being the largest. The eyes are exceedingly small, the external ears are 
wanting, and the tail is extremely short. 

The Coast Rat is an inhabitant of the Cape of Good Hope and the coasts of Southern 
Africa, where it is found in tolerable profusion, and drives such multitudes of shallow tunnels 
that the ground which it frequents is rather dangerous for horsemen, and not at all pleasant 
even to a man on foot. The burrows are made at so short a distance from the surface that the 
‘earth gives way under the tread of any moderately heavy animal. Mr. Burchell, the well- 
known African traveller, narrates that in traversing the great sand flats of Southern Africa, 
he was often endangered by his feet sinking into the burrows of the Coast Rat, which had 
undermined the light soil in every direction. The animal is rather slow of foot upon the sur- 
face of the ground, but drives its subterranean tunnels with marvellous rapidity, throwing up 
little sandy hillocks at intervals, like those of the common mole. On account of this propen- 
sity it has received the name of Zand Moll, or Sand Mole, from the Dutch Boers who inhabit 
the Cape. 

The color of the Sand Mole is a uniformly light grayish-brown, rather variable in tinting. 
As it is very soft and full in texture, and can be obtained in great quantities, it might be profit- 
ably made a regular article of trade. The Sand Mole is as large as our ordinary wild rabbit, 
being about fifteen inches in total length, the tail measuring about three inches. 


THERE has been much confusion between the two Geomyd animals, which have been by 
several authors considered to be identical with each other. They are, however, to be easily 
distinguished from each other by the deep longitudinal grooves which run along the upper 
incisors of the present animal, and the smooth or slightly grooved incisors of the succeeding 
species. 

The Fur Country Poucuep Rar is a native of Canada, and is remarkable for the enor- 
mous size of the cheek-pouches. The color of this animal’s fur is generally of a pale gray 
washed with yellow, fading into a slaty-blue towards the base of each hair. The interior of 
the pouches, the abdomen, and the tail, are covered with white hair, that which lines the 
pouches being very short and fine. A dusky spot is observable behind each ear, the teeth are 
yellow and the claws white. The central claw of the fore-feet is almost deserving of the title 
of talon, as it is powerfully made and nearly half an inch in length. The total length of this 
animal is nearly ten inches, the tail measuring about two inches in length. 

It is rather gregarious in its habits, associating together in moderately large bands, and 
undermining the ground in all directions. It is a vegetable feeder, preferring the bulbous 
roots of the quamash, or camas (Scilla esculenta), to any other diet, and is therefore called by 
some writers, the Camas Rat. This title is, however, given to several allied animals. It also 
feeds on nuts, roots, grain, and seeds of various kinds. The burrow of this animal is not very 
deep, but runs for a considerable distance in a horizontal direction, and along its course occa- 
sional hillocks are thrown up, by means of which it may be traced from the surface. 

Family Saccomyide includes a group of curiously formed animals, having pouches on the 
exterior surface of the cheeks, which are lined with a furry integument, and open outside the 
mouth. Under the common name Pocket Mouse, seven species are known, mostly inhabiting 
the Pacific slope, the great plains near the Rocky Mountains, and Mexico. 

Two other allied animals are known; one called the Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys phillipsi) 
has very long legs, long tail, and a slender, small body. Its habitat is the Pacific slope. An 
allied species called Ord’s Pocket Rat, inhabits the Rocky Mountains and southward to 
“Mexico. 

Genus Thomomys includes four species, called Pocket Gophers ; each named according to 
its place of abode, extending from the Pacific coast to the Rocky Mountains, and southward 
to Mexico and California. 

Family Geomyide, Karth Rats literally, are distinguished by having extremely large fore- 
feet and claws. The term Gopher (often appropriated for other animals) is the common name 
of these creatures. 


504 THE CANADIAN POUCHED RAT. 


The Common Pocket Gopher (Geomys barsarius) abounds in the region about the Missis- 
sippi River, and southward to Texas. The short legs and soft hair of these creatures suggest 
the moles. Five other species are known, inhabiting Central America and Mexico. This 
animal was formerly called the CANADA PoucHED Rar and is sometimes known by the name 
of ‘“‘ Mulo.”’ 

The incisor teeth of this animal are extremely long, and project beyond the lip, so as to be 
visible even at a profile view. The cheek-pouches are of great dimensions, measuring nearly 
three inches in depth, and reaching from the sides of the mouth to the insertion of the 
shoulder. They are lined with a soft covering of short, fine hairs. The total length of the 
Canada Pouched Rat is about one foot, the tail being two inches long. The weight of an 
ordinary sized adult specimen is about fourteen ounces. In shape, it is heavily made and 
very clumsy, bearing no slight resemblance to the ordinary mole of England. Its fur is 
about half an inch in length upon the back, and much shorter upon the abdomen. Its color 
is a reddish-brown upon the upper parts of the body, fading into ashy-brown upon the 
abdomen, and the feet are white. The first third of the tail is clothed with short hair 
of the same color as that 
of the back, but the re- 
maining two-thirds are de- 
void of hairy covering. 

This animal is a bur- 
rower, and is most destruc- 
tive among plantations, as 
it is in the habit of eating 
the roots which happen to 
intercept the course of its 
tunnel, and has been known 
thus to destroy upwards of 
two hundred young trees in 
a few days and nights. Its 
ravages are not solely re- 
stricted to young plants, 
but are often extended to old and full-grown fruit-trees. It continues its labor by day as 
well as by night, but is not readily discovered at its work, as it always ceases its labor at 
the least sound from above. The burrows of the Mulo are rather complicated, and are well 
described in the following extract from Audubon and Bachman : 


CANADA POUCHED RAT.—Geomys bursarius. 


‘“Having observed some freshly thrown up mounds in M. Chouteau’s garden, several 
servants were called and set to work to dig out the animals, if practicable, alive ; and we soon 
dug up several galleries worked by the Muloes, in different directions. 

“One of the main galleries was about a foot beneath the surface of the ground, except 
when it passed under the walks, in which places it was sunk rather lower. We turned up this 
entire gallery, which led across a large garden-bed and two walks into another bed, where we 
discovered that several fine plants had been killed by these animals eating off their roots just 
beneath the surface of the ground. The burrow ended near these plants under a large rose- 
bush. We then dug out another principal burrow, but its terminus was among the roots of a 
large peach-tree, some of the bark of which had been eaten off by these animals. We could 
not capture any of them at this time, owing to the ramification of their galleries having 
escaped our notice whilst following the main burrows. On carefully examining the ground, 
we discovered that several galleries existed that appeared to run entirely out of the garden 
into the open fields and woods beyond, so that we were obliged to give up the chase. This 
species throws up the earth in little mounds about twelve or fifteen inches in height, at 
irregular distances, sometimes near each other, and occasionally ten, twenty, or even thirty 
paces asunder, generally opening near a surface well covered with grass or vegetables of 
various kinds.” 


THE CANADA POUCHED RAT. 505 


The burrow was probably sunk lower wherever it crossed a path, because the sense of 
hearing in this animal is so extremely acute, that it would be much annoyed by the continual 
sound of human footsteps immediately over its head. 

Although it spends the greater part of its existence beneath the earth, it is frequently 
seen above the surface of the ground, as it resorts to the open air for the purpose of basking 
in the sun, or procuring leaves which have been brightened and vivified by the rays of the 
sun, as a change from the roots on which it chiefly depends for subsistence. When it revisits 
the regions of upper day, it emerges from the earth in some hitherto unbroken spot, pushing 
the soil upwards and causing a kind of miniature earthquake before it makes its appearance. 
Presently the head and shoulders of the animal emerge from the lump of earth, and shaking 
the loose mould from its fur, it draws itself entirely out of its burrow. It then runs forward 
for a yard or two, searching for food, nibbling off the green blades with its teeth, and stowing 
them into its cheek-pouches with the aid of its fore-paws. When it has filled the pouches, it 
runs back to the hole through which it had issued, and vanishes immediately from sight. 

Should it be alarmed while out of its tunnel, it plunges precipitately into its stronghold, 
and drives an entirely new burrow in another direction, not venturing to entrust itself to that 
through which it had passed before it was alarmed, 

The long and sharp incisor teeth are formidable weapons, and can be used with great 
effect upon an adversary. It is a sufficiently savage creature, and when captured or annoyed, 
bites fiercely in every direction, and squeals with rage. In captivity it is always employing 
these teeth upon every object that it can reach, and has even been detected in the act 
of endeavoring to cut its way through the wooden planks of the room in which it was 
placed. Two of these animals once contrived to get into a pair of boots belonging to their 
owner, and not choosing to take the trouble of returning by the same aperture through which 
they had entered, they cut a large hole in the toes, and so made their exit. They seemed to 
have a special liking for leather, as they afterwards gnawed to pieces the leathern straps 
which were dangling from a portmanteau that lay in the same room. 

On the surface of the ground the Canada Pouched Rat is rather slow and clumsy in its 
movements, as its legs are short and ill-fitted for such locomotion. So short indeed are its 
limbs, that if it be laid on its back, it has great difficulty in regaining its feet, but flounders 
about in almost total helplessness until it can seize a blade of grass, a twig, or similar object, 
by means of which it can draw itself into its normal attitude. In its tunnel, however, it 
proceeds with considerable activity, going faster than a man can walk, and being capable of 
running backwards or forwards with equal speed and ease. 

The nest of the Mulo is not placed in one of the ordinary tunnels, but in a burrow dug 
specially for the purpose. It is about eight inches in diameter, globular in shape, and is 
made of dried herbage externally, and softly lined with hair plucked from the body of the 
female, and other appropriate substances. From the nest radiate a number of small galleries, 
which are again connected with smaller branch passages, and seem to conduct the animal to 
its feeding-grounds. It was formerly imagined that the Mulo was in the habit of filling its 
pouches with the excavated earth, and of emptying them at the mouth of burrows. This 
assertion is now disputed, for it is clearly ascertained that the creature only uses its cheek- 
pouches for the conveyance of its food. A little earth may perchance be imbedded together 
with the nuts and leaves, but the mistake has evidently arisen from the conduct of the natives, 
who, when they procure a skin of the Mulo, are accustomed to stuff the pouches with dry 
earth, for the purpose of preserving them in their distended form. 

The animal is found in many parts of Northern America, and has a very wide range. 


THE Bay BamsBoo Rat is one representative of the genus Rhizomys, of which there 
are several species. 

This animal is a native of Nepal, Malacca, and China, and is very injurious to the bam- 
boos, on the roots of which it feeds. In size it equals a rather small rabbit, and in color it is 
of a uniform ruddy brown, slightly paler on the throat and abdomen. The long incisor teeth 
are faced with bright red enamel, which gives them a rather conspicuous appearance ; the tail 


506 RETROSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE RODENT ANIMALS. 


is short and marked, and the claws are rather small. The peculiar head is of an egg-like 
form. 


THERE are several other genera belonging to this curious family, among which may be 
noticed the genus Ctenomys, containing the TucuTuco, a native of Magellan Straits. This is 
also a burrowing animal, and the peculiar name by which it is known has been given to it on 
account of the curious cry which it utters as it is engaged in its subterranean labors, and which 
is said to resemble the word ‘‘Tucutuco.”’ 


On taking a retrospective view of the rodent animals, the reader will not fail to observe 
the frequency with which they reproduce some idea which is more fully manifested in other 
orders of the animal kingdom. The destructive idea is not more strongly developed in the 
lion than in the rat, which will attack and kill animals of much greater strength and bulk 
than itself. It is a truly bloodthirsty being, and will kill many a rabbit or fowl for the mere 
sake of sucking the hot blood as it pours from the fatal wound. 

The tree-loving and agile squirrel plays the same part among the rodents as the monkey 
among the quadrumana ; the flying squirrels have a close analogy to the colugo and the petau- 
rists, and they again to the bats, which in their turn partake largely of the bird character and 
formation. The beaver and ondatra are evident reproductions of the aquatic idea, which is 
more thoroughly developed in the seals and whales, and is carried out to its greatest perfection 
in the fishes. The rodent capybara again, with its thick, coarse, bristly hair, heavy form, 
hoof-like claws, and water-loving propensities, is no indifferent representation of the pachy- 
dermatous water hog, which also may be looked upon as corresponding to the dugong and 
manatee. Lastly, the aspalacidee, or rodent mole rats, are wonderfully similar to the true 
insectivorous moles, both in habit and formation of body. 

In many instances this phenomenon is exhibited in the reverse order, the members of other 
groups exhibiting a tendency towards the rodent type. The aye-aye, for example, a quadru- 
manous animal, displays so strong a resemblance to the squirrels, that it was long ranked 
together with those animals by systematic naturalists. The hyrax again, or klip-daas, a 
pachydermatous animal, and allied closely to the hippopotamus, is externally, and even in the 
arrangement of its teeth, so rabbit-like in form, that it was as a matter of course placed among 
the rodents, until Cuvier’s accurate eye discovered its true character. The insect-eating 
tupaias of Java, with their arboreal habits and long bushy tails, are so like the squirrels that 
the popular name of a squirrel and a tupaia is identical in the countries where they reside. 

All external objects are, in their truest sense, visible embodiments or incarnations of 
Divine ideas which are roughly sculptured in the hard granite that underlies the living and 
breathing surface of the world above ; pencilled in delicate tracery upon each bark flake that 
encompasses the tree-trunk, each leaf that trembles in the breeze, each petal that fills the air 
with fragrant effluence ; assuming a living and breathing existence in the rhythmic throbbings 
of the heart-pulse that urges the life-stream through the body of every animated being ; and 
attaining their greatest perfection in Man, who is thereby bound, by the very fact of his exist- 
ence, to outspeak and outact the Divine ideas, which are the true instincts of humanity, before 
they are crushed or paralyzed by outward circumstances. Only thus can man be truly the 
image and likeness of God, only thus can the Divine ideas be truly manifested in him to the 
world. For just in proportion as he shrinks from speaking the truth that is in him, or from 
acting the good that is in him, so far he stifles the commencing outbirth of Divine power, and 
becomes less and less godlike. 

Hence the necessity for the infinitely varied forms of animal life. Until man has learned 
to realize his own microcosmal being, and will himself develop and manifest the god-thoughts 
that are continually inbreathed into his very essential nature, it needs that the creative ideas 
should be incarnated and embodied in every possible form, so that they may retain a living 
existence upon earth. 


THE BANTING.—Bibos banting. 


CATTEE, SHEEP, EEC. 


OXEN. 


N the large and important group of animals which now occupy our attention, the 
incisor teeth are entirely absent in the upper jaw, and are eight in number in the 
lower. There are six molars on each side of each jaw. The two middle toes of 
each foot are separate, and are furnished with hoofs instead of claws. From the 
frontal bones proceed two excrescences, which are generally armed with horns, 
particularly in the male animal. The structure of the stomach and gullet is very 
remarkable, and is employed in producing that peculiar action which is called 

‘‘ruminating,’’ or chewing the cud. Although the horns have in many varieties of domes- 

ticated Oxen been eradicated by a long course of careful management, they are always present 

in the wild species, and are permanently retained through life, instead of being annually shed 
like those of a deer. The peculiar characteristics of the bovine skull are so well shown in the 
engraving, that further description is needless. 

The Oxen, or Bévidae, as they are called, from the Latin word Bos, or Ox, are extremely 
difficult of systematic arrangement, as it is not easy to select any particular characteristic 
on which to base the distinctions of genus and species. Some writers have founded their 
arrangement upon the hoofs, others upon the muzzle, others upon the direction of the 
horns, and others upon the structure of their bony nucleus. Mr. Gray, in his elaborate 
elucidation of the Bévide, considers that the “form of the horns affords the most natural 
character for subdividing them into groups,’’ and employs other characteristics, such as the 


508 THE WHITE CATTLE OF CHILLINGHAM. 


position of the knee, the beard of the male, and the formation of the muzzle, as means for 
further subdivision. 


THE Domestic Ox of Europe has been so modified in form, habits, and dimensions, by its 
long intercourse with mankind, that it has developed into as many permanent varieties as the 
dog, the pigeon, or the rabbit, and would in many cases be thought to belong to different 
species. Among the principal varieties of this animal may be noticed the Long Horned, the 
Short Horned, and the Polled or hornless breeds, and the Alderney cow, so celebrated for the 
quantity and quality of the milk which it daily furnishes. In almost every part of the world 
are found examples of the Ox, variously modified in order to suit the peculiar circumstances 
amid which they are placed, but in all instances they are susceptible of domestication, and are 
employed in the service of mankind. 

There are few animals which are more thoroughly useful to man than the Ox, or whose 
loss we should feel more deeply in the privation of so many comforts. Putting aside 
the two obvious benefits of its flesh and its milk—both of which are so needful for our 
comfort that we almost forget to think about them 
at all—we derive very great benefit from its powers 
while living, and from many portions of its body 
when dead. 

In many parts of Europe Oxen are still employed 
in agricultural labor, drawing the plough or the wagon 
with a slow but steady plodding gait. The carpenter 
would find himself sadly at a loss were his supply of 
glue to be suddenly checked by the disappearance of 
the animal, from whose hoofs, ears, and hide-parings 
the greater part of that useful material is manufac- 
tured. The harness-maker, carriage-builder, and shoe- 
maker would in that case be deprived of a most 
valuable article in their trade ; the cutler and ivory 
turner would lose a considerable portion of the rough 
material upon which they work ; the builder would 
find his best mortar sadly impaired without a proper 
admixture of cow’s hair; and the practical chemist 
would be greatly at a loss for some of his most 
valuable productions if the entire Ox tribe were swept 
from the earth. Not even the very intestines are allowed to be wasted, but are employed for 
a variety of purposes, and in a variety of trades. Sometimes the bones are subjected to a 
process which extracts every nutritious particle out of them, and even in that case, the remain- 
ing innutritious portions of the bones are made useful by being calcined, and manufactured 
into the animal charcoal which has lately been so largely employed in many of the arts and 
sciences. 


SKULL OF OX, 


Tne best living example of the original British Ox is to be found in the celebrated WHITE 
CarrLe oF Cui~LtincHAm. The beautiful oleograph representing these cattle is remarkably 
true to nature. 

The color of these beautiful animals is a cream-white, with the exception of the ears and 
muzzle, the former of which are red, and the latter is black. Mr. Bell observes, that in 
every case of white cattle which have passed under his personal notice, the ears are marked 
with red or black, according to the breed. The white tint extends even to the horns, which 
are, however, tipped with black. They are rather slender in their make, and curve boldly 
upwards. 

As these Chillingham cattle are permitted to range at will through spacious parks in which 
they are kept, they retain many of the wild habits of their tribe, and are so impatient of 


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RUMINATION. 509 


observation that a stranger will generally find himself in a very unsafe position if he attempts 
to approach closely to the herd. 

When they are alarmed or provoked at the intrusion of a strange human being within the 
limit of their territories, they toss their heads wildly in the air, paw the ground, and stead- 
fastly regard the object of their dislike. If he should make a sudden movement, they scamper 
away precipitately, gallop round him in a circle, and come to another halt at a shorter 
distance. This process is continually repeated, the diameter of the circle being shortened at 
every fresh start, until the angry, yet half-frightened, animals, come so alarmingly close to the 
spectator, that he finds himself obliged to escape as he best can. 

In performing these curious evolutions, they seem to be inspired by a mixture of curiosity, 
timidity, and irritation, which may be observed even in ordinary domestic cattle under similar 
circumstances. 

On one occasion, when a herd of cattle were pressing upon me in a most uncomfortable 
manner, I owed my escape to early instruction in the art of the ‘acrobat.’ The herd, wholly 
composed of cows, was surrounding me with a very threatening aspect, and was advancing in 
such a manner that there was no mode of escape from their ranks. Seeing that a bold strata- 
gem was the only resource, I ran sharply forward, and commenced rotating towards them in 
that peculiar method which is technically termed ‘‘ turning a wheel,”’ 7. e. executing a series 
of somersaults on the hands and feet alternately. The cows were so terrified at the unknown 
foe who was attacking them in so extraordinary a manner, that they were panic-stricken, and 
galloped off at full speed, leaving me an easy escape before they had recovered from their 
surprise. 

The Domestic Cow is too well known to need any detailed description of form and color. 
Few persons, however, except those who have been personally conversant with these animals, 
have any idea of their intelligent and affectionate natures. 

They are possessed of very susceptible feelings, and are remarkably sensitive to insulting 
or disrespectful conduct on the part of their inferiors. Ina herd of cows, the senior animal is 
the leader in all things, and maintains a strict authority over her younger companions. Not 
a single member of the herd dares to leave or to enter the pasture until the leader has led 
the way, or even to take its food until she has decided whether she will take possession of 
the banquet, or permit her inferiors to eat at peace. Should a younger animal commit a 
breach of etiquette by infringing any of the tacit rules which have been in force throughout 
Cowdom from time immemorial, the delinquent is butted at and punished until it returns to 
its allegiance. 

To watch a calf through its various phases of existence is a most amusing employment. 
When the young animal is introduced for the first time into the farm-yard, she is treated in 
the most supercilious manner by the previous occupants, who look with an air of supreme 
contempt upon the new comer. She is pushed aside by all her predecessors, and soon learns 
to follow humbly in the wake of her companions. She cannot even venture to take possession 
of a food-rack until all the others have begun their meal. So matters go on for a time, until 
she has attained a larger growth, and a younger calf is turned into the yard. She now in her turn 
plays the tyrant over the new comer, and receives no small accession of dignity from the fact 
of having a follower, instead of bringing up the rear in her own person. In process of time 
she makes her way to the head of the yard by virtue of seniority, and is then happy in the 
supreme rule which she enjoys. 

Sometimes a three-parts grown heifer is introduced into a farm-yard, and in that case, the 
new comer refuses to take her place below all the others, unless she is absolutely compelled to 
“do so by main force. There is generally a considerable amount of fighting before such an 
animal finds her level, but when she has discovered her superiors and her subordinates, she 
quietly settles down in her place, and does not attempt to rise otherwise than by legitimate 
seniority. 

As the Oxen, in common with the sheep, camels, giraffe, and deer, require a large amount 
of vegetable food, and are, while in their native regions, subject to innumerable disturbing 
causes that would effectually prevent them from satisfying their hunger in an ordinary 


510 RUMINATION. 


manner, they are furnished with a peculiar arrangement of the stomach and digestive organs, 
by means of which they are enabled to gather hastily a large amount of food in any spot where 
the vegetation is luxuriant, and to postpone the business of mastication and digestion to a 
time when they may be less likely to be disturbed. The peculiarity of structure lies chiefly in 
the stomach and gullet, which are formed so as to act as an internal food-pouch, analogous in 
its use to the cheek-pouches of certain monkeys and rodents, together with an arrangement 
for regurgitating the food into the mouth at the will of the animal, previous to its mastication 
and digestion. 

Owing to the absence of teeth in the upper jaw, the Ox is unable to cut or chew the grass 
as he feeds, and can only seize it between the lower incisor teeth and the upper jaw, so as to 
tear it by a movement of the head. The sound which is produced by this ripping or tearing 
process is famaliar to all who have watched cows while grazing. As soon as the grass is taken 
into the mouth, it undergoes a slight rolling between the molar teeth, and is then swallowed, 
although it is not as yet in a fit state to be placed in the stomach, and there to be digested. 
The mode in which it undergoes that process is as follows : 

The stomach and gullet are modified into four distinct compartments, one of which, called 
the paunch, is very much larger than the others, and is the receptacle into which the food 
is passed immediately after being swallowed. Here it remains comparatively unchanged until the 
animal is at rest, and ready to commence the process which is technically called ‘‘ ruminating,”’ 
and more popularly termed ‘‘chewing the cud.’ A small portion of the food then passes into 
the second compartment, which is lined with a series of hexagonal cells, not unlike the comb 
of the honey-bee, and is formed into little balls by being worked into the cells. From these 
cells the food is thrown into the mouth by a voluntary effort of the muscles, and is then sub- 
jected to a thorough mastication. Being again swallowed, it slips over the opening by which 
it had formerly passed into the paunch, and is received into the third compartment, techni- 
cally called the ‘‘ psalterium,’’ or psalm-book, because it is lined with a number of thin longi- 
tudinal plates of membrane, which are thought to bear some resemblance to the leaves of 
a book. From thence it passes into the fourth compartment, which is the place where the 
business of digestion is carried on. 

These different compartments of the stomach are familiar under the general name of tripe, 
and are popularly distinguished from each other as follows : 

The first compartment is called the paunch, and is lined with a vast number of little 
flattened projections of the membrane. In the paunch, are found those curious concretions of 
hair and other substances which are known as hair-balls or bezoar stones. 

The hair-balls are of various dimensions, a collection of them in my own possession varying 
from the size of a very large cricket-ball to a moderately-sized marble. The hair is arranged most 
regularly in these balls, and all lies in the same direction, so that the axis on which the ball 
has revolved is plainly marked by the arrangement of the hair. In some of the balls the sur- 
face is covered with hair of different colors, some specimens being of a dark tint, while others 
are pure white. If the hair-ball be divided, its substance will be found to be of a spongy text- 
ure, affording considerable resistance to the knife, and requiring a strong and sharp blade to 
cut it neatly. Together with the hair is found a slight admixture of vegetable fibre. When 
first removed from the animal, these balls are wet and soft, receiving the impressions of the 
fingers unless handled with some care, but when they are quite dry, they are extremely light, 
hard, and strong, and tolerably elastic. Sometimes they are smooth on the exterior, which is 
then of a deep brown hue, and rather highly polished. 

The second compartment is popularly called the ‘“‘honeyeomb,” the ‘‘bag,”? or the 
‘‘honnet,’’ and the third is termed the ‘‘monyplies,’’ or ‘‘ manyplus,’’ on account of the mem- 
branous folds with which its interior is lined. 

The last stomach is generally termed the ‘‘red.”’ 

In scientific language, the first compartment is called the ‘‘rumen,’’ from which word is 
derived the term ‘‘ruminating ;’’ the second is known under the name of ‘‘reticulum,” or 
net ; the third is called ‘‘omasus,” or “‘ psalterium ;’’ and the fourth is called the ‘‘abomasus,”’ 
because it leads from the third compartment, or omasus. 


RUMINATION. 511 


Although the process of ruminating is mostly confined to the Ox and the other animals 
whose names have been already mentioned, it has, in more than one instance, been discovered 
in human beings. 

In many parts of the world, such as the Pampas of America and the Australian colonies, 
vast herds of cattle roam the country as freely as if they were the original inhabitants. 
Although they are all sprung from domesticated cattle which have been permitted to run wild 
or have escaped from their owners, they have returned to the habits as well as the conditions 
of savage life, and can only be brought temporarily within the subjection of man by actual 
force. 

However free and uncurbed they may be, they are all private property, and except 
when of very tender age, are all branded with the name of their owner burnt deeply into the 
skin. In detaching the unmarked cattle from the remainder of the herd, and bringing them 
safe to the enclosure where they are to receive the distinguishing brand of their proprietor, 
the cattle-drivers exhibit an extraordinary mixture of excellent horsemanship, great dexterity, 
cool patience, and fearless daring. Yet the man is sure to triumph over the beast at last, 
however cunning or powerful it may be, and before the poor animal has quite recovered from 
his surprise at finding himself mastered for the first time in his life, he has been captured, 
tied, branded, and set free again. 

In Africa, the cattle are not only employed for the yoke, but are also educated for the 
saddle, and are taught to obey the bit as well as many horses. The bit is of very primitive 
form, being nothing more than a stick which is passed through the nostrils, and to which the 
reins are tied. One end of the stick is generally forked to prevent it from falling out of its 
place, and in guiding the animal, the rider is obliged to draw both reins to the right or left 
side, lest he should pull out the wooden bit. 

The Saddle Oxen of Africa are not very swift steeds, their pace being about four or five 
_ miles an hour; and as their skin is so loosely placed on their bodies that the saddle sways at 
every step, their rider has no very agreeable seat. In training the Ox for the saddle, the 
teachers avail themselves of the aid of two trained Oxen, between which the novice is tied, 
and which soon teach it the proper lesson of obedience. 

The horns of this variety of the Ox are of marvellous length, having been known to exceed 
thirteen feet in total length, and nearly nine feet from tip to tip. The circumference of these 
enormous horns was more than eighteen inches, measured at their bases. One such horn is 
capable of containing upwards of twenty imperial pints. These weapons are not only long, 
but are sharply pointed, and are of so formidable a nature that a lion has been kept at 
bay during a whole night, not daring to leap upon an animal so well defended. As these 
horns might prove dangerous to the rider in case of the animal suddenly jerking its head, 
or flinging him forward by a stumble, the natives are in the habit of training them in vari- 
ous fashionable modes, by which the danger is avoided. Sometimes the horns are split 
into numerous ribbons, and curled fantastically in various directions; sometimes they are 
merely bent forwards and downwards; but the method most in vogue is to cause them to 
swing loosely at each side of the head, their points towards the earth, and out of the way 
of the rider. 

It is a remarkable fact that this Ox is in the habit of chewing dry bones whenever it finds 
them lying on the ground. The caribou, or American reindeer, is known to gnaw the fallen 
antlers of its companions, and probably with the same object. 

Should the Ox turn out to be of a peculiarly savage disposition, he is soon conquered by 
having a heavy iron chain fastened round his neck. The continual weight which he is forced 
to carry whenever he moves, together with the jingling of the iron links, has such an effect 
upon his spirits, that he is forced to yield after a few days’ trial. It is said that if the Ox is 
forced into the long grass which grows so luxuriantly in Southern Africa, it becomes alarmed, 
because it feels itself unable to see an approaching enemy, and is even terrified at the prox- 
imity of its own companions. 

It is worthy of remark in the present place, that the skin of a white Ox is considered by 


512 THE ZEBU. 


the native tribes as an emblem of peace, and is analogous to the white bison hide which is dis- 
played by our Indians for similar purposes. 

The Ox is also employed for draft in Southern Africa, and is used chiefly for the purpose 
of drawing the wagons over the tracks which are by courtesy called roads. Although the 
wagons are remarkably light, and are built in such a manner as to take no harm by an occa- 
sional upset, the ground is so heavy and the wheels sink so deeply, that a very large team 
of these cattle is required to draw the vehicle safely on its journey. LKight or ten yoke of 
oxen are frequently employed in drawing a single wagon. The conduct of the native drivers 
towards these poor beasts is cruel in the extreme, and deserving of the greatest reprobation. 
The ‘‘jambok,”? or whip, which these men employ is of very great length, and can be used 
with an effect that is perfectly terrible. Besides this more legitimate instrument, the Hotten- 
tot driver is in the habit of using various other methods of tormenting the poor beasts, and is 
absolutely ingenious in the refinements of his cruelty. 

The Family Bévide is not largely represented in America. One notable example is the 
American Bison (Bison americanus), a good figure of which is herein seen. Of this genus, 
Bison, but two species are known. The European Bison, or Aurochs, is nearly extinct. The 
Emperor of Russia has preserved a small herd during the last half century in Lithuania ; all 
others have passed away. Remains of this species are found in alluvial deposits in all parts 
of Europe. By permission of the Emperor, M. Verreaux, of Paris, the eminent taxidermist, 
was allowed to procure one specimen for the American Museum of Natural History, in Central 
Park. This is the only one on this continent. It stands higher than the American Bison, and 
has less mane. The full-page illustration we give is quite correct. 

The American Bison has for along period been the ruling power of the plains. Its vast 
herds have been the wonder of visitors. Though yet seen in considerable numbers in some 
localities, there is a monstrous sacrifice of the creatures steadily going on; and some time in 
the near future they will be reduced to the condition of their allies in Europe. It is to be 
hoped. that long before that happens the great Yellowstone Park may give friendly shelter to 
a goodly number for perpetual preservation. And this may be said of several other species of 
our indigenous animals. The beautiful deer, and graceful antelope ; the wild and almost unap- 
proachable mountain sheep, and mountain goat; these, too, should find permanent homes 
in this grand garden of Nature’s wonders. What a scene is opened up to the mind’s eye 
in contemplation of such a scheme! Serious efforts are being made, even now, to this very 
desirable end. 

The Bison and the North American Indian are so related, it would seem that the decline 
of one must inevitably be followed by the discomfiture of the other—so long as the Indian is 
in a state of barbarism. 

Audubon says: ‘‘In the days of our boyhood and youth, Bison roamed over the small and 
beautiful prairies of Indiana and Illinois. Herds of them stalked through the woods of Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee ; but they had dwindled down to a few stragglers, which resorted to the 
barrens, towards the year 1808, and soon after entirely disappeared. They gradually tended 
westward, and now for many years none are seen east of the great rivers of the West.” 

Though huge and apparently clumsy, the Bison is exceedingly playful and frolicsome, 
gambolling as we see domestic cattle do. Mr. Audubon relates that a gentleman in Kentucky 
kept a herd of Bison over thirty years. They were as docile as other cattle ; grazing with his 
domestic herd in the same field. The tame bull was unwilling to breed with the Bison cow, 
but the Bison bull produced a cross with the common cow. From the latter several 
half-breeds were raised, one being a heifer. These animals were larger than either parent 
when full grown. Audubon states that the Bison was formerly common in North and South 
Carolina. 


TuE domestic cattle of India is commonly known by the name of ZEBu, and is conspicu- 
ous for the curious fatty hump which projects from the withers. These animals are further 
remarkable for the heavy dewlap, which falls in thick folds from the throat, and which gives 


AUROCHS. 


THE ZEBU. tS 


to the fore part of the animal a very characteristic aspect. The limbs are slender, and the 
back, after rising towards the haunches, falls suddenly at the tail. 

The Zebu is a quiet and intelligent animal, and is capable of being trained in various 
modes for the service of mankind. It is a good draught animal, and is harnessed either to 
carriages or ploughs, which it can draw with great steadiness, though with but little speed. 
Sometimes it is used for riding, and is possessed of considerable endurance, being capable of 
carrying a rider for fifteen hours in a day, at an average rate of five or six miles per hour. 
The Nagore breed is specially celebrated for its capabilities as a steed, and is remarkable for 
its peculiarly excellent action. These animals are very active, and have been known to leap 
over a fence which was higher than our five-barred gates, merely for the purpose of drinking 


ZEBU.—Bos indicus. 


at a certain well, and, having slaked their thirst, to leap back again into their own pasture. 
As a beast of burden, the Zebu is in great request, for it can carry a heavy load for a very 
great distance, though at no great speed. 

The Zebu race has a very wide range of locality, being found in India, China, Madagascar, 
and the eastern coast of Africa. It is believed, however, that its native land is India, and that 
it must have been imported from thence into the other countries. 

There are various breeds of Zebu, some being about the size of our ordinary cattle, and 
others varying in dimensions from a large Ox to a small Newfoundland dog. One of the most 
familiar of these varieties is the well-known Brahmin Bull, so called because it is considered 
to be sacred to Bramah. 

The more religious among the Hindoos, scrupulously observant of the letter of a law 
which was intended to be universal in its application, but to which they give only a partial 
interpretation, indulge this animal in the most absurd manner. They place the sacred mark 
of Siva on its body, and permit it to wander about at its own sweet will, pampered by every 
luxury, and never opposed in any wish or caprice which it may form. A Brahmin Bull will 
walk along the street with a quaintly dignified air, inspect anything and anybody that may 
excite his curiosity, force every one to make way for himself, and if he should happen to take 
a fancy to the contents of a fruiterer’s or greengrocer’s shop, will deliberately make his choice 
and satisfy his wishes, none daring to cross him. The indulgence which is extended to this 


514 THE BUFFALO. 


animal is carried to so great a height, that if a Brahmin Bull chooses to lie down in a narrow 
lane, no one can pass until he gets up of his own accord. 

Bishop Heber, in his well-known journal, mentions the Brahmin Bulls and the unceremo- 
nious manner in which they conduct themselves, and remarks that they are sometimes rather 
mischievous as well as annoying, being apt to use their horns if their caprices be not immedi- 
ately gratified. 


THE BUFFALO is spread over a very wide range of country, being found in Southern 
Europe, North Africa, India, and a few other localities. 

This animal is subject to considerable modifications in external aspect, according to the 
climate or the particular locality in which it resides, and has in consequence been mentioned 
under very different names. In all cases the wild animals are larger and more powerful than 
their domesticated relations, and in many instances the slightly different shape, and greater or 
lesser length of the horns, or the skin denuded of hairs, have been considered as sufficient 
evidences of separate species. 

In India, the long, smooth-horned variety chiefly prevails, and is found in tolerable pro- 
fusion. This animal frequents wet and marshy localities, being sometimes called the Water 
Buffalo on account of its aquatic predilections. It is a most fierce and dangerous animal, 
savage to a marvellous degree, and not hesitating to charge any animal that may arouse its 
ready ire. An angry Buffalo has been known to attack a tolerably-sized elephant, and by a 
vigorous charge in the ribs to prostrate its huge fue. Even the tiger is found to quail before 
the Buffalo, and displays the greatest uneasiness in its presence. 

The Buffalo, indeed, seems to be animated by a rancorous hatred towards the tiger, and if 
it should come inadvertently on one of the brindled objects of its hate, will at once rush for- 
ward to the attack. Taking advantage of this peculiarity, the native princes are in the habit 
of amusing themselves with combats between tigers and trained Buffaloes. The arena is 
always prepared by the erection of a lofty and strongly-built palisade, composed of bamboos 
set perpendicularly, and bound together upon the outside. The object of this contrivance is, 
that the surface of the bamboo is so hard and slippery, that the tiger’s claws can find no hold 
in case of an attempted escape. 

The tiger is first turned into the arena, and generally slinks round its circumference, seek- 
ing for a mode of escape, and ever and anon looking up to the spectators, who are placed in 
galleries that overlook the scene of combat. When the tiger has crept to a safe distance from 
the door, the Buffalo is admitted, and on perceiving the scent of the tiger, it immediately 
becomes excited, its hairs bristle up, its eyes begin to flash, and it seeks on every side for the 
foe. As soon as it catches a glance of its enemy, it lowers its head towards the ground, so 
that the tips of its horns are only a few inches above the earth, and its nose lies between its 
fore-legs, and plunges forward at the shrinking tiger. Were the latter animal to dare the 
brunt of the Buffalo’s charge, the first attack would probably be the last ; but as the tiger is 
continually shifting its position, the force of the onset is greatly diminished by the curve in 
the Buffalo’s course. 

As a general rule the Buffalo comes off the victor, for even when the tiger has gained an 
advantage, he does not follow it up with sufficient celerity, but permits his antagonist to regain 
his lost breath. The Buffalo, on the contrary, allows the tiger no breathing time, but con- 
tinues his rapid charges without cessation, until he forces the tiger off his guard, and then with 
a rapid spring impales the foe on his horns. 

It is generally supposed that the wild Buffaloes will destroy any tigers that may happen 
to approach their herds too closely. A wild adult male Buffalo, or Arnee, as it is also called, 
is one of the largest of the Ox tribe, measuring no less than ten feet six inches from the tip of 
the nose to the root of the tail, and from six feet to six feet six inches in height at the shoul- 
ders. So confident are even the tiger-dreading herd-keepers of the prowess of their tamed 
animals, that they will ride them in search of pasture even when they know tigers to be in the 
near vicinity. One of these herds chanced to come across the spot where a tiger had been 
recently shot, and on perceiving the scent of the blood, they became powerfully excited, 


THE CAPE BUFFALO. 515 


bellowed furiously, and at last charged in a body directly into a neighboring covert, crushing 
everything that impeded their progress. 

The Arnee lives in large herds, arranged after the manner of all bovine animals, the females 
and young being always placed in the safest spots, while the males post themselves in all posi- 
tions of danger. These herds are never seen on elevated ground, preferring the low, marshy 
districts where water and mud are abundant. In this mud they love to wallow, and when sud- 
denly roused from their strange pastime, present a most terrible appearance, their eyes glaring 
fiercely from amid the mud-covered dripping masses of hair. Sometimes the Buffalo is said 
to fall a victim to its propensity for wallowing in the mud, and to be stuck so firmly in the 
oozy slime, as it dries under the scorching sunbeams of that burning climate, that it can be 
killed without danger. They generally chew the cud while they are lying immersed in mud 
or water. 

Captain Williamson, in his work on ‘‘ Oriental Field Sports,’ speaks thus of the Buffalo, 
and its mud-loving propensities :— 

‘¢This animal not only delights in the water, but will not thrive unless it have a swamp to 
wallow in. Then rolling themselves, they speedily work deep hollows, wherein they lie 
immersed. No place seems to delight the Buffalo more than the deep verdure on the confines 
of jeels and marshes, especially if surrounded by tall grass, so as to afford concealment and 
shade, while the body is covered by the water. In such situations they seem to enjoy a per- 
fect ecstasy, having in general nothing above the surface but their eyes and nostrils, their horns 
being kept low down, and consequently hidden from view. 

‘‘Frequently nothing is perceptible but a few black lumps in the water, appearing like 
small clods, for the Buffaloes being often fast asleep, all is quiet ; and a passenger would hardly 
expect to see, as often happens, twenty or thirty great beasts suddenly rise. I have a thou- 
sand times been unexpectedly surprised in this manner by tame Buffaloes, and once or twice by 
wild ones. The latter are very. dangerous, and the former are by no means to be considered as 
innocent. The banks of the Ganges abound with Buffaloes in their wild state, as does all the 
country where long grass and capacious jee/s are to be found. Buffaloes swim very well, or, I 
may say, float. It is very common to see droves crossing the Ganges and other great rivers at 
all seasons, but especially when the waters are low. Ata distance one would take them to be 
large pieces of rock or dark-colored wood, nothing appearing but their faces. It is no unusual 
thing for a boat to get into the thick of them, especially among reedy waters, or at the edges 
of jungles, before it is perceived. In this no danger exists ; the Buffaloes are perfectly passive, 
and easily avoid being run down, so the vessel runs no danger.”’ 


THe CAPE BurFFAto is quite as formidable an animal as its Indian relation, and much 
more terrible in outward aspect. The heavy bases of the horns, that nearly unite over the 
forehead, and under which the little fierce eyes twinkle with sullen rays, give to the creature’s 
countenance an appearance of morose, lowering ill-temper, which is in perfect accordance with 
its real character. 

Owing to the enormous heavy mass which is situated on the forehead, the Cape Buffalo 
does not see very well in a straight line, so that a man may sometimes cross the track of a Buffalo 
within a hundred yards, and not be seen by the animal, provided that he walks quietly, and 
does not attract attention by the sound of his footsteps. This animal is ever a dangerous 
neighbor, but when it leads a solitary life among the thickets and marshy places, it is a worse 
antagonist to a casual passenger than even the lion himself. In such a case, it has an unpleas- 
ant habit of remaining quietly in its lair until the unsuspecting traveller passes closely to its 
place of concealment, and then leaping suddenly upon him like some terrible monster of the 
waters, dripping with mud, and filled with rage. When it has succeeded in its attack, it first 
tosses the unhappy victim in the air, then kneels upon his body, in order to crush the life out 
of him, then butts at the corpse until it has given vent to its insane fury, and ends by 
licking the mangled limbs until it strips off the flesh with its rough tongue. 

Many such tragical incidents have occurred, chiefly, it must be acknowledged, owing to the 
imprudence of the sufferer: and there are few coverts in South Africa which are not celebrated 


516 THE CAPE BUFFALO. 


for some such terrible incident. Sometimes the animal is so recklessly furious in its unreason- 
ing anger, that it absolutely blinds itself by its heedless rush through the formidable thorn- 
bushes which are so common in Southern Africa. Even when in company with others of their 
own species, they are liable to sudden bursts of emotion, and will rush blindly forward heed- 
less of everything but the impulse that drives them forward. In one instance, the leader of 
the herd, being wounded, dropped on his knees, and was instantly crushed by the trampling 
hoofs of his comrades, as they rushed over-the prostrate body of their chief. 

In South Africa, the Cape Buffalo, called by the Kaffirs ‘‘ Inyati,’’ or ‘‘ Inthumba,”’ plays 
much the same part as the arnee in India. Like that animal, it does much as it pleases, and 
fears no enemy but armed men. Even the lion dare not approach too closely to a herd of Cape 
Buffaloes, for with the cunning old bulls in front, and the cows and calves bringing up the 
rear, the lion would have but a poor chance against a general charge of such foes. Indeed, 
even in single combat, the lion would scarcely come off the conqueror. 

The Cape Buffalo, although so terrible an animal, is not so large as the arnee, being little 
larger than an ordinary ox, but possessed of much greater strength. The strangely shaped 
horns are black in color, and so large that the distance between their points is not unfrequently 
from four to five feet. On account of their great width at their bases, they form a kind of 
bony helmet, which is impenetrable to an ordinary musket-ball, and effectually defend their 
owner against the severe shocks which are frequently suffered by these testy animals. 

I conclude this history of the Cape Buffalo with some personal reminiscences of the 
animal, which have been kindly placed at my disposal by Captain Drayson :— 


‘The hide of this animal is a bluish-black in color, and is so very tough that bullets will 
scarcely penetrate it if they are fired from a distance, or are not hardened by an addition of 
tin in the proportion of one to eight. It is of a fierce, vindictive disposition, and from its 
cunning habits is esteemed one of the most dangerous animals in Southern Africa. The Cape 
Buffalo is naturally a gregarious animal, but at certain seasons of the year the males fight for 
the mastery ; a clique of young bulls frequently turn out an old gentleman, who then seeks 
the most gloomy and retired localities in which to brood over his disappointments. 

‘“These solitary skulkers are the most dangerous of their species ; and although it is the 
nature of all animals to fly from man, unless they are badly wounded, or are intruded upon at 
unseasonable hours, these old hermits will scarcely wait for such excuses, but will willingly 
meet the hunter half-way and try conclusions with him. 

‘“‘ Although frequently found in large herds on the plains, the Buffalo is principally a 
resident in the bush ; here he follows the paths of the elephant or rhinoceros, or makes a road 
for himself. During the evening, night, and early morning, he roams about the open country 
and gorges, but when the sun has risen high, or if he has cause for alarm, the glens and coverts 
are sought ; and amidst their shady branches he enjoys repose and obtains concealment. The 
‘spoor’ of the Buffalo is like that of the common ox, the toes of the old bulls being very wide 
apart, whilst those of the young ones are close together; the cow Buffalo’s footprints are 
longer and thinner than the bull’s, and smaller. 

‘‘ As these animals wander-in the open ground during the night, and retreat to their glens 
during the day, their spoor may be taken up from the outside of the bush, and followed until 
the scent leads to the view. When thehunter comes near to his game, of which he should be 
able to judge by the freshness of the footprints, he should wait and listen for some noise by 
which to discover their position. Buffaloes frequently twist and turn about in the bush, and 
do so more especially just before they rest for the day. 

‘““T knew a Kaffir who carried about him the marks of a Buffalo’s power and cunning. He 
was hunting Buffaloes one day in the bush, and came upon a solitary bull, which he wounded ; 
the bull bounded off, but the Kaffir, thinking him badly hurt, followed after at a run, without 
taking sufficient precautions in hisadvance. Now, dangerous as is a Buffalo when untouched, 
he is still more to be dreaded when hard hit, and should therefore be followed with the utmost 
caution. 

“The Kaffir had hurried on through the bush for a hundred yards or so, and was looking 


THE GAUR. 517 


for the spoor, when he heard a crash close to him, and before he could move himself, he was 
sent flying in the air by the charge of the Buffalo. He fell into some branches and was thus 
safe, for the Buffalo was not satisfied with this performance, but wished to finish the work 
which he had so ably begun. After examining the safe position of his victim, he retreated. 

‘“‘The Kaffir, who had two or three ribs broken, reached his home with difficulty, and gave 
up Buffalo-shooting from that day. 

‘“‘Tt appeared that this cunning animal had retraced its steps after retreating, and had 
then backed into a bush, and waited for the Kaffir to pass. 

‘A great sportsman at Natal, named Kirkman, told me that he was shooting Buffaloes 
when he was across the Sugela river on one occasion, and having wounded a bull, he was giving 
him his quietus, when the creature sent forth a sort of moan. Now the Buffalo always dies 
game, and rarely makes any other noise when hard hit. This moan was probably a signal ; and 
as such it was translated by the herd to which this animal belonged, as they suddenly stopped 
in their retreat, and came to the rescue. Kirkman dropped his gun and took to some trees, 
where he was in safety. Fortunate it was for him that timber happened to be near, as the 
savage herd really meant mischief, and came round his tree in numbers. When they found 
that he was safe from their rage, they retreated. 

‘*The vulnerable parts in a Buffalo are behind the shoulder, near the kidneys, or high up on 
the back. His head is so protected by his horny helmet, that a bullet does not easily find a 
vulnerable point in the forehead. I once met a Buffalo face to face in the bush—we were 
about three yards apart; I fired at his forehead, aiming between the eyes. I know that my 
bullet struck true; the Buffalo fell, but soon jumped up again, and scampered off. This was 
certainly a fair trial of lead versus horn, and horn had the best of it.’’ 


ANOTHER species of Buffalo is the ANoa, an inhabitant of the island of Celebes. This 
animal was formerly thought to belong rather more to the antelopes than to the oxen, but is 
now satisfactorily ascertained to be a member of the genus Bubalus. It is a small, but very 
fierce animal, and is with difficulty made prisoner. Some of these creatures, which were kept 
in confinement, killed in one night fourteen stags which were placed in the same inclosure. 
The horns of this animal are quite straight, and are set nearly in a line with the forehead. In 
length they equal the head, are boldly flattened in front, and are covered throughout their 
length with successive wrinklings. The Anoa is generally found among the more rocky local- 
ities of its native island. 


THE BANTENG, or JAVAN OX, possesses something of the homely aspect which belongs 
to the common domestic cattle. It is, however, a very strong, fleet, and active animal, inhab- 
iting the wooded valleys of its native land, and living in small herds under the watchful guar- 
dianship of vigilant sentries. 

This animal is rather variable in color, according to its age and sex, the old bulls being of 
a blackish-brown color, and the females a reddish-bay. Upon the hinder quarters is always a 
bold patch of white, the inside of the ears and the lips are of the same hue, and the lower half 
of the legs is white. It is a tolerably large animal, the height of an adult bull being about five 
feet six inches at the shoulder. In spite of its constitutional shyness and its dread of man, it 
is domesticated by the inhabitants of Borneo, and is employed for many useful purposes. 


LARGEST of all the existing members of the Ox tribe is the Gaur, or Gour, an animal 
which may be easily recognized by the extraordinary elevation of the spinal ridge and the 
peculiarly white ‘‘stockings.’’ The general color of the Gaur is a deep brown, verging here 
and there upon black, the females being usually paler than their mates. The dimensions of 
the Gaur are very considerable, a full-grown bull having been known to measure six feet ten 
inches in height at the shoulders. The great height of the shoulder is partly owing to 
the structure of the vertebree, some of which give out projections of sixteen inches in 
length. 

The Gaur associates in little herds of ten, twenty, or thirty in number, each herd generally 


518 THE AMERICAN BISON. 


consisting of a few males and a great comparative number of the opposite sex. These herds 
frequent the deepest recesses of the forest, and in their own domains bear supreme rule, 
neither tiger, rhinoceros, or elephant daring to attack them. During the heat of noonday, the 
Gaurs are buried in the thickest coverts, but in the early morning, and after the setting of the 
sun, they issue from their place of concealment, and go forth to pasture on the little patches 
of open verdure that are generally found even in the deepest forests. The watchfulness of this 
animal is extremely remarkable, as, independentiy of placing the usual sentries, the Gaurs are 
said to arrange themselves in a circle while at rest, their heads all diverging outwards, so as 
to preserve equal vigilance on every side. They may, however, be readily approached if the 
spectator be mounted on an elephant, as they seem to regard these huge animals without any 
suspicion or fear. In all probability, the imperturbable indifference with which they look upon 
the elephant is caused by the fact that the elephant is never used in Gaur-hunting, and, unless 
accompanied by human beings, never attempts to attack these animals. 

The voice of the Gaur is rather peculiar, being totally different from the bellow of an ordi- 
nary bull or the lowing of a cow, and partaking greatly of the nature of a grunt, or hoarse 
cough. The breath of the Gaur is even sweeter than that of the domestic cow, and is 
plainly perceptible at a distance of several yards. The skin of this animal is extremely 
thick, especially on the shoulders and hinder quarters. The hide of these parts of the animal 
will sometimes measure nearly two inches in thickness when it has been removed from the 
Gaur, and permitted to contract during the process of drying. On account of its great 
strength, this portion of the skin is much esteemed for the purpose of being manufactured into 
shields. The flesh of the Gaur is said to be remarkably tender, and of good flavor. 


To the Bisons belongs the Aurocus, or Bonassus, the former name being a corruption of 
the word Auer-Ochs. It is also commonly known by the name of Zubr. This animal is now 
almost, if not exclusively, confined to the forest of Bialowikza, in Lithuania, a locality which 
is peculiarly suitable to its habits, on account of the large marshy districts in which it abounds. 
in order that this magnificent animal may be preserved in perfection, it is protected by the 
most stringent forest laws. The Aurochs gives forth a powerful and curious odor, which is 
far from unpleasant, and partakes equally of the characters of musk and violet. This perfume 
is found to penetrate the whole of the body to a certain extent, but is exhaled most powerfully 
from the skin and hair which covers the upper part of the forehead. It is found in both 
sexes, but is much weaker in the cow than in her mate. 

Although not so large as some of the preceding animals, standing only about six feet in 
height at the summit of the elevated shoulder, it is strongly and muscularly built, and‘is a 
terrible foe to any antagonist that may happen to arouseits ire. Like the buffalo, it has no 
fear of predaceous animals, a single Aurochs being supposed to be an overmatch for several 
hungry wolves. In general, it is shy, and fearful of the presence of man, slipping quietly 
away as soon as its acute senses perceive the symptoms of human neighborhood ; but if 
wounded or irritated, it fights most desperately, using its short, sharply-pointed horns with 
terrible effect. In disposition it is said to be rather morose and untamable, never having been 
really domesticated and brought under the dominion of man, even when taken at a very 
early age. 

It is a good swimmer, and is fond of dabbling in water, as well as of rolling itself in 
certain favored mud-holes which it frequents. For this reason, it is generally found in 
thickets which border upon marshy land, ponds, or streams, and in consequence causes all 
experienced travellers to be very cautious how they approach such localities. Its food is 
various vegetable substances, and it is especially fond of lichens. In spite of its heavy and 
awkward look, it is sufficiently active and swift, running with considerable speed for a short 
time, but being unable to prolong the course for many miles. While running, it carries its 
head very low, placing the nose almost between the fore-feet. 


Tur American Bison looks at first sight like an exaggeration of the aurochs, the hair 
of the body being thicker, more woolly, and more closely curled; the mane, which hangs 


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THE BISON. 519 


over the head and shoulders, actually reaching the ground, and the entire aspect of the 
animal more lowering. 

This creature is only found in Northern America, never appearing north of lat. 33°. It 
gathers together in enormous herds, consisting of many thousands in number, and in spite of 
the continual persecution to which it is subjected by man and beast, its multitudes are even 
now hardly diminished. The Bison is one of the most valuable of animals to the white hunter, 
as well as to the aboriginal Red Indian, as its body supplies him with almost every neces- 

- sary of life. 

The flesh of the fat cow Bison is in great repute, being juicy, tender, and well-savored, 
and possesses the invaluable quality of not cloying the appetite, even though it be eaten 
with the fierce hunger that is generated by a day’s hunting. The fat is peculiarly excel- 
lent, and is said to bear some resemblance to the celebrated green fat of the turtle. The 
most delicate portion of the Bison is the flesh that composes the ‘‘hump,”’ which gives to 
the animal’s back so strange an aspect; and the hunters are so fond of this delicacy that 
they will often slay a magnificent Bison merely for the sake of the hump, the tongue, and 
the marrow-bones, leaving the remainder of the body to the wolves and birds. The pieces 
of hump-flesh that are stripped from the shoulders are technically called ‘‘ fleeces,’ and 
sometimes weigh as much as a hundred pounds. The flesh of the Bison is also made of 
exceeding value to voyagers and travellers by being converted into ‘‘pemmican,”’ a curious 
kind of preparation, which to the eye closely resembles tarred oakum, but which is com- 
posed of the dried fibres of Bison beef. ‘‘Jerked’’ beef is also made from this animal, 
the meat being cut into long thin strips, and hung in the sunshine until black, dry, and 
almost as hard as leather. 

The hide is greatly valued both by Indians and civilized men, for the many purposes 
which it fulfils. From this hide the Indian makes his tents, many parts of his dress, his 
bed, and his shield. For nearly the whole of these uses the skin is deprived of hair, and is 
so dressed as to be impervious to water, and yet soft and pliable. The shield is very ingeni- 
ously made by pegging out the hide upon the ground with a multitude of little wooden 
skewers round its edge, imbuing it with a kind of glue, and gradually removing the pegs in 
proportion to the consequent shrinking and thickening of the skin. One of these shields, 
although still pliable, is sufficiently strong to resist an arrow, and will often turn a bullet 
that does not strike it fairly. 

Sometimes the Bison is the means of saving the hunter from the terrible death of thirst, 
for it oftentimes happens that the prairie-men find themselves parched with thirst in the 
midst of vast plains, without a drop of water in their vessels, and no stream within a long 
day’s journey. Under these circumstances, they would inevitably die, were it not that they 
know how to have recourse to certain natural fountains which are never entirely empty. 
The Bison has the power of taking a large amount of water into its body, and depositing 
it in the ‘‘reticulum,”’ or cells of the honey-comb department of the stomach, until it shall be 
needed for use. The hunters, therefore, are not long at a loss for materials wherewith to 
quench their thirst as long as a Bison is in sight, but slay the animal at once for the sake 
of the water which they know will be found in the usual situation. 

Vast quantities of Bisons are killed annually, whole herds being sometimes destroyed by 
the cunning of their human foes. The hunters, having discovered a herd of Bisons at no very 
ereat distance from one of the precipices which abound in the prairie-lands, quietly surround 
the doomed animals, and drive them ever nearer and nearer to the precipice. When they have 
come within half a mile or so of the edge, they suddenly dash towards the Bisons, shouting, 
‘firing, waving hats in the air, and using every means to terrify the intended victims. The 
- Bisons are timid creatures, and easily take alarm, so that on being startled by the unexpected 
sights and sounds, they dash off, panic-struck, in the only direction left open to them, and 
which leads directly to the precipice. When the leaders arrive at the edge, they attempt to 
recoil, but they are so closely pressed upon by those behind them that hey are carried for- 
ward and forced into the gulf below. Many hundreds of Bisons are thus destroyed in the 
space of a few minutes. 


520 THE YAK. 


A much fairer and more sportsman-like method of hunting these animals is practised by 
red and white men, and consists in chasing the herds of Bisons and shooting them while at full 
speed. This sport requires good horsemanship, a trained steed, and a knowledge of the habits 
of the Bisons, as well as a true eye and steady hand. The hunter marks a single individual in 
the herd, and by skillful riding contrives to separate it from its companions. He then rides 
boldly alongside the flying animal, and shoots it from the saddle. In this method of shooting, 
the hunter requires no ramrod, as he contents himself with pouring some loose powder into 
the barrel, dropping a bullet from his mouth upon the powder, and firing across the saddle 
without even lifting the weapon to his shoulder. The Indians are very expert in this sport, 
and, furnished only with their little bows, will often give a better account of their day’s sport 
than many a white hunter armed with the best firelock. 

At certain seasons of the year, the whole Bison population becomes greatly excited about 
settling their matrimonial matters for the next twelvemonth, and dire are the quarrels among 
the bulls for favor in the eyes of their intended mates. Whole herds of these animals will run 
in a straight line for many miles, urged forward by some strange impulse, and being easily 
tracked, not only by the marks of their feet, which tear up the ground as if it had been 
ploughed, but by a succession of bull Bisons engaged in single combat, they having fallen out 
on the journey and halted to fight out their quarrel. A cloud of wolves always hangs about the 
skirts of these herds, as the cunning animals are well aware of the dangers that beset the 
infuriated wars of Bisons, and accompany them in hopes of pouncing upon some feeble or 
wounded straggler. 

The Bison is remarkably fond of wallowing in the mud, and when he cannot find a mud- 
hole ready excavated, sets busily to work to make one for himself. Choosing some wet and 
marshy spot, he flings himself down on his side, and whirls round and round until he wears 
away the soil, and forms a circular and rather shallow pit, into which the water rapidly drains 
from the surrounding earth. He now redoubles his efforts, and in avery short time succeeds in 
covering himself with a thick coating of mud, which is probably of very great service in 
defending him from the stings of the gnats and other noxious insects which swarm in such 
localities. 4 

In the summer, the Bison fares luxuriously, living on the sweet green herbage that 
always springs up after the prairie has been swept by the fires that are continually blazing in 
one part or another. In winter, however, it is often pinched with hunger as well as with cold, 
and would fare very badly, did it not instinctively employ its broad nose in shovelling away 
the snow and laying bare the grass that lies unhurt beneath the white covering. The nose of 
the Bison is admirably adapted for this purpose, being broad, strong, and tough, so that it can 
execute a work with ease which is most painful to ordinary cattle, and causes their noses to 
bleed sadly, from the unaccustomed friction. So severe, however, is the labor, that even old 
Bisons are often seen with their noses excoriated and bleeding from the effects of their toil. 
Mr. Palliser mentions that the common domesticated calves have been observed to hang about 
a Bison bull when he was engaged in shovelling away the snow, and to eat the herbage which 
he disclosed, without showing the least fear. 

The Bison is a marvellously active animal, and displays powers of running and activity 
which would hardly be anticipated by one who had merely seen a stuffed specimen. The body 
is so loaded with hair that it appears to be of greater dimensions than is really the case, and 
seems out of all proportion to the slender legs that appear from under it and seem to bend 
beneath its weight. Yet the Bison is an enduring as well as a swift animal, and is also remark- 
ably sure of foot, going at full speed over localities where a horse would be soon brought 
to a halt. 


Tue YAK, or GRuUNTING Ox, derives its name from its very peculiar voice, which sounds 
much like the grunt of a pig. It is a native of the mountains of Thibet, and, according 
to Hodson, it inhabits all the loftiest plateaus of High Asia, between the Altai and the 


Himalayas. 
Tt is capable of domestication, and is liable to extensive permanent varieties, which have 


THE MUSK OX. 521 


probably been occasioned by the climate in which it lives and the work to which it has been 
put. The Noble Yak, for example, is a large, handsome animal, holding its head proudly 
erect, having a large hump, extremely long hair, and a very bushy tail. It is a shy and withal 
capricious animal, too much disposed to kick with the hind feet and to make threatening 
demonstrations with the horns, as if it intended to impale the rider. The heavy fringes of 
hair that decorate the sides of the Yak do not make their appearance until the animal has 
attained three months of age, the calves being covered with rough curling hair, not unlike 
that of a black Newfoundland dog. The beautiful white bushy tail of the Yak is in great 
request for various ornamental purposes, and forms quite an important article of commerce. 


YAK.—Bos grunniens. 


Dyed red, it is formed into those curious tufts that decorate the caps of the Chinese, and when 
properly mounted in a silver handle, it is used as a fly-flapper in India under the name of a 
chowrie. These tails are carried before certain officers of state, their number indicating 
his rank. 

The Plough Yak is altogether a more plebeian-looking animal, humble of deportment, 
carrying its head low, and almost devoid of the magnificent tufts of long silken hairs that 
fringe the sides of its more aristocratic relation. Their legs are very short in proportion to 
their bodies, and they are generally tailless, that member having been cut off and sold by their 
avaricious owner. There is also another variety which is termed the Ghainorik. The color of 
this animal is black, the back and tail being often white. The natives of the country where 
the Yak lives are in the habit of crossing it with the common domestic cattle and obtaining a 
mixed breed. When overloaded, the Yak is accustomed to vent is displeasure by its loud, 
monotonic, melancholy grunting, which has been known to affect the nerves of unpractised 
riders to such an extent that they dismounted, after suffering half an hour’s infliction of this 
most lugubrious chant, and performed the remainder of their journey on foot. 


Tue curiously shaped horns of the Musk Ox, its long woolly hair falling nearly to the 
ground in every direction, so as nearly to conceal its legs, together with the peculiar form of 


522 THE MUSK OX. 


the head and snout, are unfailing characteristics whereby it can be discriminated from any 
other animal. The horns of the Musk Ox are extremely large at their base, and form a kind 
of helmet upon the summit of the forehead. They then sweep boldly downwards, and are 
again hooked upwards towards the tips. This curious form of the horns is only noticed in the 
male, as the horns of the female are set very widely apart on the sides of the forehead, and 
are simply curved. The muzzle is covered with hair, with the exception of a very slight line 
round the nostrils. 

; This animal is an inhabitant of the extreme north of America, being seldom seen south of 

‘ the sixty-first degree of latitude, and ascending as high as the seventy-fifth. It lives, in fact, in 
the same country which is inhabited by the Esquimaux, and is known to them under the name 
of Oomingnoak. It is a fleet and active animal, and traverses with such ease the rocky and 


MUSK OX.—Ovibos moschatus. 


precipitous ground on which it loves to dwell, that it cannot be overtaken by any pursuer less 
swift than an arrow ora bullet. It is rather an irritable animal, and becomes a dangerous foe 
to the hunters, by its habit of charging upon them while they are perplexed amid the cliffs 
and crevices of its rocky home, thus often escaping unharmed by the aid of its quick eye and 
agile limbs. The hunters say that it is rather a stupid animal in some matters, and that it 
will not run away at the report of a gun, provided that it does not see the man who fired it, 
or perceive the smell of the powder. They believe that the Musk Ox takes the flash and the 
report to be only a species of thunder and lightning, and therefore does not think itself obliged 
to escape. The flesh of this animal is very strongly perfumed with a musky odor, very varia- 
ble in its amount and strength. Excepting, however, a few weeks in the year, it is perfectly 
fit for food, and is fat and well flavored. 

The Musk Ox is a little animal, but owing to the huge mass of woolly hair with which it 
is thickly covered, appears to be of considerable dimensions. The color of this animal is a 
yellowish-brown, deepening upon the sides. 

Ovibos is a genus of sub-family Caprina, the latter embracing the Sheep, Goats and 
Musk Sheep. 


ANTELOPES. 525 


The Musk Sheep (Ovibos moschatus) is usually called Musk Ox. As it is properly a 
sheep-like animal, we prefer to drop the inappropriate name. This is, perhaps, the most rare 
of North American animals. Though seen and killed in the Arctic Regions, it has been very 
difficult to get a perfect specimen for museums. After a long period of advertising and solicit- 
ing, Prof. Ward has just succeeded in procuring a specimen for the American Museum in 
Central Park. 

Its specific name indicates that a peculiar odor like musk distinguishes it. Though 
clumsy in appearance it climbs rocky hills with the same ease as the goats and sheep. Its 
distribution in prehistoric days was over the whole European Continent—remains being found 
in the caves in widely distant portions. 


GROUP OF SOUTH AFRICAN ANTELOPES. 


ANTELOPES. 


THE ANTELOPES form a large and important group of animals, finding representatives in 
many portions of the globe. Resembling the deer in many respects, they are easily to be dis- 
tinguished from those animals by the character of the horns, which are hollow at the base, set 
upon a solid core like those of the oxen, and are permanently retained throughout the life of 
the animal. Indeed, the Antelopes are allied very closely to the sheep and goats, and, in 
some instances, are very goat-like in external form. In all cases the Antelopes are light and 
elegant of body, their limbs are gracefully slender, and are furnished with small cloven hoofs. 
The tail is never of any great length, and in many species is very short. The horns, set above 


524 THE GAZELLE. 


the eyebrows, are either simply conical or are bent. so as to resemble the two horns of the 
ancient lyre, and are therefore termed ‘‘lyrate’’ in technical language. 


THE well-known GAZELLE is found in great numbers in Northern Africa, where it lives in 
herds of considerable size, and is largely hunted by man and beast. 

Trusting to its swift limbs for its safety, the Gazelle will seldom, if ever, attempt to resist 
a foe, unless it be actually driven to bay in some spot from whence it cannot escape ; but pre- 
fers to flee across the sandy plains, in which it loves to dwell, with the marvellous speed for 
which it has long been proverbial. The herd seems to be actuated by a strong spirit of mutual 
attachment, which preserves its members from being isolated from their companions, and 
which, in many instances, is their only safeguard against the attacks of the smaller predaceous 


GAZELLE.— Gazella dorcas. 


animals. The lion and leopard can always find a meal whenever they can steal upon a band of 
Gazelles without being discovered by the sentries which watch the neighborhood with jealous 
precaution, for the Gazelles-are too weak to withstand the attack of such terrible assailants, 
and do not even attempt resistance. 

If, however, the insidious foe is detected by the eye or scent of the sentinel, his chance of 
a dinner is hopeless for a while. The alarm is instantly given by the animal whose acute 
senses have discovered the near presence of the dreaded enemy, and the whole herd imme- 
diately take to flight, skimming over the ground with such wondrous rapidity that neither 
lion nor leopard would be able to overtake their flying steps. 

When opposed by less formidable enemies, the Gazelles can bid defiance to their assailants 
by gathering themselves into a compact circular mass, the females and the young being placed 
in the centre, and the outer circle being composed of the males, all presenting their horns 
towards the intruder. They then form a dense phalanx of sharply pointed weapons, arranged 
on strictly military principles, and being the prototype of the spear-phalanx of ancient war- 
fare, and the ‘‘square’’ of more modern tactics. 


iG 


THE ARIEL GAZELLE. 525 


In this attitude the Gazelles will maintain their ground with considerable spirit and per- 
tinacity, seeming to be entirely aware of the advantages which they derive from acting in 
concert, and oftentimes assuming the offensive as well as the defensive mode of action. 

The eye of the Gazelle is large, soft, and lustrous, and has been long celebrated by the 
poets of its own land as the most flattering simile of a woman’s eye. The color of this pretty 
little animal is a light fawn upon the back, deepening into dark brown in a wide band which 
edges the flanks, and forms a line of demarcation between the yellow-brown of the upper por- 
tions of the body and the pure white of the abdomen. The face is rather curiously marked 
with two stripes of contrasting colors, one a dark black-brown line that passes from the eye to 
the curves of the mouth, and the other a white streak that begins at the horns and extends as 
far as the muzzle. The hinder quarters, too, are marked with white, which is very perceptible 
when the animal is walking directly from the spectator. 


THERE is considerable difficulty in assigning the Antelopes to their proper position in the 
animal kingdom, and in many instances zoologists are sadly bewildered in their endeavors to 
ascertain whether a certain animal is entitled to the rank of a separate species, or whether it 
can only be considered as a variety of some species already acknowledged. Such is the case 
with the ARIEL GAZELLE, an animal which is now determined to be merely a variety of the 
preceding animal, and not entitled to take rank as an independent species. 

This beautiful little creature is very similar to the Dorcas Gazelle in general appearance, 
but is much darker in all its tintings, the back and upper portions of the body being a dark 
fawn, and the stripe along the flanks almost black. 

The Ariel is found in Syria and Arabia, and as it is not only a most graceful and elegant 
animal in appearance, but is also docile and gentle in temper, it is held in great estimation as 
a domestic pet, and may be frequently seen running about the houses at its own will. So 
exquisitely graceful are the movements of the Ariel Gazelle, and with such light activity does 
it traverse the ground, that it seems almost to set at defiance the laws of gravitation, and, like 
the fabled Camilla, to be able to tread the grass without bending a single green blade. When 
it is alarmed, and runs with its fullest speed, it lays its head back so that the nose projects 
forward, while the horns lie almost as far back as the shoulders, and then skims over the ground 
with such marvellous celerity that it seems rather to fly than to run, and cannot be overtaken 
even by the powerful, long-legged, and long-bodied greyhounds which are employed in the 
chase by the native hunters. 

When the Gazelle is hunted for the sake of the sport, and not merely for the object of 
securing as many skins as possible, the falcon is called to the aid of the greyhound, for without 
such assistance no one could catch an Ariel in fair chase. As soon as the falcon is loosed from 
its jesses, it marks out its intended prey, and overpassing even the swift limbs by its swifter 
wings, speedily overtakes it, and swoops upon its head. Rising from the attack, it soars into 
the air for another swoop, and by repeated assaults bewilders the poor animal so completely 
that it falls an easy prey to the greyhound, which is trained to wait upon the falcon, and 
watch its flight. 

When, however, the Gazelle is hunted merely for the sake of its flesh and skin, a very 
different mode is pursued. 

Like all wild animals, the Gazelle is in the habit of marking out some especial stream or 
fountain, whither it resorts daily for the purpose of quenching its thirst. Near one of these 
watering-spots the hunters build a very large inclosure, sometimes nearly a mile and a half 
square, the walls of which are made of loose stones, and are too high even for the active Gazelle 

“to surmount by means of its wonderful leaping powers. In several parts of the edifice the wall 
is only a few feet in height, and each of these gaps opens upon a deep trench or pit. The manner 
in which this enormous trap is employed is sufficiently obvious. A herd of Gazelles is quietly 
driven towards the inclosure, one side of which is left open, and being hemmed in by the line 
of hunters, the animals are forced to enter its fatal precincts. As the pursuers continue to 
press forward with shouts and all kinds of alarming noises, the Gazelles endeavor to escape by 
leaping over the walls, but can only do so at the gaps, and fall in consequence into the trenches 


526 THE SPRING-BOK. 


that yawn to receive them. One after another falls into the pit, and in this manner they perish 
by hundreds at a time. 

A very similar kind of trap, called the Hopo, is employed in Southern Africa, the walls of 
the inclosure being formed of trees and branches, and terminating in the pit of death. At the 
widest part the walls are about a mile asunder, and their length is about one mile. The pit at 
the extremity is guarded at its edges with tree-trunks, so as to prevent the sides from being 
broken down by the struggling animals in their endeavors to escape, and the plan is so suc- 
cessful, that sixty or seventy herd of large game are often captured in a-single week. 

The flesh of the Ariel Gazelle is highly valued, and is made an article of commerce as well 
as of immediate consumption by the captors. The hide is manufactured into a variety of 
useful articles. The Ariel is a small animal, measuring only about twenty-one inches in height 


at the shoulder. The Jarrovu, or common Gazelle of Asia, which is so celebrated by the 
Persian and other Oriental poets, is ascertained to be a different species from the Dorcas, and 
may be distinguished from that animal by the general dimness of the marking, and the dark 
brown streak on the haunches. It is also known by the name of Anu, and DsHEREN. Several 
other species are now known to belong to the genus Gazella, among which we may mention the 
Monr of Western Africa, the AnpRA of Northern Africa, and the Korin, or Krvet, of 
Senegal. The latter animal possesses no tufts of hair upon the knees. There is one animal, 
the CnikARA, or RAVINE DEER of India, which is worthy of a passing notice, because it is by 
some authors supposed to belong to the Gazelles, and by others to form a separate genus, as is 
the case with the arrangement of the British Museum. This animal is also known under the 
titles of CHouKA, Goat ANTELOPE, and KALSIEPIE, or BLACK-TAIL. 


Tur SpPRING-BOK derives its very appropriate title from the extraordinary leaps which it 
is in the constant habit of making whenever it is alarmed. 

As soon as it is frightened at any real or fancied danger, or whenever it desires to accelerate 
its pace suddenly, it leaps high into the air with a curiously easy movement, rising to a height 
of seven or eight feet without any difficulty, and being capable on occasions of reaching to a 


THE DUYVKER-BOK. D27 


height of twelve or thirteen feet. When leaping, the back is greatly curved, and the creature 
presents a very curious aspect, owing to the sudden exhibition of the long white hairs that 
cover the croup, and are nearly hidden by a fold of skin when the creature is at rest, but 
which come boldly into view as soon as the protecting skin-fold is obliterated by the tension 
of the muscles that serve to propel the animal in its aérial course. 

The Spring-bok is a marvellously timid animal, and will never cross a road if it can avoid 
the necessity. When it is forced to do so, it often compromises the difficulty by leaping over 
the spot which has been tainted by the foot of man. The color of the Spring-bok is very 
pleasing, the ground tinting being a warm cinnamon-brown upon the upper surface of the 
body, and pure white upon the abdomen, the 
two colors being separated from each other by 
a broad band of reddish-brown. The flesh of 
the Spring-bok is held in some estimation, 
and the hide is in great request for many use- 
ful purposes. 


A VERY curious species of Antelopes is 
that which is scientifically known by the 
name of Zetradcerus quadricornus, both words 
bearing the same signification, viz. ‘‘four- 
horned.’? These singular animals are natives 
of India, where they are known under the 
titles of Cuousinena, or CuHouKka, the last 
word being derived from the native term 
chouk, a leap, which has been given to the ani- 
mal in allusion to its habit of making lofty 
bounds. 

The front pair of horns are very short, 
and are placed just above the eyes, the hinder 
pair being much longer, and occupying the 
usual position on the head. The females are 
hornless. The color of the Chousingha is a 
bright bay above and gray-white below, a few 
sandy hairs being intermixed with the white. 
The length of the hinder pair of horns is - SS 
rather more than three inches, while the front, CHOUSINGHA, OR CHOUKA.- Tetracerus quadricornis. 
or spurious horns as they are sometimes 
termed, are only three-quarters of an inch long. The height of the adult animal is about 
twenty inches. 


THe DuyKER-Bok, or Impoon, has derived its name of Duyker, or Diver, from its habit 
of diving suddenly, when alarmed, into the heavy brushwood among which it lives, and of 
disappearing from the sight of the hunter. For the following valuable account of the animal 
I am again indebted to Captain Drayson’s MS. notes on the fauna of Southern Africa, which 
he has kindly placed at my disposal. 

‘On the borders of the bush, the Antelope which is most commonly met is the Duyker, a 
solitary and very cunning animal. 

“Tf the sportsman should happen to overtake this buck, it will lie still, watching him 
attentively, and will not move until it is aware that it is observed. It will then jump up 
and start off, making a series of sharp turns and dives, sometimes over bushes, and at 
others through them. When it conceives that it is observed, it will crouch in the long grass 
or behind a bush, as though it were going to lie down. This conduct is, however, nothing 
but a ruse for the purpose of concealing its retreat, as it will then crawl along under the 
foliage for several yards, and when it has gone to some distance in this sly manner, will again 


528 THE GEMS-BOK. 


bound away. It is therefore very difficult to follow the course of a Duyker, as it makes so 
many sharp turns and leaps, that both ‘spoorer’ and dogs are frequently baffled. 

‘Tf the course of the buck can be watched, and the place discovered where it lies down 
after its erratic manceuvrings, it can be easily stalked by approaching it from the leeward side. 
One must, however, be a good shot to secure a Duyker with certainty, for the little creature 
is so tenacious of life that it will carry off a large charge of buck-shot without any diffi- 
culty, and the irregular course which 
it then pursues requires great perfec- 
tion and quickness in shooting with a 
single ball. 

“The Duyker is not a very swift 
animal, and almost any ordinary dog can 
pull one down. An old pointer, which 
served me as a dog of all work, fre- 
quently caught and held a Duyker until 
I came to the death.” 


WE now arrive at some remarkably 
handsome animals, which are notable, 
not only for their dimensions, but for 
the size and beauty of their horns. The 
GEMS-BOK, or KooKAAM, is a_ large 
and powerful member of the Antelope 
tribe, equalling the domestic ass in size, 
and measuring about three feet ten 
inches at the shoulder. The peculiar 
manner in which the hide is decorated 
with boldly contrasted tints, gives it a 
very peculiar aspect. The general hue 
is gray, but along the back, upon the 
hinder quarters, and along the flanks, the 
color is deep black. A black streak also 
crosses the face, and passing under the 
chin, gives it the appearance of wearing 
harness. It has a short, erect mane, and long, sweeping, black tail, and its heavy horns are 
nearly straight from base to tip. 

The long and sharply-pointed horns with which its head is armed, are terrible weapons of 
offence, and can be wielded with marvellous skill. Striking right and left with these natural 
bayonets, the adult Gems-bok is a match for most of the smaller carnivora, and has even been 
known to wage a successful duel with the lordly lion, and fairly to beat off its antagonist. 
Even when the lion has overcome the Gems-bok, the battle may sometimes be equally claimed 
by both sides, for in one instance, the dead bodies of a lion and a Gems-bok were found lying 
on the plain, the horns of the Antelope being driven so firmly into the lion’s body, that they 
could not be extracted by the efforts of a single man. The lion had evidently sprung upon 
the Gems-bok, which had received its foe upon the points of its horns, and had sacrificed its 
own life in destroying that of its adversary. 

In Captain Cumming’s deservedly popular work on Southern Africa may be found the 
following notes concerning this animal. 

‘“The Gems-bok was intended by nature to adorn the parched karroos and arid deserts of 
South Africa, for which description of country it is admirably adapted. It thrives and 
attains high condition in barren regions where it might be imagined that a locust could not 
find subsistence ; and burning as is the climate, it is perfectly independent of water, which, 
from my own observation and the repeated reports both of Boers and aborigines, I am con- 
vinced it never by any chance tastes. Its flesh is deservedly esteemed, and ranks next to that, 


DUYKER-BOK.— Cephalophus mergens. 


THE ORYX. 529 


of the eland. At certain seasons of the year they carry a great quantity of fat, at which time 
they can more easily be ridden into. 

‘‘Owing to the even nature of the ground which the Gems-bok frequents, its shy and suspi- 
cious disposition, and the extreme distance from water to which it must be followed, it is 
never stalked or driven to an ambush like the Antelopes, but is hunted on horseback and 
ridden down by a long, severe, tail-on-end chase. Of several animals in South Africa which 
are hunted in this manner, the Gems-bok is by far the swiftest and the most enduring.” 


GEMS-BOK.— Oryx gazella. 


Although the Gems-bok is nearly independent of water, it stands as much in need of 
moisture as any other animal, and would speedily perish in the arid deserts were it not directed 
by its instincts towards certain succulent plants which are placed in those regions, and which 
possess the useful power of attracting and retaining every particle of moisture which may 
happen to settle in their vicinity. The most common and most valuable of these plants is a 
bulbous root, belonging to the Liliacea, called, from its peculiar property of retaining the 
moisture, the Water-Root. Only a very small portion of the valuable plant appears above 
the ground, and the water-bearing bulb is so encrusted with hardened soil that it must be dug 
out with a knife. Several other succulent plants also possess similar qualities, among which 
may be noticed a kind of little melon which is spread over the whole of the great Kalahari 
desert. 


RESEMBLING the gems-bok in many particulars, the Oryx can be easily distinguished from 
its predecessor by the shape of the horns, which, instead of being nearly straight, are con- 
siderably bent, and sweep towards the back in a noble curve. 


530 THE CHAMOIS. 


It uses these horns with as much address as its near relative the Gems-bok, and if it 
should be lying wounded on the ground, the hunter must beware of approaching the seemingly 
quiescent animal, lest it should suddenly strike at him with its long and keenly-pointed horns, 
while its body lies prostrate on the earth. Should it be standing at bay, it is a very dangerous 
opponent, having a habit of suddenly lowering its head and charging forward with a quick, 
lightning-like speed, from which its antagonist cannot escape without difficulty. 

The color of this animal is grayish-white upon the greater part of its person, and is 
diversified by sundry bold markings of black and ruddy brown, which are spread over the 
head and body in a manner that can be readily comprehended from the illustration. The 


ORYX.— Oryx leucoryx. 


height of the Oryx is rather more than three feet six inches, and the long curved horns are 
upwards of three feet in length. These horns are set closely together upon the head, from 
whence they diverge gradually to their extremities. These weapons are covered with rings at 
their bases, but at their tips they are smooth and exceedingly sharp. Their color is black. 

The Oryx is a native of Northern Africa, where it is known under several names; such as 
Abou-Harb, El-Walrugh, El-Bukras, Ghau-Bahrein, or Jachmur. It lives in herds of con- 
siderable size, and feeds mostly on the branches and leaves of a species of acacia. 


GoAT-LIKE in aspect, and very hircine in many of its habits, the @HAmors is often sup- 
posed to belong to the goats rather than to the Antelopes. 

It is, however, a true Antelope, and may be readily distinguished from any of its relations 
by the peculiar form of the horns, which rise straight from the top of the head for some inches, 
and then suddenly curve backwards, so as to form a pair of sharp hooks. Formerly, this ani- 
mal was reported to employ these ornaments in aiding itself to ascend or descend the frightful 


Z : CHAMOIS. ; 


THE CHAMOIS. 531 


precipices on which it dwells. This opinion is, however, entirely erroneous, the horns being 
intended for the same mysterious purpose, which they serve when placed upon the head of the 
duyker, koodoo, or any other Antelope. In descending a precipitous rock, the Chamois is 
greatly aided by the false hoofs of the hinder feet, which it hitches upon every little irregularity 
in the stony surface, and which seem to retard its progress as it slides downwards, guided by 
the sharp hoofs of the fore-feet, which are placed closely together, and pushed well in advance 
of the body. ‘Thus flattened against the rock, the Chamois slides downwards until it comes to 
a ledge broad enough to permit it to repose for a while before descending farther. In this 
manner the active creature will not hesitate to descend some twenty or thirty yards along 
the face of an almost perpendicular cliff, being sure to make good its footing on the first 
broad ledge that may present itself. 

Although it is a very swift animal when upon level ground, and is unsurpassed in travers- 
ing the precipitous Alpine passes of its native home, it makes but a poor progress upon 
smooth ice, and in spite of its sharply-pointed hoofs, slips and slides about upon the glassy 
surface as awkwardly as any ordinary animal. 

The Chamois is one of the most wary of Antelopes, and possesses the power of scenting 
mankind at an almost incredible distance. Even the old and half-obliterated footmarks which 
aman has made in the snow are sufficient to startle the sensitive senses of this animal, which 
has been observed to stop in mid career down a mountain side, and to bound away at right 
angles to its former course, merely because it had come across the track which had been left 
by the steps of some mountain traveller. Like all animals which live in herds, however small, 
they always depute one of their number to act as sentinel. They are not, however, entirely 
dependent on the vigilance of their picket, but are always on the alert to take alarm at the 
least suspicious scent, sight, or sound, and to communicate their fears to their comrades by a 
peculiar warning whistle. As soon as this sound is heard, the entire herd take to flight. It 
is worthy of notice, that the sentinel must possess the power, not only of announcing danger 
to its friends, but also of indicating the direction from which it comes. Facts of this nature, 
of which there are abundance on record, prove that although the sounds of animal voices 
appear to us to be without definite signification, they yet possess the capability of communi- 
cating ideas to others of the same species. 

When their attention is aroused by anything suspicious, they have a habit of gazing 
fixedly in the direction of the object which has excited their alarm, and will remain still, as if 
carved out of the very rock on which they stand, halting in one fixed attitude for an almost 
incredible length of time. 

Their ears are as acute as their nostrils, so that there are few animals which are more 
difficult of approach than the Chamois. Only those who have been trained to climb the giddy 
heights of the Alpine mountains, to traverse the most fearful precipices with a quiet pulse 
and steady head, to exist for days amid the terrible solitudes of ice, rock, and snow, and to 
sustain almost every imaginable hardship in the pursuit of their game,—only these, or in very 
rare instances those who have a natural aptitude for the sport, and are, In consequence, soon 
initiated into its requisite accomplishments, can hope even to come within long rifle range of 
a Chamois when the animal is at large upon its native cliffs. There are many familiar tales of 
the Alpine hunts, and of the terrible privations and hair-breadth escapes of the hunters, but 
as these histories relate rather to the man than to the beast, we can only give them a passing 
reference. 

The Chamois is, when captured young, capable of domestication, and is gifted with very 
amusing habits, and possessed of infinite curiosity, as is generally the case with all animals 
whose nervous system is peculiarly sensitive. The following account is taken from the pages 
of the ‘‘ Annals of Sporting,” and alludes to four of these Antelopes, a buck, a doe, and two 
kids, which were imported into England : 

“Originally, they were the property of Mr. Lowther, of Wolvesey, who, during his 
séjour among the Alps, was determined to try the experiment of domesticating some of these 
creatures, hitherto considered, by the natives, the most difficult to tame of all animals in that 
mountainous region. He may be said to have succeeded ; for they were gradually familiarized 


532 THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE. 


to his chateau of Blonay, and to his domestics and people ; to whom, from their novel nature 
and peculiarities, they afforded much interest and amusement. 

‘““A femme de chambre, belonging to the establishment, they were most particularly 
attached to, and she to them; on a certain day, one of them strayed away for some time, and 
much regret arose in consequence, but the maid was indefatigable in searching for her truant 
favorite, and was, at length, fortunate in reclaiming the wanderer; who, on descrying her, 
trotted after her footseps, obeying the enticing cry of ‘ Lalotte, Lalotte,’ the name which had 
been given him. 

‘““They are stated, by Mr. Lowther, to have been particularly inquisitive and curious in 
their habits, prying into everything that was brought into the chateau ; the cook’s basket, the 
tradesmen’s wares, and the charcoal-man’s bags. Of this last personage they were always 
indignant, and would pretend to make fight against him; but on his approach, would leap, 
with surprising agility and to a great height, upon any wall, ledge, or projectment, that 
offered itself, and would sustain them, returning invariably to the charge when the man of 
fuel turned his back, or retrograded ; indeed, they would never suffer themselves to be touched ; 
a finger not having yet reached them. They would admit of the hand being softly brought 
near their persons, but immediately as it arrived within an inch of their head or body, they 
would vault, suddenly and lightly, from the proffered contamination. To the gardener and 
coachman they were amazingly gracious, and would, apparently, take great delight in seeing the 
one sow his seeds and delve his soil, and the other clean his carriages and groom his horses ; 
in fact, they became quite pets with all parties, and seemed to forget their wild haunts and 
mountain dwellings, in the warmer and less terrific asylums of civilized man.” 

As the hind legs exceed the fore limbs in length, the Chamois is better fitted for the ascent 
of steep ground than for descending, and never exhibits its wonderful powers with such suc- 
cess as when it is leaping lightly and rapidly up the face cf an apparently inaccessible rock, 
and taking advantage of every little projection to add impetus to its progress. Even when 
standing still, it is able to mount to a higher spot without leaping. It stands erect on its 
hind legs, places its fore-feet on some narrow shelf of rock, and by a sudden exertion, draws 
its whole body upon the ledge, where it stands secure. 

The food of the Chamois consists of the various herbs which grow upon the mountains, 
and in the winter season it finds its nourishment on the buds of sundry trees, mostly of an 
aromatic nature, such as the fir, pine, and juniper. In consequence of this diet, the flesh assumes 
a rather powerful odor, which is decidedly repulsive to the palates of some persons, while 
others seem to appreciate the peculiar flavor, and to value it as highly as the modern gourmand 
appreciates the ‘‘gamey’’ flavor of long-kept venison. The skin is largely employed in the 
manufacture of a certain leather, which is widely famous for its soft though tough character. 
The color of the Chamois is yellowish-brown upon the greater portion of the body, the spinal 
line being marked with a black streak. In the winter months, the fur darkens and becomes 
blackish-brown. The face, cheeks, and throat are of a yellowish-white hue, diversified by a 
dark brownish-black band which passes from the corner of the mouth to the eyes, when it 
suddenly dilates and forms a nearly perfect ring round the eyes. The horns are jetty black 
and highly polished, especially towards the tips, which are extremely sharp. There are several 
obscure rings on the basal portions, and their entire surface is marked with longitudinal lines. 

Several varieties of the Chamois are recorded, but the distinctions between them lie only 
in the comparative length of the horns and the hue of the coat. The full-grown Chamois is 
rather more than two feet in height, and the horns are from six to eight inches long. 


THE PRONG-HORNED ANTELOPE, or CABRIT, bears some resemblance to the Chamois, 
from which animal it may be known by a peculiar structure of the horns, which throw out 
a projecting point, or prong, justat the spot where the horns begin their backward curve. It 
is a native of North America, where it is sometimes called the Sprine-Buck, to the great 
confusion of zoological neophytes. It is an active and vigorous animal, and cannot be easily 
overtaken by a horse unless its footsteps are hindered by a fall of snow. It is a gregarious 
animal, migrating at different times of the year. It inhabits the vast prairies of the Far West, 


THE GNOO. 538 


and is there, under the popular name of the Antelope, an object of pursuit by bipedal and 
quadrupedal hunters. Its scientific title is Antilocapra americana. 


AMERICAN SPRING-BUCK.—Antilocapra americana. 


Or all the Antelopes, the Gnoo presents the most extraordinary conformation. At the 
first sight of this curious animal, the spectator seems to doubt whether it is a horse, a bull, or 
an Antelope, as it appears to partake nearly equally of the nature of these three animals. 

The Gnoos, of which there are several species, may be easily recognized by their fierce 
looking head, their peculiarly shaped horns, which are bent downwards and then upwards 
again with a sharp curve, by their broad nose, and long hair-clad tail. They live together in 
considerable herds, often mixing with zebras, ostriches, and giraffes, in one huge army of 
living beings. In their habits they are not unlike the wild cattle which have already been 
described. Suspicious, timid, curious of disposition, and irritable of temper, they display these 
mingled qualities in a very ludicrous manner whenever they are alarmed by a strange object. 

‘““They commence whisking their long white tails,’ says Cumming, ‘in a most eccentric 
manner ; then, springing suddenly into the air, they begin pawing and capering and pursue 
each other in circles at their utmost speed. Suddenly they all pull up together to overhaul 
the intruder when some of the bulls will often commence fighting in the most violent manner, 
dropping on their knees at every shock ; then, quickly wheeling about, they kick up their 
heels, whirl their tails with a fantastic flourish, and scour across the plain, enveloped in a 

“cloud of dust.’’ On account of these extraordinary manceuvres, the Gnoo is called Wildebeest 
by the Dutch settlers. 

The faculty of curiosity is largely developed in the Gnoo, which can never resist the 
temptation of inspecting any strange object, although at the risk of its life. When a Gnoo 
first catches sight of any unknown being, he-sets off at full speed, as if desirous of getting to 
the farthest possible distance from the terrifying object. Soon, however, the feeling of curi- 
osity vanquishes the passion of fear, and the animal halts to reconnoitre. He then gallops in 


584 THE GNOO. 


a circle round the cause of his dread, halting occasionally, and ever drawing nearer. By 
taking advantage of this disposition, a hunter has been enabled to attract towards himself a 
herd of Gnoos which were feeding out of gunshot, merely by tying a red handkerchief to the 
muzzle of his gun. The inquisitive animals were so fascinated with the fluttering lure, that 
they actually approached so near as to charge at the handkerchief, and forced the hunter to 
consult his own safety by lowering his flag. The same ruse is frequently employed on the 
prairies of America, when the hunters desire to get a shot at a herd of prong-buck Antelopes. 
Several experiments have been made in order to ascertain whether the Gnoo is capable of 
domestication. As far as the practicability of such a scheme was concerned, the experiments 
were perfectly successful, but there is a great drawback in the shape of a dangerous and infec- 
tious disease to which the Gnoo is very liable, and which would render it a very undesirable 


GNOO.— Connochetes gnu. 


member of the cattle-yard. The animal is frequently infected with one of the CHestride, or 
Bot-flies, and suffers from them to such an extent that it ejects them from its nose whenever 
it snorts, an act which it is very fond of performing. Ordinary cattle have no love for the 
Gnoo, and on one occasion, when a young Gnoo of only four months old was placed in the 
yard, the cattle surrounded it and nearly killed it with their horns and hoofs. 

The color of the ordinary Gnoo (Connochetes gnu) is brownish-black, sometimes with a 
blue-gray wash. The mane is black, with the exception of the lower part, which is often 
grayish-white, as is the lower part of the tail. The nose is covered with a tuft of reversed 
hair, and there is a mane upon the chest. The BrrnpLED GNoo may be distinguished from 
the common Gnoo, or Kokoon, by its convex and smooth face, the hair lying towards the nose, 
instead of being reversed. There is no mane upon the chest, and the brown hide is varied 
and striped with gray. It is higher at the withers than the Kokoon, and its action is rather 
clumsy. It is very local in its distribution, being found northwards of the Black River, and 
never being known to cross that simple boundary. It lives in large herds, and when observed, 
the whole herd forms in single file, and so flies from the object of its terror. 

One of these animals, called in the interior the Blue Wildebeest, was captured by Cum- 
ming in a very curious manner. The animal had contrived to hitch one of his fore-legs over 


THE HARTEBEEST. 535 


his horns, and being thus incapacitated from running, was easily intercepted and killed. It 
had probably got into this unpleasant position while fighting. The Gnoo is about three feet 
nine inches high at the shoulders, and measures about six feet six inches from the nose to the 
root of the tail. 


OF the genus Alcephalus, or Elk-headed, the HARTEBEEST, or LECAMA, is a good example. 
This handsome animal may be easily known by the peculiar shape of the horns, which are 
lyrate at their commencement, thick and heavily knotted at the base, and then curve off 
suddenly nearly at a right angle. Its general color is a grayish-brown, diversified by a large, 
nearly triangular, white spot on the haunches, a black streak on the face, another along the 
back, and a black-brown patch on the outer side of the limbs. It is a large animal, being 


HARTEBEEST.—Bubalis caama. 


about five feet high at the shoulder. Being of gregarious habits, it is found in little herds of 
ten or twelve in number, each herd being headed by an old male who has expelled all adult 
members of his own sex. 

Not being very swift or agile, its movements are more clumsy than is generally the case with 
Antelopes. It is, however, very capable of running for considerable distances, and if brought 
to bay becomes a very redoubtable foe, dropping on its knees, and charging forward with light- 
ning rapidity. The Hartebeest is spread over a very large range of country, being found in 
the whole of the flat and wooded district between the Cape and the tropic of Capricorn. 


Tue BUBALE, or BEKKER-EL-W sh, of Northern Africa (Alcephalus bubalis), belongs to 
the same genus as the Hartebeest. It may be mentioned here, that the word ‘‘beest”’ is 
employed by the colonists in the same sense that it is used by drovers; so that Wildebeest 
signifies ‘‘ wild-ox,’’ and Hartebeest ‘‘hart-ox.”’ 


536 THE SASIN, OR INDIAN ANTELOPE. 


THE PALLAH, or RooveE-BoK, is also an inhabitant of Southern Africa, where it is seen 
in large herds, almost rivalling in number those of the spring-bok. 

It is a remarkably fine animal, measuring three feet in height at the shoulder, and being 
gifted with elegantly shaped horns and a beautifully tinted coat. 

The general color of the Pallah is bay, fading into white on the abdomen, the lower part 
of the tail, and peculiar disc of lighter-colored hairs which surrounds the root of the tail in so 
many Antelopes. There is a black semilunar mark on the croup, which serves as an easy 
method of distinguishing the Pallah from the other Antelopes. Its specific name, Melampus, 
is of Greek origin, signifying black-footed, in allusion to the jetty hue of the back of its feet. 

The horns of this animal are of considerable length, often attaining to twenty inches, and 
are rather irregular in their growth. They are very distinctly marked with rings, and are 
lyrate in form, though not so decidedly as is the case with many other Antelopes. 

The food of the Pallah is very similar to that of the spring-bok, and consists chiefly of 
tender herbage and the young twigs of the under-wood among which it generally takes up its 
abode. 

It is hardly so timid an animal as the spring-bok, and will often allow strange creatures to 
approach the herd without much difficulty. It has a curious habit of walking away when 
alarmed, in the quietest and most silent manner imaginable, lifting up its feet high from the 
ground, Jest it should haply strike its foot against a dry twig and give an alarm to its hidden 
foe. Pallahs have also a custom of walking in single file, each following the steps of its leader 
with a blind confidence ; and when they have settled the direction in which they intend to 
march, they adhere to their plan, and will not be turned aside even by the presence of human 
beings. It is not so plain-loving an animal as the spring-bok, but is generally found in or near 
the district where low brushwood prevails, 


THE wide and comprehensive group of animals which includes the Antelopes is so 
extremely large that it is impossible in a work of the present dimensions to give illustra- 
tions even of the more important species, and we must content ourselves with but brief 
notices in any case. Ses 

The Sastry, or InpDIAN ANTELOPE (Antilope bezoartica), is generally found in herds of 
fifty or sixty together, each herd consisting of one buck and a large harem of does. 

It is a wonderfully swift animal, and quite despises such impotent foes as degs and men, 
fearing only the falcon, which is trained for the purpose of overtaking and attacking them, 
as has already been related of the gazelle. At each bound the Sasin will cover twenty-five 
or thirty feet of ground, and will rise even ten or eleven feet from the earth, so that it can well 
afford to despise the dogs. As its flesh is hard, dry, and tasteless, the animal is only hunted 
by the native chiefs for the sake of the sport, and is always chased with the assistance of the 
hawk or the chetah, the former of which creatures overtakes and delays it by continual 
attacks, and the other overcomes by stealthily creeping within a short distance, and knocking 
over his prey in a few rapid bounds. It is a most wary animal, not only setting sentinels to 
keep a vigilant watch, as is the case with so many animals, but actually detaching pickets in 
every direction to a distance of several hundred yards from the main body of the herd. 

The young Sasins are very helpless at the time of their entrance into the world, and are 
not able to stand upon their feet for several days, during which time the mother remains in 
the covert where her little one was born. As soon as it has attained sufficient strength, she 
leads it to the herd, where it remains during its life, if it should happen to be a doe, but if it 
should belong to the male sex, it is driven away from its companions by the leading buck, 
whose jealousy will permit no rivals in his dominions. Forced thus to live by themselves, 
these exiles become vigilant and audacious, and endeavor to attract mates for themselves from 
the families of other bucks. 

The horns of this animal are large in proportion to the size of their owner; their form is 
spiral, and they diverge considerably at their tips. From the base to the last few inches of the 
points, the horns are covered with strongly marked rings. 

In color, the Indian Antelope is grayish-brown or black on the upper parts of the body, 


THE OUREBI. 907 


and white on the abdomen, the lips, breast, and a circle round the eyes. The outer sides of 
the limbs, together with the front of the feet and the end of the tail, are nearly black. Some 
of the oldest and most powerful males are so deeply colored that their coats are tinted with the 
two contrasting hues of black and white, the fawn tint being altogether wanting. The height 
of this animal is about two feet six inches at the shoulder. 


THE GRys-BOK is a native of Southern Africa, and is about the same size as the pre- 
ceding animal, its height at the shoulder being between nineteen and twenty inches. 

It is not very often found on the plains, but prefers to inhabit the wooded portions of the 
mountainous districts, and is an especially wary and vigilant creature, and endowed with great 
powers of speed. 

The color of the Grys-bok is ruddy chestnut, largely intermixed with white hairs, which 
give it a stippled appearance, and have caused the Dutch Boers to term it the Grys-bok, or 
Gray-buck. The under portions of the body are not white, as is so often the case among the 
Antelopes, but are of a reddish-fawn. The ears are more than four inches in length, and from 
their conspicuously black tips have earned for the Grys-bok the scientific title of Melanotis, or 
black-eared. The hoofs are peculiarly small, sharp, and black, and the tail is so short that it 
barely protrudes beyond the hair of the hinder quarters. 


THE OvreEBI is another of the many Antelopes which inhabit Southern Africa. 

Whilst many animals of the Antelope kind fly from the presence of man, and do not 
approach within a distance of many hundred miles of his residence, there are some few which 
do not appear to have this great dread of him, but which adhere to particular localities as long 
as their position is tenable, or until they fall victims to their temerity. It also appears as if 
some spots were so inviting, that immediately they become vacant by the death of one occu- 
pant, another individual of the same species will come from some unknown locality, and 
re-occupy the ground. Thus it is with the Ourebi, which will stop in the immediate vicinity 
of villages, and on hills and in valleys, where it is daily making hair-breadth escapes from its 
persevering enemy, man. 

When day after day a sportsman has scoured the country, and apparently slain every 
Ourebi within a radius of ten miles, he has but to wait for a few days, and upon again taking 
the field he will find fresh specimens of this graceful little Antelope bounding over the hills 
around him. 

It is generally found in pairs, inhabiting the plains, and when pursued, trusts to its 
speed, seeking no shelter either in the bush or the forest. Its general habitation is among 
the long grass which remains after a plain has been burned, or on the sheltered side of a hill, 
among rocks and stones. 

Its mode of progression, when alarmed or disturbed, is very beautiful. It gallops away 
with great rapidity for a few yards, and then bounds several feet in the air, gallops on, and 
bounds again. These leaps are made for the purpose of examining the surrounding country, 
which it is enabled to do from its elevated position in the air. Sometimes, and especially 
when any suspicious object is only indistinctly observed in the first bound, the Ourebi will 
make several successive leaps, and it then looks almost like a creature possessed of wings, and 
having the power of sustaining itself in the air. If, for instance, a dog pursues one of these 
Antelopes, and follows it through long grass, the Ourebi will make repeated leaps, and by 
observing the direction in which its pursuer is advancing, will suddenly change its own course, 
and thus. escape from view. In descending from these leaps the Ourebi comes to the ground 
on its hind feet. In his description of this animal, Captain Drayson gives the following 
account of some of its habits :— 

‘‘ When first started, the Ourebi pursues over the ground a course somewhat similar to 
that which a snipe follows in the air. It dodges from side to side, leaps and rushes through 
the grass or over the plain with a lightning-like speed, and almost before the sportsman can 
get his gun ready, the Ourebi is scudding away at a distance of a hundred yards or so. Some 
sportsmen shoot this animal with buckshot, and by walking through the long grass, and 


538 THE KLIPPSPRINGER. 


coming suddenly upon the creature in its lair, they pepper it with shot before it has time to 
get out of range. I tried this system for several days, but at length found that better and 
neater sport might be had by using a bullet instead of shot. As, moreover, the grass was in 
many places five feet in héight, it would have prevented me from seeing the animals as they 
rushed off, whereas, from the back of my horse, I could look down upon the Ourebis as they 
moved out of their lairs. These animals are found in some parts of the colony of the Cape, 
and are very numerous in the plains about Natal. 

‘“They produce one fawn at a time, which can be easily caught with a good dog, and is 
particularly recommended as a table delicacy, when cooked with a proper mixture of fat. 

“The Ourebi does not carry off so heavy a charge of shot as the duyker or the reit-bok, 
and if wounded by a bullet, the sportsman is certain to secure his prize, provided that he 
watches the animal with care. When badly hit, they will frequently retire into long grass, 
and crouching low, will hide themselves from the casual observer. They will then creep away 
for several yards, and lie down behind a stone, ant-hill, or some similar cover. When the 
hunter passes and overlooks them, they will jump up and retreat as soon as his back is 
turned. Taking advantage of this practice, I always avoid looking directly at an Ourebi if I 
see it lying on the plain, and after taking ‘bearings’ of its position, I ride round the prostrate 
animal in circles, gradually drawing nearer and nearer, until it can be easily shot.” 

The Ourebi stands about two feet in height at the shoulder, and is about four feet in 
length. The horns of the full-grown male are about five inches long, straight, and pointed, 
and covered with bold rings at the base. 

The color of the Ourebi is pale tawny above, and white below. The female is hornless. 


Ons of the prettiest and most graceful of the Antelopes is the KLIPPSPRINGER, or KAINSI 
(Orebtragus saltatriz). 

This ‘‘darling little Antelope,’’ as Gordon Cumming terms it, almost equals the chamois 
in its agile traversing of the precipitous localities in which it takes up its residence. 

It is peculiarly formed for rocky ground, its hoofs being small, hard, sharply-pointed, 
and so formed that when the animal stands, its weight rests only on the tips of the feet. 

It may often be seen perched on some narrow point of vantage, standing like the chamois, 
with all its feet drawn closely together, and calmly surveying the prospect from a height 
which would prove instantly fatal were one of its feet to miss its hold. When startled, it 
dashes at once at the most precipitous rocks that are within reach, and bounds up their appar- 
ently inacessible faces as if it were an India-rubber ball endowed with sudden vitality. The 
least projection serves it for a foothold, and its movements are so rapid, that a very few 
seconds serve to place it in safety from any other foe than a rifle-ball. 

The Bechuanas have a curious idea that the cry of the Klippspringer is a kind of invo- 
cation to the pluvial powers of the air, and are therefore in the habit of catching a number of 
these poor little creatures whenever they suffer from drought, and of making them ery con- 
tinually by blows and pinches until rain falls. They rightly boast that it is a most infallible 
method of making rain, which is truly the case, as they never cease until the desired moisture 
is seen. In a similar manner the American Indians vaunt the potency of their sacred bison- 
dance for attracting the ‘‘buffalo,”’ for if the bison herds do not make their appearance at the 
proper time, they commence the efficacious saltation, and never leave off until their scouts 
bring news of the desired herds. 

The color of the Klippspringer is dark brown, sprinkled largely with yellow, which gives 
to the coat a grizzled aspect. Each hair is yellow at the extremity, brown towards the end, 
and gray for the remaining part of its length. The tint of this animal is rather variable, 
according to the season of the year and the age and sex of the individual. 

It is a very little creature, being scarcely twenty-one inches in height when full-grown. 
In general form it is not unlike the ibex kid of six or seven months old. The female is 
hornless. 


THE graceful and slender-limbed Mapoqua (Weétragus saltidna) is one of the tiniest of 


THE BLUE-BUCK. 539 


Antelopes, being hardly fourteen inches in height at the shoulder, and of most delicate pro- 
portions. 

The little creature is so slightly made that it appears to be too fragile to resist the slightest 
breeze, or to brave the inclemency of the open air. Its legs are very long in proportion to the 
dimensions of the body, and hardly exceed a lady’s finger in thickness. 

The color of the Madoqua is remarkably beautiful, being a silvery-gray on the upper parts 
of the body and outside of the limbs, deepening into warm chestnut-brown along the back, and 
becoming pure white on the abdomen, chest, inner surface of the limbs, and around the root 
of the tail. It is a native of Abyssinia, where it was discovered by Bruce, and is said to 
inhabit mountainous districts, where it lives in pairs. 


TuE RHOODE-BOK, or NaTaL BusH BucK (Cephdlopus natalensis) is very common in the 
Natal forests, and although the advance of civilization and the spread of fire-arms among the 
Kaffirs must greatly reduce the numbers of these animals, still, from their watchful habits and 
selection of the most retired parts of large dense forests as their residence, they will remain 
much longer in their old quarters than those animals which inhabit plains and are destitute of 
any secure retreat. This buck is solitary, and rarely leaves the dense forests except in the 
evening or during rainy weather, when it seems to prefer feeling the rain drops au naturel to 
receiving them second-hand from the bushes. 

It is very amusing to watch the habits of this wary buck when it scents danger in the 
bush. Its movements become most cautious; lifting its legs with high, but very slow action, 
it appears to be walking on tip-toe among the briers and underwood, its ears moving in all 
directions, and its nose pointing upward or towards the suspected locality. If it hears a sud- 
den snapping of a branch or any other suspicious sound, it stands still like a statue, the foot 
which is elevated remains so, and the animal scarce shows a sign of life for near a minute. It 
then moves slowly onwards with the same cautious step, hoping thus to escape detection. If, 
however, it obtains a sight of danger, or clearly scents some foe, it gives a sharp sneeze, and. 
bounds away through the forest, alarming all other animals in its progress. 

The Kaffirs lay snares for this animal by making a noose which is held to the ground by a 
small peg, while the other end of the cord is fastened to the bent-down limb of a living tree. As 
soon as the head of the buck passes into the noose the peg is released, and the victim is jerked 
into the air by the recoil of the liberated branch, and so strangled. 

The Red Buck is about two feet high, its horns are about three inches long, straight and 
pointed, and its ears are rather large. 

The color is a deep reddish-brown, which is difficult to distinguish in a dull day, but can 
be more easily seen on a bright sunny morning, especially if a gleam of light shines through 
the thick branches and alights on the ruddy coat of the animal. 


THE Biur-Buck (Cephdlopus pygmea) is scarcely more than a foot in height, and about 
two feet long. 

It possesses small straight horns about two inches in length, closely annulated ; its color 
is a dark blue or mouse tint. 

The most practised eyes are required to discover this buck in the bush, as its color is so 
similar to the gloom of the under-wood that if it did not shake the branches in its progress, it 
would be scarcely possible to see it. 

Long after the sportsman has become sufficiently acquainted with bush-craft to secure 
with certainty one or two red bucks during a day’s stalking, he would still be unable to bag 
the little Blue Buck. 

Several times when I was with a Kaflir, who possessed eyes like those of an eagle, he 
would point, and with great excitement say, ‘‘ There goes a Blue-buck! there he is! there, 
there!’’ but it was of no use to me. I would strain my eyes and look to the spots pointed 
out, but could see no buck ; and it was a considerable time before my sight became sufficiently 
quick to enable me to drop this little Antelope with any certainty. 

The animal must not be mistaken for the blau-bok (gocerus leucopheus), which will be 


540 THE WATER BUCK. 


mentioned on a succeeding page. Although the two Antelopes are entirely distinct, even in 
external aspect, they have often been confused together in consequence of the Dutch name, 
Blau-bokje, having been given to both of them on account of the color of their coat. 


PAssING by several interesting animals, for whose biography there is no space, we arrive 
at another of the South African Antelopes, the RimT-BoK, or REED-BUCK. 

This fine and handsome Antelope is found, as his name implies, principally among reeds 
or long grass. 

Few animals give the sportsman such a chance as the Riet-bok, for he usually lies con- 
cealed in the reeds or long grass until he is nearly trodden on, and when he does break away, 
he moves at a steady gallop for a short distance, and then stops to turn and look at his pur- 
suers. As though to compensate for this incautious proceeding, the Riet-bok is gifted with a 
marvellous tenacity of life, and will frequently gallop very freely after a bullet has passed 
through his body. In very many cases his escape is but temporary, as he seeks some retired 
kloof in which he dies by inches, or his career is terminated during the night by a pack of 
hungry hyenas, who have tracked him for miles over his blood-stained spoor. But still he 
does sometimes retreat and recover after receiving very severe hurts. 

When the Riet-bok is disturbed, he gives as he gallops off a kind of whistling sneeze, 
which is usually intended as a call for the doe. This whistle sometimes leads to his destruc- 
tion, as the hunter may pass close to a hidden buck and not have seen it. Then, however, he 
usually jumps up and gallops away, giving this whistle, which at once attracts attention. 

The Riet-bok is very fond of young corn, and therefore the Kaffirs are most anxious to 
drive away or to kill any of these Antelopes which had chosen a retreat near their corn-fields. 
Hunters have often won the eternal friendship of a whole village by shooting some trespassing 
bucks which had annoyed them. 

The height of this animal is about three feet, and its length nearly five feet. The horns 
are a foot in length, and covered with bold rings at the base ; the ears are six inches long. 

Its color is ashy-gray above, and white beneath; the female is rather smaller than her 
mate, and is destitute of horns. In the Kaffir language its name is Umseke. 


THe Aiquiroon, Kos, or SING-SING, is a native of Western Africa, and is frequently found 
on the banks of the Gambia. 

It is a large animal, equalling the common stag in dimensions, and bearing some resem- 
blance to that animal in general aspect. The horns of the adult male are lyre-shaped, and 
covered with rings. 

The general color of this animal is a pale brown, the entire under surface and inner 
faces of the limbs being white. There is no mane, and the tail is rather long, and covered 
with hair. 


Tort WATER Buck, or PHotomok, is one of the handsomest examples of the South Afri- 
can Antelopes. ; 

It is a peculiarly timid animal, and when alarmed rushes at once towards the nearest river, 
into which it plunges without hesitation, and which it will cross successfully even when the 
stream is deep, strong, and rapid. The animals are probably induced to take to the water by 
their instinctive dread of the lion and leopard, which will never voluntarily enter the water, 
except under peculiar circumstances. The Water Bucks are generally found in small herds, 
which never wander far from the banks of some large river. 

The horns of this species are remarkable for their formation, being somewhat lyrate, bent 
back, and thrown forwards at their extremities. The tail is rather long, and is covered with 
long hairs towards its termination. 

The flesh of this animal is very powerfully scented, and is of so bad a flavor that none but 
a hungry Kaffir will eat it, and even he will not do so yntil forced by dire hunger. This pecu- 
liar scent is probably variable in potency according to the season of the year, as is the case 
with all perfumed animals. Hunters say that those which they killed have been totally uneat- 


THE SABLE ANTELOPE. : 541 


able, not even the native palate being proof against the rank flavor. The scent extends to the 
skin, which exhales so powerful an odor that, when hunters were engaged in cutting off the head 
of a Water Buck which they had killed, the scent was so strong as to drive them repeatedly 
from their task. The color is brown, with the exception of a grayish-white oval patch round 
the base of the tail. 

The specific term, ellipsyprymnus, is given to the animal in reference to this elliptical 
mark. The female is without horns. The height of the adult male is about four feet six 

‘inches, and his horns are rather more than thirty inches in length. 


THE two species which are placed in the genus Aigocerus bear a considerable resemblance 
to the ibex in the formation of the horns, which are of very great dimensions, large at the 
base, strongly ringed, and curved backwards towards the shoulders. The name Aigocerus is 
of Greek origin, and signifies Goat-haired, in allusion to the peculiar structure of these 
appendages. 

The BLAv-BOK, or BLuE Buck, as it is called, on account of the slaty-blue color of its 
coat, is now a rather rare animal, although it was formerly common in many parts of Southern 
Africa. 

It is a gregarious animal, living in little herds not exceeding ten or twelve in number, and 
preferring hills and slopes to level ground. Like the preceding animal, it exhales a powerful 
odor, which penetrates throughout its entire body, and which renders its flesh so unpalatable 
that it is never eaten as Jong as other food can be obtained. It is a swift and active creature, 
being remarkable for its speed even among the swift-footed Antelopes. There is a variety of 
this animal, called the Docoi, which is found by the Gambia, and which is not quite of the 
same color. The natives assert that the female never produces more than a single young one 
during her lifetime, for that the mother’s horns grow so rapidly after the birth of the offspring, 
that they penetrate into her back and kill her. The Blau-bok is about four feet in height, and 
the horns are nearly thirty inches in length. 


ALTHOUGH the blau-bok is a truly handsome example of the Antelopes, it is surpassed in 
beauty by its congener, the SABLE ANTELOPE. 

This truly magnificent creature is found in Southern Africa, but is never seen near the 
colony, as it is a very shy and crafty animal, and being possessed of great speed, is sure to 
keep itself far aloof from civilization. Gordon Cumming’s description of this animal is as 
follows : 

“Cantering along through the forest, I came suddenly in full view of one of the loveliest 
animals which graces this fair creation. This was an old buck of the Sable Antelope, the 
rarest and most beautiful animal in Africa. It is large and powerful, partaking considerably 
of the nature of the ibex. Its back and sides are of glossy black, beautifully contrasting with 
the belly, which is white as driven snow. The horns are upwards of three feet in length, and 
bend strongly back with a bold sweep, reaching nearly to the haunches.”’ 

It lives in herds of no very great size, consisting mostly of ten or twelve does led by a 
single buck. As a general fact, the buck takes matters very easily, and trusts to the does for 
keeping a good watch and warning him of the approach of an enemy. Owing to the jealous 
caution of these female sentinels, the hunter finds himself sadly embarrassed when he wishes 
to enrich his museum with the horns of their leader, and if any of them should happen to take 
alarm, the whole herd will bound over the roughest ground with such matchless speed that 
all pursuit is hopeless. In Captain Cumming’s well-known work, there is a most animated 
“description of the proceedings of a herd of Sable Antelopes, and of the hunter’s manceuvres in 
order to gain his point. 

In the native dialect, the Sable Antelope is known under the name of Potaquaine. It is 
very tenacious of life, and will often make good its escape even though pierced entirely through 
the body with several bullets. It therefore fully tests all the powers of the hunter, and he 
who secures a specimen of an old male Sable Antelope may congratulate himself on possessing 
one of the noblest trophies of which a sportsman can boast. 


542 THE KOODOO. 


THE SassaBy, or BASTARD HARTEBEEST, as it is sometimes called, is by no means an 
uncommon animal, although some few years ago it was only known through the means of a 
mutilated skin. 

The general color of this animal is reddish-brown, the outer sides of the limbs being dark, 
and a blackish-brown stripe passing down the middle of the face. Sometimes the body is 
washed with a bluish-gray. It lives in small herds of six or ten, in the flat districts near the 
tropic of Capricorn, and is a most welcome sight to the wearied hunter when perishing with 
thirst. There are many Antelopes which are almost independent of water, and can quench 
their thirst by means of the moist roots and bulbs on which they feed. But the Sassaby is a 
thirsty animal, and needs to drink daily, so that whenever the hunter sees one of these ani- 
mals he knows that water is at no great distance. It is rather persecuted by the hunters, as 
its flesh is in great esteem ; but as it soon becomes shy and wary, is not easily to be killed. 

Concerning one of these animals, Cumming gives the following curious anecdote :— 
‘Having shot a Sassaby as I watched the water, he immediately commenced choking from 
the blood, and his body became swelled in a most extraordinary manner: it continued swell- 
ing with the animal still alive, until it literally resembled a fisherman’s float, when the ani- 
mal died of suffocation. It was not only his body that swelled in that extraordinary manner, 
but even his head, and legs down to his knees.’ The poor animal must have been shot 
through the lungs in such a manner that the air was forced by its efforts at respiration 
between the skin and flesh, until it assumed that puffy aspect. 


THE regularly lyrate horns of the BonTE-BoK, or NUNNI, serve to distinguish it from its 
congener, the sassaby. 

The color of the Bonte-bok is a purplish-red, the outside of the limbs deepening into a 
rich, blackish-brown, and contrasting strongly with the white hair which appears upon the 
face, the haunches, and front of the legs. From the vividly contrasting tints of the coat, it 
has derived the name of Pied Antelope, or White-faced Antelope. The female is not so highly 
colored as the male, and the throat and under parts of the body are white. This animal is 
found in the district that borders the colony at the Cape of Good Hope, and lives in little herds 
of six or eight in number. Herds of much larger dimensions are said to be found in the more 
northern district. The height of the Bonte-bok is nearly four feet at the shoulder, and its 
length is about six feet, being thus superior to the common stag in size. The horns are black 
in color, and are furnished with a series of ten or twelve half-rings in their frontal surfaces. 
Their length is about fourteen or fifteen inches. 


THE BLEss-BoK (Damalis adlbifrons) has sometimes been confounded with the bonte-bok ; 
there is, however, a marked distinction in the color of the coat. The name, Bless-bok, or 
Blaze-buck, is given to this animal on account of the ‘‘blaze’’ of white upon the face, and is 
equally applicable to the bonte-bok. 


By far the most striking and imposing of all South African Antelopes, the Koopoo, now 
claims our attention. 

This truly magnificent creature is about four feet in height at the shoulder, and its body is 
rather heavily made, so that it is really a large animal. The curiously twisted horns are nearly 
three feet in length, and are furnished with a strong ridge or keel, which extends throughout 
their entire length. It is not so swift or enduring as the bless-bok, and can be run down with- 
out difficulty, provided that the hunter be mounted on a good horse, and the ground be toler- 
ably fair and open. Its leaping powers are very great, for one of these animals has been known 
to leap to a height of nearly ten feet without the advantage of a run. 

The Bushmen have a curious way of hunting the Koodoo, which is generally successful in 
the end, although the chase of a single animal will sometimes occupy an entire day. A large 
number of men start on the ‘‘spoor,’’ or track, one taking the lead and the others following 
leisurely. As the leading man becomes fatigued he drops into the rear, yielding his place to 
another, who takes up the running until he too is tired. A number of women bearing ostrich 


- 


KOODOO 


THE JHARAL OR JEMLAH GOAT. 543 


egg shells filled with water accompany the hunters, so that they are not forced to give up the 
chase through thirst. As the chase continues, the Koodoo begins to be worn out with contin- 
ual running, and lies down to rest, thereby affording a great advantage to its pursuers, who 
soon come within sight, and force it to rise and continue the hopeless race. At last it sinks 
wearied to the earth, and falls an unresisting prey to its foes. 


Tar Exanp, Iveooro, or Canna, is the largest of the South African Antelopes, being 
equal in dimensions to a very large ox. 

A fine specimen of an adult bull Eland will measure nearly six feet in height at the 
shoulders, and is more than proportionately ponderous in his build, being heavily burdened 
with fat as well as with flesh. Owing to this great weight of body, the Eland is not so endur- 
ing as the generality of the Antelopes, and can usually be ridden down without much trouble. 
Indeed, the chase of this animal is so simple a matter, that the hunters generally contrive to 
drive it towards their encampment, and will not kill it until it has approached the wagon so 
closely that the hunters will have but little trouble in conveying its flesh and hide to their 
wheeled treasure-house. 

The flesh of the Eland is peculiarly excellent ; and as it possesses the valuable quality of 
being tender immediately after the animal is killed, it is highly appreciated in the interior of 
South Africa, where usually all the meat is as tough as shoe-leather, and nearly as dry. In 
some strange manner, the Eland contrives to live for months together without drinking, and 
even when the herbage is so dry that it crumbles into powder in the hand, the Eland preserves 
its good condition, and is, moreover, found to contain water in its stomach, if opened. For 
its abstinence in liquids, the Eland compensates by its ravenous appetite for solid food, and is 
so large a feeder that the expense of keeping the animal would be almost too great for any one 
who endeavored to domesticate the animal with any hope of profit. 

The color of the Eland is a pale grayish-brown, and the horns are nearly straight, spirally 
twisted, and of considerable size. 

A variety of this animal, termed the Striped Eland, is sometimes, but rarely, seen. Some 
few years ago, when Colonel Faddy was in Southern Africa, he shot several of these animals, 
and brought their skins home as trophies of success. Neither at the Cape nor in England was 
he believed when he described the animals which he had been fortunate enough to kill, and it 
was not until he produced the skins that his account was credited. The skins were presented 
to the institution attached to the Royal Artillery barracks at Woolwich, and may be seen in 
the museum. 


GOAT Ss. AND. SHEEP, 


CLOSELY allied to each other, the Goats and the SuErp can be easily separated by a short 
examination. In the Goats, which will first come under consideration, the horns are erect, 
decidedly compressed, curved backwards and outwards, and are supplied with a ridge or heel 
of horny substance in front. The males generally possess a thickly bearded chin, and are all 
notable for a powerful and very rank odor, which is not present in the male sheep. 

The JHARAL or JEMLAH Goat (Hemitragus jemlaicus) is a remarkably handsome animal, 
inhabiting the loftiest mountains of India, and traversing with ease the precipitous crags which 
are inaccessible to almost any wingless beings except themselves. Their strongholds, where 
they pass the night, and to which they fly when alarmed, are situated above the line of vege- 
tation, and border upon the limits of perpetual snow. By day they descend to feed in little 
flocks of twenty or thirty in number, each flock being under the guidance of an old male, 
whose mandates they implicitly obey. They are shy and cautious animals, and the slightest 


5944 THE IBEX. 


unaccustomed sound is sufficient to send them towards their rocky fastnesses, ever and anon. 
halting and looking back to examine the cause of their terror. 

The hair of this animal is extremely long and coarse, hanging mane-like on each side of 
its head and neck. The general color of the Jharal is a very pale grayish-fawn, diversified 
with a dark streak along the back, and a brown mark on the forehead and front of the legs. 
The horns are very curiously formed. They are very much depressed, and are very wide at 
the base, from whence they 
spread outwards, and then 
suddenly narrow into a point, 
which is curled so strongly 
inwards that the two points 
nearly meet above the neck. 
Upon their frontal edge are 
seven small distinct protu- 
berances, becoming gradually 
obliterated as they are set 
higher upon the horns, and 
each creating a wrinkle which 
passes nearly round the entire 
horn. Their color is grayish- 
buff. 


Or the genus Capra, 
which includes several spe- 
cies, the IBEX, or STEINBOOCK, 
is a familiar and excellent 
example. 

This animal, an inhabit- 
ant of the Alps, is remark- 
able for the exceeding devel- 
opment of the horns, which 
are sometimes more than three 
feet in length, and of such 
extraordinary dimensions that 
they appear to a casual ob- 
server to be peculiarly unsuit- 
able for an animal which tra- 
verses the craggy regions of 
Alpine precipices. Some writ- 
ers say that these enormous 
horns are employed by their 
owner as ‘‘ buffers,” by which 
the force of a fall may be brok- 
en, and that the animal, when 
leaping from a great height, 
will alight on its horns, and by their elastic strength be guarded from the severity of a shock that 
would instantly kill any animal not so defended. This statement is, however, but little credited. 

To hunt the Ibex successfully is as hard a matter as hunting the chamois, for the Ibex is 
to the full as wary and active an animal, and is sometimes apt to turn the tables on its pur- 
suer, and assume an offensive deportment. Should the hunter approach too near the Ibex, the 
animal will, as if suddenly urged by the reckless courage of despair, dash boldly forward at 
its foe, and strike him from the precipitous rock over which he is forced to pass. The diffi- 
culty of the chase is further increased by the fact, that the Ibex is a remarkably enduring 
animal, and is capable of abstaining from food or water for a considerable time. 


IBEX, OR STEINBOCK.—Capra ibex. 


wd 
a 


ae 
‘4 
= 
ees 


GOATS. 5d45 


Tt lives in little bands of five or ten in number, each troop being under the command of an 
old male, and preserving admirable order among themselves. Their sentinel is ever on the 
watch, and at the slightest suspicious sound, scent, or object, the warning whistle is blown, 
and the whole troop make instantly for the highest attainable point. Their instinct always 
leads them upwards, an inborn ‘‘excelsior’’ being woven into their very natures, and as soon 
as they perceive danger, they invariably begin to mount towards the line of perpetual snow. 
The young of this animal are produced in April, and in a few hours after their birth they are 
strong enough to follow their parent. 

The color of the Ibex is a reddish-brown in summer, and gray-brown in winter; a dark 
stripe passes along the spine and over the face, and the abdomen and interior faces of the 
limbs are washed with whitish gray. The horns are covered from base to point with strongly 
marked transverse ridges, the number of which is variable, and is thought by some persons to 
denote the age of the animal. In the female the horns are not nearly so large nor so heavily 
ridged as in the male. The Ibex is also known under the name of BouqUETIN. 


Tur members of the genus Hircus may be distinguished from the ibex and the sheep by 
the peculiar formation of their horns, which are compressed, are rounded behind, and furnished 
with a well-developed keel in front. In some instances the keel is ragged, or appears like a 
series of knobs, but in all cases it is prominently conspicuous. 

There are an enormous number of varieties of the common domestic Goat, many of them 
being so unlike the original stock from which they sprang as to appear like a different species. 
For the present, we will turn to the common Goat, with which we are all so familiar. This 
animal is often seen domesticated, especially in and about stables, as there is a prevalent idea 
that the rank smell of the Goat is beneficial to horses. Be this as it may, the animal seems 
quite at home in a stable, and a very firm friendship often arises between the Goat and one of 
the horses. Sometimes it gets so petted by the frequenters of the stables, that it becomes pre- 
sumptuous, and assaults any one whom it may not happen to recognize as a friend. Happily, 
2x Goat, however belligerent he may be, is easily conquered if his beard can only be grasped, 
and when he is thus captured, he yields at once to his conqueror, assumes a downcast air, and 
bleats in a very pitiful tone, as if asking for mercy. 

At the Cape of Good Hope, large flocks of these animals are kept, and are extremely 
sagacious, needing no goat-herd to watch them, and are altogether more wise than sheep. In 
the morning they sally out upon their foraging expeditions, and in the evening they volun- 
tarily return. Itis said that Goats are the only animals that will boldly face fire, and that 
their chief use ina stable is to lead the horses from the stalls in case of the stables being 
burned. Horses are such nervous, excitable animals, that when their dwelling has taken fire 
they cannot be induced to face the dreaded element, and must see some other animal lead the 
way before they will dare to stir. It is also said, and apparently with reason, that in case of 
fire, a horse may be easily removed from the scene of danger by harnessing him as usual, 
instead of trying to lead him out at once. The animal has learned to connect obedience and 
trustfulness with the harness, and while he bears the bit in his mouth, and the saddle or traces 
on his back, he will go wherever he may be led. Blindfolding the horse is another good 
method of inducing the animal to follow its guide without hesitation. 

The Goat is, like several other domesticated animals, able to foretell stormy weather, and 
always contrives to place itself under shelter before the advent of a storm. The flesh of the 
Goat is not held in great estimation, and even that of the kid, which is comparatively tender 
and well-flavored, has fallen into disrepute. The milk is, however, in some demand, being of 
a rather peculiar flavor, which is grateful to certain palates. 

In its wild state, the Goat is a fleet and agile animal, delighting in rocks and precipitous 
localities, and treading their giddy heights with a foot as sure and an eye as steady as that of 
the chamois or ibex. Even in domesticated life this love of clambering is never eradicated, 
and wherever may be an accessible roof, or rock, or even a hill, there the Goat may be gener- 
ally found. 


546 GOATS. 


THE varieties of the Goat are almost numberless, and it will be impossible to engrave, or 
even to notice, more than one or two of the most prominent examples. One of the most valu- 
able of these varieties is the celebrated Casumir Goat, whose soft silky hair furnishes 
material for the soft and costly fabrics which are so highly valued in all civilized lands. 

This animal is a native of Thibet and the neighboring locality, but the Cashmir shawls 
are not manufactured in the same land which supplies the material. The fur of the Cashmir 
Goat is of two sorts: a soft, woolly under coat of grayish hair, and a covering of long silken 
hairs that seem to defend the interior coat from the effects of winter. The woolly under coat 
is the substance from which the Cashmir shawls are woven, and in order to make a single 
shawl, a yard-and-a-half square, at least ten Goats are robbed of their natural covering. Beau- 


ANGORA GOAT.—Capra hircus var. angorensis. 


tiful as are these fabrics, they would be sold at a very much lower price, but for the heavy and 
numerous taxes which are laid upon the material in all the stages of its manufacture, and after 
its completion upon the finished article. Indeed, the buyer of a Cashmir shawl is forced to 
pay at least a thousand per cent. on his purchase. 

Attempts have been made to domesticate this valuable animal in Europe, but without 
real success. It will unite with the ANGora Goat and produce a mixed breed, from which 
may be procured very soft and fine wool, that is even longer and more plentiful than that of 
the pure Cashmir Goat. As a commercial speculation, however, the plan does not seem to 
have met with much success. 

There are at least forty acknowledged varieties of the Goat, among which may be men- 
tioned the BrerBura, or RAm Saaut, of India, a Goat which is remarkable for being destitute 
of beard and for the large dewlap which decorates the throat of the male. Its ears are very 
short, and its smooth fur is white, mingled with reddish-brown. The Syr1An Goat is notable 
for the extreme length of its ears, which hang downwards, and when the animal raises its 
head nearly touch the shoulders. The Spantsn Goat is destitute of horns, and the MARK- 
HUR, or SNAKE-EATING Goat, of India and Thibet, is celebrated for its large and exquisitely 
twisted horns, which are not dissimilar to those of the koodoo, only twisted in the opposite 
direction. 


THE SHEEP. ; 547 


From time immemorial, the SHEEP has been subjected to the ways of mankind, and has 
provided him with meat and clothing, as well as with many articles of domestic use. The 
whole carease of the Sheep is as useful as that of the ox, and there is not a single portion of 
its body that is not converted to some beneficial purpose. The animal as we now possess it, 
and which has diverged into 
such innumerable varieties, 
is never found in a state of 
absolute wildness, and has 
evidently derived its origin 
from some hitherto undomes- 
ticated species. In the opin- 
ion of many naturalists, the 
mouflon may lay claim to the 
parentage of our domestic 
Sheep, but other writers have 
separated the mouflons from 
the Sheep, and placed them 
in a different genus. 

In many of its habits, 
especially in its rock-climb- ~ =X = - 
ing propensities, it bears a Nels 
strong resemblance to the 
Goats, to which animals it is SHEEP.—Ovis aries, (Southdown.) 
closely allied. Whenever the 
flock can have access to elevated spots, they may always be seen perched upon the highest 
and most precipitous spots, and seem to take a curious pleasure in exposing themselves to the 
risk of being dashed to pieces. 

Although the Sheep is generally considered to be a timid animal, and is really so when 
forced into adverse circumstances and deprived of its wonted liberty, it is truly as bold an 
animal as can well be seen, and gives many proofs of its courage. If, for example, a traveller 
comes unexpectedly upon a flock of the little Sheep that range the mountains, they will not 
flee from his presence, but draw together into a compact body, and watch him with stern and 
unyielding gaze. Should he attempt to advance, he would be instantly assailed by the rams, 
which form the first line in such cases, and would fare but badly in the encounter. <A dog, if 
it should happen to accompany the intruder, would probably be at once charged and driven 
from the spot. 

Even a single ram is no mean antagonist when he is thoroughly irritated, and his charge 
is really formidable. Sheep differ from Goats in their manner of fighting ; the latter animals 
rear themselves on their hind legs, and then plunge sideways upon their adversary, while the 
former animals hurl themselves forward, and strike their opponent with the whole weight as 
well as impetus of the body. So terribleis the shock of a ram’s charge, that it has been known 
to prostrate a bull at the first blow. Nor is the Sheep only combative when irritated by oppo- 
sition, or when danger threatens itself. A Sheep that had been led into a slaughter-house, 
has been known to turn fiercely upon the butcher as he was about to kill one of its companions, 
and to butt him severely in order to make him relinquish his grasp of its friend. 

The Sheep does not seem to be so intelligent as the Goat, and has a curious habit of always 
following the individual who happens to be the leader, even though he should rush into 
danger. A herd of sheep has jumped successively over the top of a precipice, merely because 
the leader happened to do the same thing. In the East, where the shepherds lead, not drive, 
the Sheep, they take advantage of this propensity, in managing the vast flocks over which 
they are set in charge. They have a few pet Sheep which will follow at their heels, and come 
to the musical call of the shepherd’s flute. These privileged animals act as the leaders of the 
flock, and wherever they go, the rest will follow. 

The Sheep breeds freely, producing generally one or two lambs every year, and sometimes 


ifs 


54 THE SPANISH, OR MERINO SHEEP. 


ee) 


presenting its owner with three lambs at a birth. One instance is on record of a wonderfully 
prolific ewe. She had hardly passed her second year when she produced four lambs. The 
next year she had five ; the year after that she bore twins; and the next year five again. On 
two successive years she bore twins. Two out of the four and three out of the five were neces- 
sarily fed by hand. 

We will now advert shortly to some of the principal breeds or varieties of the Sheep. 


Ture SouTHpowNn, which is figured at the commencement of this article, affords a good 
example of the short-wooled breed of domestic Sheep, and is valuable not only for the wool, 
but for the delicacy of the flesh. This breed derives its name from the extensive Southern 
Downs; a range of grass-clad chalk hills which pass through Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, in 
England. These downs are covered with a short, sweet herbage, which is of great service in 
giving to the flesh of the animal its peculiarly delicate flavor. Multitudes of tiny snails are 
found upon almost every foot of the down-turf, and are thought by many agriculturists to be 
very efficacious in fattening and nourishing the animal. By careful crossing and good man- 
agement, the horns of the Southdown Sheep have been abolished, and the vital energies which 
would have been expended in developing these appendages, are directed to the nourishment 
of the body and wool. 

This valuable breed of Sheep is not confined to the southern downs of England, but has 
penetrated to every part of the island where the soil and grass are suitable for its welfare. 
The Wiltshire downs swarm with these Sheep, which have covered their entire extent with 
an elaborate interlacing system of Sheep-paths, understood by themselves, but very obscure to 
human senses. Other parts of England are also in possession of the Southdown Sheep, which 
is often crossed successfully with some local breed. Indeed, this polled or hornless variety 
has superseded every horn-bearing breed throughout the kingdom, wherever it can find a 
habitable locality. In Scotland and elsewhere, the Southdown would not be able to live, as it 
is of too delicate a nature to withstand the severity of the terrible highland winter ; so that the 
original horned breed still holds its place. 

The Wiltshire Sheep have lost their horny armatures by continual crossing with the South- 
down, and the result is that a remarkably fine variety has been produced, possessing greater 
dimensions, a lighter color, and a finer fleece. 


Owr1ne to the very great number of the domestic varieties of the Sheep, amounting to nearly 
thirty distinct breeds, it will be impossible to give more than a mere outline of the most impor- 
tant among them. An example of the long-wooled variety is found in the LEICESTER SHEEP, 
under which general title are grouped six or eight sub-varieties of the same breed. This 
animal favors low-lying, level pasturages, and is not so fond of elevated spots as the Welsh 
and Southdown. The most celebrated breed of Leicester Sheep is that which is known as 
the Dishley breed. ; 


OF all the domestic varieties of this useful animal, the Spanisu, or MERINO SHEEP, has 
attracted the greatest attention. 

Originally, this animal is a native of Spain, a country which has been for many centuries 
celebrated for the quantity and quality of its wool. The Merino Sheep, from whom the long 
and fine Spanish wool was obtained, were greatly improved by an admixture with the Cots- 
wold Sheep of England, some of which were sent to Spain in 1464, and the fleece was so 
improved by the crossing, that the famous English wool was surpassed by that which was 
supplied by Spain. 

The Merino Sheep is but of little use except for its wool, as, although its mutton is suffi- 
ciently good when fattened, it consumes so much food, and occupies so much time in the pro- 
cess of ripening, that it is by no means a profitable animal. The Merino is larger in the limbs 
than the ordinary English Sheep, and the male is furnished with large spiral horns. The 
female is generally hornless, but sometimes possesses these appendages on a very small scale. 
It is liable to bear a black fleece, the sable hue continually making its appearance, even after 


HIGHLAND SHEEP. 549 


long and careful crossing. By good management the black tint has been confined to the face 
and legs, but is ever liable to come out in spots or dashes in the wool. There is always a 
peculiar hue about the face of a Merino Sheep, not easy to describe, but readily to be recog- 
nized whenever seen. 

In Spain, the Merinos are kept in vast flocks, and divided into two general heads, the Sta- 
tionary and the Migratory. The former animals remain in the same locality during the whole 
of their lives, but the latter are accustomed to undertake regular annual migrations. The sum- 

-mer months they spend in the cool mountainous districts, but as soon as the weather begins to 
grow cold, the flocks pass into the warmer regions of Andalusia, where they remain until April. 
The flocks are sometimes ten thousand in number, and the organization by which they are 
managed is very complex and perfect. Over each great flock is set one experienced shepherd, 
who is called the ‘“‘ mayoral,’ and who exercises despotic sway over his subordinates. Fifty 
shepherds are placed under his orders, and are supplied with boys and intelligent dogs. 

Under the guardianship of their shepherds, the Merino Sheep, which have spent the sum- 
mer in the mountains, begin their downward journey about the month of September ; and after 
a long and leisurely march, they arrive at the pasture-grounds, which are recognized instinct- 
ively by the Sheep. In these pasturages the winter folds are prepared, and here are born the 
young Merinos, which generally enter the world in March, or the beginning of April. Towards 
the end of that month the Sheep begin to be restless, and unless they are at once removed, 
will often decamp of their own accord. Sometimes a whole flock will thus escape, and, guided 
by some marvellous instinct, will make their way to their old quarters unharmed, except, per- 
chance, by some prowling wolf, who takes advantage of the shepherd’s absence. 

The very young lambs are not without their value, although they furnish no wool, for 
their skins are prepared and manufactured into gloves, and called by the name of ‘‘ kid.” 

Many attempts have been made to naturalize this most important animal, but with little 
success. At one time the Merino Sheep was in the highest repute, but as it does not combine 
the mutton-making with the wool-producing power, it has long ago been left unnoticed. It is 
found that if a Merino be left untouched by the shears for two seasons, the wool will double its 
length, and be equally fine in texture. In one case, a half-bred Merino was clipped after having 
been put aside for a whole year, and it was found that her fleece weighed twenty-one pounds, 
the length of the “pile” being eight inches. The health of the Sheep appears to be uninjured 
by permitting the animal to retain its coat for two years. 

The Australian Sheep, which roams the plains in such vast multitudes, and which fur- 
nishes so large a supply of wool to the world’s commerce, owes much of its value to a cross 
with the Merino, several of which animals were imported into Australia by some far-seeing 
man of business. 


Tue hardy, active, and endurant variety of the domestic Sheep which inhabits the High- 
lands of Scotland, partake in a great degree of the characters of the wild animal, and demand 
a specially trained shepherd to watch over them. 

Pastoring together in enormous herds, and living upon vast ranges of bleak, hilly country, 
the light and active HIGHLAND SHEEP is a very intelligent and independent creature, quite dis- 
tinct in character from the large, woolly, unintellectual animal that lives only in the fold, and 
is regularly supplied with food by the careful hand of its guardian. It is very sensitive to 
atmospheric influences, and is so ready in obeying the directions of its own instinct, that 
a good shepherd, when he first rises in the morning, can generally tell where to find his 
Sheep, merely by noticing the temperature, the direction of the wind, and the amount of 

“moisture in the air and on the ground. As the Highland Sheep is able to wander to consider- 
able distances from its proper home, the shepherd is aided in his laborious task by several 
of those wonderful dogs whose virtues and powers have already been recorded in the course of 
this work. 

Much of the disposition of the flock depends upon the temperament of the shepherd. An 
irritable or impatient man will speedily render his flock almost as unmanageable as his own 
temper, while he who is gentle and patient, though resolute and firm, will have his charge so 


550 THE CRETAN, OR WALLACHIAN SHEEP. 


thoroughly under control, that his very presence will, in many instances, cause them to do his 
bidding, even without calling in the aid of his dogs. One prolific source of trouble to the Scotch 
shepherd is a locomotive propensity which is inherent in Sheep, and which prompts them to 
quit their own ample boundaries and trespass upon those of their neighbors. Towards even- 
ing, when the flocks are inspected, this propensity becomes very annoying, and cannot be 
restrained by bad managers. Others, who understand the Sheep nature, and shape their con- 
duct accordingly, will quietly move towards the boundary without being followed by the dogs, 
and by a series of gentle manceuvres entice the Sheep in the proper direction. In a very short 
time the shepherd establishes the custom, and whenever he moves towards the boundary, the 
Sheep instinctively recede. 

The life of a Highland shepherd is necessarily one of great hardship, and is generally borne 
with admirable fortitude. In order that the man may feel a personal interest in the flock which 
is placed under his care, he is permitted to hold a property in a certain number of Sheep, which 
he may feed on his master’s ground without payment. Sometimes he has the little flock of 
others to watch over as well as those of his own especial charge, so that the neighbors, far and 
few between as they are, can all have a fellow interest in the welfare of the Sheep. Each shep- 
herd is generally in possession of a little flock consisting of ten to fifty or sixty Sheep, together 
with pasturage for a few cows. 


At the Cape of Good Hope a fat-tailed race of Sheep has long been prevalent, and is 
reared in flocks of considerable size, tended by Hottentot herdsmen. This is a very valu- 
able animal, for it not only furnishes good mutton, together with great quantities of fat, 
but, when young, supplies its owner with beautifully soft and warm garments. The skins 
of the CAPE SHEEP are prepared for use by being cleaned, dressed, and sewn together ; 
and are of such excellent quality that they form a warmer coverlet than could be obtained 
from any other material. Their outward show is not at all inferior to their quality ; for 
they are so smooth and soft that few persons would guess that they had once formed part 
of the natural covering of a Sheep. The fat of these animals is mostly collected in the tail 
and hinder quarters, and is peculiarly soft when removed from the animal, being in an 
almost semi-fluid state. It is thought a great delicacy, and is also in great request for the 
manufacture of soap. 


Tort AFGHAN FAT-TAILED SHEEP is remarkable not only for the extremely large and 
fatty tail, but for the delicate and silken texture of its wool. The coat of this animal is largely 
used in local manufactures, and a very considerable amount is also exported into neighboring 
countries. Pelisses, caps, and carpets of various kinds are the chief articles into which this 
soft and valuable wool is manufactured. There are also several herds of Fat-tailed Sheep in 
different parts of India. 


One of the most important of the ovine group is the CRETAN, or WALLACHIAN SHEEP, 
remarkable for the enormous development and magnificent formation of its horns. 

This splendid animal is a native of Western Asia and the adjacent portions of Europe, 
and is very common in Crete, Wallachia, and Hungary. The horns of the Wallachian Sheep 
are strikingly like those of the Koodoo, or the Addax, their dimensions being proportionately 
large, and their form very similar. The first spiral turn is always the largest, and the horns 
are not precisely. the same in every specimen. As a general rule, they rise boldly upwards 
from the skull, being almost perpendicularly set upon the head; but in others, there is con- 
siderable variety in the formation of the spirals and the direction of the tips. In one specimen 
which was preserved in the gardens of the Zoological Society, the first spiral of the horns was 
curved downwards, and their tips were directed towards the ground. 

The fleece of this animal is composed of a soft, woolly undercoat, covered with and pro- 
tected by long drooping hairs. The wool is extremely fine in quality, and is employed in 
the manufacture of warm cloaks, which are largely used by the peasantry, and which are so 
thick and warm that they defend the wearer against the bitterest cold. Even in the depth of 


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THE ARGALI. 551 


winter the shepherd can safely lie on the ground wrapped in his sheep-skin mantle. For this 
purpose, the skin is dressed without removing the wool. 

In a state of nature, all Sheep are furnished with a pair of horns, but in the cultivated 
races these ornaments generally become obliterated. A curious exception to this principle 
occurs in the many-horned 
varieties which are found in 
several parts of Asia, and 
which sometimes possess as 
many as three distinct pairs 
of horns. The additional 
or accessory appendages 
are slighter in their make 
than the true horns, and 
are generally placed on the 
upper parts of the head. 
Their tips almost invari- 
ably take an upward direc- 
tion, while the true horns 
generally curl downward, 
and retain a portion of the 
tendency to a spiral form. 


GIANTs among the ovine 
race, the MouFLONS tower 
far above every other vari- 
ety of the Sheep. These 
animals may be found in 
several portions of the 
world, several species being 
inhabitants of Asia, one 
of Sardinia and Corsica, 
and one of Northern Amer- 
ica. Of these gigantic 
Sheep, the ARGALI of Sibe- 
ria is the most conspicu- 
ous, as well for general 
dimensions, as for the enor- 
mous size of the horns. 

The Argali is nearly as 
large as a moderately sized 
ox, being four feet high at 
the shoulders and propor- 
tionately stout in its build. THE SARDINIAN MOUFLON.—0vis musimon. 

The horns of a full-grown 

male Argali are very nearly four feet in length if measured along the curve, and at their 
base are about nineteen inches in circumference. They spring from the forehead, and 
after rising perpendicularly for a short distance, curve boldly downwards until they reach 
below the chin, when they recurve upwards and come to a point. The surface of the 
horns is covered with a series of deep grooves set closely together, and extending almost 
to the very extremities. Firmly as these weapons are fixed upon the animal’s forehead, 
they are sometimes fairly broken off in the fierce conflicts which these creatures wage 
with each other when they fight for the possession of some desirable female. These 
broken horns are not suffered to lie unobserved on the ground, but are soon utilized by 
the foxes and other small mammalia which inhabit the same couniry, and converted at 


552 THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SHEEP. 


once into dwelling-houses, where they lie as comfortably as the hermit-crab in a whelk-shell. 
Man also makes use of these horns, by converting them into various articles of domestic 
economy. 

It isa mountain-loving animal, being found on the highest grounds of Southern Siberia 
and the mountains of Central Asia, and not fond of descending to the level ground. 

Its power of limb and sureness of foot are truly marvellous when the great size of the 
animal is taken into consideration. If disturbed while feeding in the valley, it makes at once 
for the rocks, and flies up their craggy surfaces with wonderful ease and rapidity. Living in 
such localities, they are liable to suffer great changes of temperature, and are sometimes 
wholly enveloped in the deep snow-drifts that are so common upon mountainous regions. In 
such cases they lie quietly under the snow in a manner similar to that which has already been 
related of the hare under the same circumstances, and are able to continue respiration by 
means of a small breathing-hole through the snow. For these imprisoned Argalis the hunters 
eagerly search, as the animal is deprived of its fleet and powerful limbs, and is forced igno- 


TAAL lt ii Terie 
i We Wi Wee sexe 


ARGALI.—Caprovis argali. 


miniously to succumb to the foe, who impales him by driving his spear through the snow into 
the creature’s body. Like others of the same group, it is gregarious, and lives in small flocks. 


ANOTHER example of the Mouflons may be found in the Bre-norn, or Rocky MounrarIn 
SHEEP, of California. 

This animal is not at all uncommon in its native land, where it may be found in little 
troops of twenty or thirty in number, inhabiting the craggiest and most inaccessible rocks. 
From these posts of vantage they never wander, but are content to find their food upon the 
little knolls of green herbage that are found sprinkled among the precipices, without being 
tempted by the verdant expanse of the plains below. Before they became acquainted with the 
destructive powers of mankind, they were very fearless, and would curiously survey those 
who approached their lofty abodes. Now, however, they are peculiarly shy and suspicious, 
and at the sight of a man they blow their warning whistle, and immediately take refuge in 
the recesses of the rocks. When wounded, unless the injury is one that carries immediate 
death with it, the animal makes the best of its way into one of its retreats, and dying there, 
is useless to its slayer. 


1 


THE AOUDAD. 555 


The flesh of the Big-horn is remarkably excellent, and is said to be superior to that 
of the native deer. When full-grown, a Big-horn measures about three feet six inches 
in height at the shoulders, and the horns are about the same length, thus preserving the 
same proportions of stature and length of horn as has already been noticed in the Argali 
of Siberia. The color of the animal is extremely variable, changing according to the season of 
the year. 

A full-grown adult male of this species is a marvel of power ; its horns are said to be 
capable of receiving the most violent shocks when the animal is forced to leap down any con- 


BIG-HORN.— Capra montana. 


siderable height. The female is less in size, and has smaller horns. A Big-horn of the largest 
size will weigh three hundred and fifty pounds. A magnificent pair are in the American 
Museum. 


CLosELy allied to the two preceding animals, the AouDAD, or BEARDED ARGALI, may be 
easily distinguished from them by the heavy mane which commences at the throat and falls as 
far as the knees. 

The Aoudad is a native of Northern Africa, and is a mountain-dweller, inhabiting only the 
loftiest and most inaccessible precipices. It is commonly found in the lofty woods of teh 
Atlas mountains, where it disports itself with as much ease and absence of fear as if it were 
quietly standing on level ground. Like the argali and big-horn, it is remarkably active, as 
needs for an animal whose life is cast among the terrible precipices of the loftiest mountain 
ranges. The height of the Aoudad is rather more than three feet at the shoulder,-so that it is 
a really large animal, although not of such gigantic proportions as the argali. The horns are 
about two feet in length. Round the fore-legs a quantity of long hair is placed, like ruffles, 
just above the knee, a peculiarity which has earned for the creature the French name of 
Mouflon & manchettes. Tt seems to be a lively but rather petulant animal, full of curiosity, 
and gentle in its disposition. 


d54 THE PRONG-HORN ANTELOPE. 


Sub-family Wemorhedine includes two genera and ten species. They are goat-like Ante- 
lopes. The typical genus, Vemorhedus, has nine species in Asia. The other genus has but 
one species, the Rocky Mountain Goat (Aplocerus montanus), and is wholly confined to Amer- 
ica, and the narrow limits of the Rocky Mountains. This is a true Antelope, in all essential 
features and affinities, though having something of the aspect of the goat, from whence it 
derives its trivial name. 


AOUDAD.—Ammotragus tragdaphus. 


In some respects this creature resembles the chamois of the Alps. Its small re-curved 
horns are especially like those of the latter. Its nose is hairy and ovine in aspect. It has no 
muffle, and no tear-bag. The under fur is short and woolly, and the outer fur is long and 
pendant. 

Next to the musk sheep this is the rarest of North American animals. It inhabits the 
most inaccessible cliffs of the Rocky Mountains. Only during the last ten years has it been 
taken. The extreme difficulty in recovering the body even if the hunter is successful in shoot- 
ing it, has hitherto proved insuperable. Its habits are entirely unobserved. The long and 
rugged pathway along which the hunter has to pass proves too fatiguing, and even now it is a 
rare animal in collections. The Central Park Museum has a fine example. The pelt of this is 
pure white. The horns and hoofs are jet black. 


ONE more sub-family, distinguished by being wholly American, and having one genus and 
one species only, is the Antilocaprine. 

The PronG-HoRN ANTELOPE (Antilocapra americana) is a familiar species to the visitor 
of the great Western plains. The title prong-horn relates to the small branch of the horn. 
About the time of the settlement of California it was very abundant on the great plains. Its 
favorite range is along the barren or naked plains, avoiding the timber lands, as it depends on 
its fleetness to escape from enemies, The eye of this creature is larger than that of any other 


THE PRONG-HORN ANTELOPE. 555 


mammal of its size, being nearly that of the elephant. It has a gentle expression, rivalling the 
gazelle in its winning aspect. 

Long before the truth was known to Science, hunters had observed that the horns of this 
animal were dropped, like those of the deer; yet no definite information was elicited or 
recorded. 

In 1848, Dr. Canfield, of California, sent the information to the Smithsonian Institute, 
but the circumstance was so contrary to the usual or known examples, that no special interest 
was awakened. 

In 1855, Mr. Bartlett, of the London Zoological Gardens, attested the fact by actual 
observation in the gardens. In February following Dr. Canfield’s paper was published. The 


on 


ROCKY MOUNTAIN GOAT.—Aplocerus americanus. 


creature has a hollow, deciduous horn, which envelops a persistent core, a process of the skull. 
This shell is true horn, and has the same general system of growth as other horns, although it 
is cast annually, like antlers of deer. 

It thus reveals an intermediate link between the two principal groups of hollow-horned 
and solid-horned ruminants. The lower portion of the horn only is hollow—this is quite flat, 
but the point is round and becomes polished by wear. <A singular characteristic is seen in the 
presence of numerous cutaneous glands—eleven in number—which secrete a pungent odor. 
Those below the ears, particularly, are potent. 

The flesh is much prized, having the reputation of being superior to either beef or venison. 
In fleetness it is said to excel all other animals of the plains, but soon loses ‘‘ wind,” and is easily 
captured. It is particularly gregarious. Canfield says it is remarkably salacious, exceeding 
even the goat in this respect. 

The Prong-horn is easily tamed, and soon loses its shyness and timid action. In leaping 
it makes enormous horizontal distances. In common with all the hollow-horned ruminants, 
it has a gall bladder, which is wanting in the deer family. The hair is quite unique in its 
structure ; it is very light, each hair being a tube, flexible, and soft as velvet. 


556 GIRAFFES. 


GT RVASE EVENS 


TAuLLest of all earthly dwellers, the GrraFrre erects its stately head far above any animal 
that walks the face of the globe. It is an inhabitant of various parts of Africa, and is evi- 
dently a unique being, comprising in itself an entire tribe. The color of the coat is slightly 
different in the specimens which inhabit the northern and the southern portions of Africa, the 
southern animal being rather darker than its northern relative. 

The height of a full-grown male Giraffe is from eighteen to twenty feet, the female being 
somewhat less in her dimensions. The greater part of this enormous stature is obtained by 
the extraordinarily long neck, which is nevertheless possessed of only seven vertebree, as in 
ordinary animals. Those bones are, however, extremely elongated, and their articulation is 
admirably adapted to the purpose which they are called upon to fulfil. The back of the Giraffe 
slopes considerably from the shoulders to the tail, and at first sight the fore-legs of the animal 
appear to be longer than the hinder limbs. The legs themselves are, however, of equal length, 
and the elevation of the shoulder is due to the very great elongation of the shoulder-blades. 
Upon the head are two excrescences which resemble horns, and are popularly called by that 
name. They are merely growths or developments of certain bones of the skull, somewhat 
similar to the bony cores on which the hollow horns of the oxen and antelopes are set. These 
quasi horns are covered with skin, and have on their summits a tuft of dark hair. On the 
forehead, and nearly between the eyes, a third bony projection is seen, occupying the same 
position that was traditionally accredited to the horn of the unicorn. 

The singular height of this animal is entirely in accordance with its habits and its mode 
of acquiring food. As the creature is accustomed to feed upon the leaves of trees, it must 
necessarily be of very considerable stature to be able to reach the leaves on which it browses, 
and must also be possessed of organs by means of which it can select and gather such por- 
tions of the foliage as may suit its palate. The former object is gained by the great length 
of the neck and legs, and the latter by the wonderful development of the tongue, which is 
so marvellously formed that it is capable of a considerable amount of prehensile power, 
and can be elongated or contracted in a very wonderful manner. Large as is the animal, it 
can contract the tip of its tongue into so small a compass that it can pass into the pipe 
of an ordinary pocket-key, while its prehensile powers enable its owner to pluck any 
selected leaf with perfect ease. In captivity the Giraffe is rather apt to make too free a 
use of its tongue, such as twitching the artificial flowers and foliage from ladies’ bonnets, 
or any similar freak. 

For grazing upon level ground the Giraffe is peculiarly unfitted, and never attempts 
that feat excepting when urged by hunger or some very pressing cause. It is, however, 
perfectly capable of bringing its mouth to the ground, although with considerable effort and. 
much straddling of the fore-legs. By placing a lump of sugar on the ground, the Giraffe 
may be induced to lower its head to the earth, and to exhibit some of that curious mix- 
ture of grace and awkwardness which characterizes this singular animal. 

In its native country its usual food consists of the leaves of a kind of acacia, named the 
Kameel-dorn, or Camel-thorn (Acacia giraffv). The animal is exceedingly fastidious in its 
appetite, and carefully rejects every thorn, scrupulously plucking only the freshest and green- 
est leaves. When supplied with cut grass, the Giraffe takes each blade daintily between its 
lips, and nibbles gradually from the top to the stem, after the manner in which we eat aspar- 
agus. As soon as it has eaten the tender and green portion of the grass, it rejects the 
remainder as unfit for camelopardine consumption. Hay, carrots, onions, and different vege- 
tables form its principal diet while it is kept in a state of captivity. 

The Giraffe is a gentle and playful animal, readily attaching itself to its companions or 
its keepers, and trying to attract attention by sundry little coquetries _ It is full of curiosity, 
and seems to be greatly gratified by the advent of many visitors, whose costume and general 
appearance it investigates with an air of great interest. There is something peculiarly mild 


GRA EE: 


GIRAFFES. 557 


and pleasant in the full, round, dark eye of the Giraffe, whose gaze is really fascinating to 
those who feel attracted by a mild and gentle expression of soul. Even the ruthless hunter 
has felt himself overcome by the glances of the Giraffe’s dark, expressive eye, as the poor 
animal lay unresistingly and silently on the ground, watching its destroyer with reproachful 
but not vengeful gaze. 
As far as is at present known, the Giraffe is a silent animal, like the eland and the kan- 
garoo, and has never been heard to utter a sound, even when struggling in the agonies of 
‘death. When in its native land it is so strongly perfumed with the foliage on which it 
chiefly feeds, that it exhales a powerful odor, which is compared by Captain Cumming to 
the scent of a hive of heather honey. 

Although an inoffensive and most gentle creature, it is not destitute of aggressive capa- 
bilities, and can defend itself against ordinary foes, such as the predaceous carnivora which 


NY 


i i ih 
Hl’ Wy B 


ie SS” 
ee — 
GIRAFFE GRAZING UPON LEVEL GROUND. 


inhabit the same land. In defending itself it does not bring its head within reach of its 
enemy, but delivers a shower of kicks with such lightness and celerity, that it has been 
known even to daunt the lion from the attack. When, however, the lion can steal unob- 
served upon the Giraffe, and especially when it unites with others of its own race in the pur- 
suit of the huge prey, it brings down the Giraffe by dint of sheer bodily strength and sharp- 
ness of tooth and claw. 

To man it falls an easy prey, especially if it can be kept upon level ground, where a 
horse can run without danger. On rough soil, however, the Giraffe has by far the advantage, 
as it leaps easily over the various obstacles that lie in its way, and gets over the ground in a 
curiously agile manner. It is not a very swift animal, as it can easily be overtaken by a horse 
of ordinary speed, and is frequently run down by native hunters on foot. When running, it 
progresses in a very awkward and almost ludicrous manner, by a series of frog-like leaps, its 
tail switching and twisting about at regular intervals, and its long neck rocking stiffly up and 
down in a manner that irresistibly reminds the observer of those toy birds whose heads and 
tails perform alternate obeisances by the swinging of a weight below. As the tail is switched 
sharply hither and thither, the tuft of bristly hairs at the extremity makes a hissing sound as 
it passes through the air. 

The Giraffe is easily traced by its ‘‘spoor,’’ or footmarks, which are eleven inches in 
length, pointed at the toe and rounded at the heel. The pace at which the animal has gone is 
ascertained by the depth of the impression, and by the scattering of disturbed soil along the 
path. 


558 DEER. 


Besides the usual mode of hunting and stalking, the natives employ the pitfall for the 
purpose of destroying this large and valuable animal. For this purpose a very curiously con- 
structed pit is dug, being about ten feet in depth, proportionably wide, and having a wall or 
bank of earth extending from one side to the other, and about six or seven feet in height. 
When the Giraffe is caught in one of these pits, its fore-limbs fall on one side of the wall, and 
its hind legs on the other, the edge of the wall passing under its abdomen. The poor creature 
is thus balanced, as it were, upon its belly across the wall, and in spite of all its plunging, is 
unable to obtain a foothold sufficiently firm to enable it to leap out of the treacherous cavity 
into which it has fallen. The pitfalls which are intended for the capture of the hippopotamus 
and the rhinoceros are furnished with a sharp stake at the bottom, which impales the luckless 
animal as it falls; but it is found by experience that, in the capture of the Giraffe, the trans- 
verse wall is even more deadly than the sharpened pike. 

In spite of the great size of the Giraffe, and its very peculiar formation, it is not nearly so 
conspicuous an animal as might be imagined. The long neck and dark skin of the creature 
are so formed that they bear a close resemblance to the dried and blasted stems of the forest 
trees. So close is the resemblance, that even the keen-eyed natives have been known to 
mistake trees for Giraffes, and vice versd. 

The Giraffe is generally found in little herds, sometimes only five or six in number, and 
sometimes containing thirty or forty members, the average being about sixteen. These animals 
are found of all sizes and both sexes, each herd being under the guidance of one old experi- 
enced male, whose dark chestnut hide and lofty head render him conspicuous above his fellows. 
These herds are always found either in or very close to forests, where they can obtain their 
daily food, and where they can be concealed from their enemies among the bree aS to 
which they bear so close a resemblance. 

As the hide of the Giraffe is enormously thick, the animal is not easily to be killed by the 
imperfect weapons with which the native tribes are armed, and does not readily yield its life 
even to the bullets of the white man. It is but seldom that a single shot has laid low one of 
these animals, and in these rare cases the balls were of heavy calibre and made of hardened 
metal. The flesh of the Giraffe is considered to be good, when rightly prepared, and its mar- 
row is thought to be so great a delicacy that the natives eagerly suck it from the bones as they 
are taken from the animal. When cooked, it is worthy of a place on a royal table. The flesh 
is well fitted for being made into jerked meat. The thick, strong hide, is employed in the 
manufacture of shoe-soles, shields, and similar articles. 


DEER. 


Tue characteristics by which the different groups of DEER are distinguished, as well as 
those which mark out the genus and species, are not at all self-evident, but are variously given 
by various zoologists. Most writers base their classification solely upon the horns, but as these 
ornaments are not to be found in every specimen, nor at every season, such a classification 
would evidently be impracticable in many cases. Moreover, the same species, or even the 
same individual, bears horns of quite a different aspect at different times of its life, while 
several species which are clearly distinct are furnished with closely similar horns. Bearing 
these difficulties in mind, Mr. Gray has judiciously employed several characteristics in his 
systematic arrangement of the Deer, and for that purpose has made use of the form and 
extent of the muzzle, the position and presence of glands on the hind legs, the general form of 
the horns, and the kind of hair which forms the fur. 

From the antelopes the Deer are readily distinguished by the character of the horns, 
which only belong to the male animals, are composed of solid bony substances, and are 
shed and renewed annually during the life of the animal. The process by which the 
horns are developed, die, and are shed, is a very curious one, and deserves a short notice 


SELMAR HESS, PUBLISHER, N Y 


STAG, OR RED DEER. 


Ge 
Pad 
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. 
. 
1 
. 


fs 
“ard Le 


DEER. 559 


before we proceed to consider the various species of Deer which will be noticed in the present 
work. Fora familiar instance, we will take the Common Stag, or Red Deer of Europe. 

In the beginning of the month of March he is lurking in the sequestered spots of his forest 
home, harmless as his mate and as timorous. Soon a pair of prominences make their appear- 
ance on his forehead, covered with a velvety skin. In a few days these little prominences 
have attained some length, and give the first indication of their true form. Grasp one of these 
in the hand and it will be found burning hot to the touch, for the blood runs fiercely through the 
velvety skin, depositing at every touch a minute portion of bony matter. More and more 
rapidly grow the horns, the carotid arteries enlarging in order to supply a sufficiency of 
nourishment, and in the short period of ten weeks the enormous mass of bony matter has been 
completed. Such a process is almost, if not entirely, without parallel in the history of the 
animal kingdom. 

When the horns have reached their due development, the bony rings at their bases, 
through whith the arteries pass, begin to thicken, and by gradually filling up the holes, com- 
press the blood-vessels, and ultimately obliterate them. The velvet now having no more 
nourishment, loses its vitality, and is soon rubbed off in shreds against tree-trunks, branches, 
or any inanimate object. The horns fall off in February, and in a very short time begin to be 
renewed. These ornaments are very variable at the different periods of the animal’s life, the 
age of the Stag being well indicated by the number of ‘‘ tines’’ upon his horns. 

The Ruminating Animals form one order, according to some authors; and this group 
is regarded as one of the most clearly defined of any of the animal kingdom. Two divisions 
are recognized, the Hollow-horn, and the Solid-horn Ruminants. 

The Camel family (Camelid@) is represented on this continent by the Llama, Gnanaco, 
and like forms in South America. The Camel family had numerous representatives in earlier 
geological time, all now extinct save the few above mentioned South American forms. There 
are several species clearly recognized by their bony remains in the Western Territories. 

An extinct genus, Palauchenia, found in Mexico, had species as large as the present 
living Camel of the Old World. Another genus, Aucheniav, was represented by a species 
considerably larger—the remains found in California. The extinct genus Procamelus, is found 
in the miocene formations of Virginia. Several other large Camels of different genera are 
known to have inhabited the Western plains ; their bones being found in the earth. 

Great numbers of other animals, more or less allied to the Camels and Deer, are found in 
the Western Territories. 


FamiLy Cervida—the Deer—according to Wallace, has eight genera and fifty-two species. 
They are found very generally distributed, excepting in Africa, where they seem to be replaced 
by antelopes. There are no Deer in Africa, excepting on the borders of the Mediterranean Sea. 

The Deer have antlers, or solid horns, that drop yearly, giving chance for extra growth 
during the time of renewal. The female has no antlers save in one instance, the Reindeer. 
The Musk Deer has no antlers. 

The Moose (Alce americanus) is now very much reduced in numbers ; a few are yet seen 
in Northern Maine and New York State. Unlike the other Deer, this animal has a short neck, 
which is unfitted for grazing. It feeds on the tender branches of trees. The elongated snout 
indicates this habit. Like the nose of the camelopard, it is quite prehensile; seizing the 
branches and twisting them off for food. The Indians noticed this habit as distinguishing the 
animal from other Deer, and called it Moose, meaning wood-eater. 

The Moose wood, or Pennsylvania maple, is so named from its being a favorite food of the 
Moose. The Moose is very timid and wary, and moves with great celerity through the wood- 
land and underbrush for so large an animal. 

It stands high, measuring about seven feet high at the shoulders. 

Grand examples of this great Deer, with female and young, are in the American Museum, 
Central Park. In view of the quite probable extinction of these animals at no distant day, it 
is gratifying to know that fine specimens are preserved. 

We give an admirable full page illustration of the Moose. 


560 THE MOOSE, OR ELK. 


Tue first group of Deer is that which includes the Deer of the snowy regions, and com- 
prehends two genera, the Elk and the Reindeer. 

The Moosg, or ELK, is the largest of all the deer tribe, attaining the extraordinary height 
of seven feet at the shoulders, thus equalling many an ordinary elephant in dimensions. The 
horns of this animal are very large, and widely palmated at their extremities, their united 
weight being so great as to excite a feeling of wonder at the ability of the animal to carry so 
heavy a burden. It does not reach its full development until its fourteenth year. The 
muzzle is very large and is much lengthened in front, so as to impart a most unique expression 
to the Elk’s countenance. The color of the animal is a dark brown, the legs being washed 
with a yellow hue. Itis a native of Northern Europe and America, the Moose of the latter 
continent and the Elk of the former being one and the same species. 

As the flesh of the Elk is palatable, and the skin and the horns extremely useful, the 
animal is much persecuted by hunters. It is a swift and enduring animal, although its gait is 
clumsy and awkward in the extreme. The only pace of the Elk is a long, swinging trot ; but 
its legs are so long and its paces so considerable, that its speed is much greater than it appears 
to be. Obstacles that are almost impassable to a horse, are passed over easily by the Elk, 
which has been known to trot uninterruptedly over a number of fallen tree-trunks, some of 
them five feet in thickness. When the ground is hard and will bear the weight of so large an 
animal, the hunters are led a very long and severe chase before they come up with their prey ; 
but when the snow lies soft and thick on the ground, the creature soon suceumbs to its 
lighter antagonists, who invest themselves in snow-shoes and scud over the soft snow with 
a speed that speedily overcomes that of the poor Elk, which sinks floundering into the deep 
snow-drifts at every step, and is soon worn out by its useless efforts. 

It is as wary as any of the Deer tribe, being alarmed by the slightest sound or the 
faintest scent that gives warning of an enemy. As the Elk trots along, its course is marked by 
a succession of sharp sounds, which are produced by the snapping of the cloven hoofs, 
which separate at every step, and fall together as the animal raises its foot from the ground. 

Generally, the Elk avoids the presence of man, but in some seasons of the year he becomes 
seized with a violent excitement, that finds vent in fighting with every living creature that 
may cross his path. His weapons are his horns and fore-feet, the latter being used with such 
terrible effect that a single blow is sufficient to slay a wolf on the spot. The enormous horns 
form no barrier to his progress through the woods, for when the Elk runs, he always throws 
his horns well back upon his shoulders, so that they rather assist than impede him in travers- 
ing the forest glades. The Elk is a capital swimmer, proceeding with great rapidity, and 
often taking to the water for its own amusement. During the summer months of the 
year it spends a considerable portion of its time under water, its nose and horns being the 
only parts of its form which appear above the surface. Even the very young Moose is a strong 
and fearless swimmer. : 

The skin of the Elk is extremely thick, and has been manufactured into clothing that 
would resist a sword blow and repel an ordinary pistol ball. The flesh is sometimes dressed 
fresh, but is generally smoked like hams, and is much esteemed. The large muzzle or upper 
lip is, however, the principal object of admiration to the lovers of Elk flesh, and is said to be 
rich and gelatinous when boiled, resembling the celebrated green fat of the turtle. 

When captured young, the Elk is very susceptible of domestication, and in a few hours 
will learn to distinguish its keeper, and to follow him about with playful confidence. If, 
however, the animal has attained to a moderate growth, it becomes fierce, surly, and dan- 
gerous. ‘‘In the middle of the night,”’ says Audubon, speaking of a young captive Elk, ‘‘ we 
were awakened by a great noise in the hovel, and found that as it had in some measure 
recovered from its terror and state of exhaustion, it began to think of getting home, and was 
much enraged at finding itself so securely imprisoned. We were unable to do anything with 
it, for if we merely approached our hands to the opening of the hut, it’would spring at us 
with the greatest fury, roaring and erecting its mane in a manner that convinced us of the 
futility of all attempts to save it alive. We threw to it the skin of a deer, which it tore to 
pieces ina moment. This individual was a yearling, and about six feet high.” 


MOOSE, OR ELK. 


a 
Sto AY Ade 


Utes 


THE REINDEER. 561 


By careful attention, however, and good training, the Elk can be used as a beast of car- 
riage or burden, and from its great size and power is extremely valuable in that capacity. 


Two varieties of REINDEER inhabit the earth ; the one, called the Reindeer, being placed 
upon the northern portions of Europe and Asia, and the other, termed the Caribou, being 
restricted to North America. We will first describe the European variety. 

This animal is very variable in dimensions; the color is also variable, according to the 
season of year. In winter the fur is long, and of a grayish-brown tint, with the exception of 


REINDEER.—Rangifer tarandus. 


the neck, hinder quarters, abdomen, and end of nose, which are white. In the summer, the 
gray-brown hair darkens into a sooty brown, and the white portions become gray. 

In its wild state the Reindeer is a migratory animal, making annual journeys from the 
woods to the hills, and back again, according to the season. Their chief object in leaving the 
forests in the summer months appears to be their hope of escaping the continual attacks of 
mosquitoes and other insect pests that are found in such profusion about forest land. The 
principal plague of the Reindeer is one of the gad-flies, peculiar to the species, which deposits 
its eggs in the animal’s hide, and subjects it to great pain and continual harassment. Even in 
the domesticated state the Reindeer is obliged to continue its migrations, so that the owners 
of the tame herds are perforce obliged to become partakers in the annual pilgrimages, and to 
accompany their charge to the appropriate localities. 

The nature of the persecutions to which the Reindeer is continually subjected is well told 
by a correspondent to the eld newspaper: ‘‘The herd looked very miserable, as I thought ; 
there is nothing of the antlered monarch about the Reindeer, but a careworn, nervous expres- 
sion, which I do not wonder at, considering how they are bullied. There are creatures which 


562 THE CARIBOU. 


sting them all over, and creatures which lay their eggs in their ears and nostrils and make 
themselves comfortable under their skin; and wolves, and gluttons, and dogs, and Laps—in 
short, I know of no animal so persecuted (barring a rat, and he has his revenge, and lives 
on the fat of the land), and nothing in return except snow, and moss which tastes like dry 
sponge.”’ 

The Laplanders place their chief happiness in the possession of many Reindeer, which are 
to them the only representatives of wealth. Those who possess a herd of a thousand or more 
are reckoned among the wealthy of their country; those who only own a few hundreds are 
considered as persons of respectability ; while those who only possess forty or fifty are content 
to act as servants to their richer countrymen, and to merge their little herd in that of their 
employers. In the waste, dry parts of Lapland, grows a kind of white lichen, which forms 
the principal food of the Reindeer during winter, and is therefore highly prized by the natives. 
Although this lichen may be deeply covered with snow, the Reindeer is taught by instinct to 
scrape away the superincumbent snow with its head, hoofs, and snout, and to lay bare the 
welcome food that lies beneath. Sometimes the surface of the snow is frozen so firmly that 
the animal can make no impression; and under these circumstances it is in very poor case, 
many of the unfortunate creatures dying of starvation, and the others being much reduced in 
condition. 

The Reindeer is extensively employed as a beast of draught and carriage, being taught to 
draw sledges and to carry men or packages upon its back. Each Reindeer can draw a weight 
of two hundred and fifty or even three hundred pounds, its pace being between nine and ten 
miles per hour. There is, however, a humane law which prohibits a weight of more than one 
hundred and ninety pounds upon a sledge, or one hundred and thirty upon the back. It isa 
very enduring animal, as it is able to keep up this rate of progress for twelve or more hours 
together. 

The eyes of the Reindeer are very quick, and his hearing also acute; but his sense of 
smell is more wonderfully developed than either of the other senses. 


Tur Carrpovu, or American variety of the Reindeer, is a large animal, measuring three 
feet six inches in height at the shoulder when adult. Although it is specifically identical with 
the European Reindeer, it has never yet been brought under the sway of man, and trained to 
carry his goods or draw his sledges. Should it be employed for these purposes, it would be a 
most valuable servant, for it is a very strong as well as an enduring animal, leading its pur- 
suers a chase of four or five days, and often eventually making good its escape. A small herd 
of these animals was chased continually for a week ; and after tiring out their original hunters, 
lost two of their number by the bullets of some fresh hunters who took up the chase. When- 
ever practicable, the Caribou makes for the frozen surface of the lakes, and is then sure to 
escape, although the manner of doing so is ludicrously clumsy. Rushing recklessly forward, 
the Caribou will be suddenly startled by some object in its front; and on attempting to check 
its onward career, falls on the ice in a sitting posture, and in that attitude slides for a con- 
siderable distance before it can stop itself. Recovering its feet, it then makes off in another 
direction, and gets over the ground with such celerity that the hunters always yield the chase 
whenever the animal gets upon the ice. 

During the greater part of the year, the flesh of the Caribou is dry and tasteless, and when 
eaten seems to have no effect in satiating hunger. There is, however, a layer of fat, sometimes 
two or three inches in thickness, that lies under the skin of the back and croup in the male, 
and is technically termed the depouillé. This fatty deposit is so highly esteemed that it out- 
weighs in value the remainder of the carcase, including skin and horns. The marrow is also 
remarkably excellent, and is generally eaten raw. When pounded together with the depowillé 
and the dried flesh it makes the best pemmican, a substance which is invaluable to the hunter. 
Even the horns are eaten raw while they are young, soft, and in the velvet. The skin is very 
valuable, especially when taken from the young animal; and when properly dressed is an 
admirable defence against cold and moisture. With the addition of a blanket, a mantle of 
Caribou skins is an ample protection for any one who is forced to bivouac in the snow. 


THE CARIBOU. 565 


The Caribou lives in herds, which vary from ten to three hundred in number. As it is so 
valuable an animal, it is subject to great persecution at the hands of white and red hunters, 
who have very ingenious modes of trapping or stalking this wary and swift Deer. The most 
ingenious plan is that which is employed by the Esquimaux, who dig a large hole in the 
ground, about five feet in depth, and capable of holding several Deer. They then cover the 
aperture with a slab of ice or frozen snow, which is balanced on two pivots in such a way that 
when a Deer treads upon the treacherous floor it suddenly gives way, tilts him into the pit, 
and resumes its position in readiness for another victim. Another plan is to make a large 


CARIBOU.—Rangifer caribou. 


inclosure, at least a mile in circumference, and to drive the Deer into its fatal precincts. The 
space within the inclosure is formed into numerous alleys, in each of which are long nooses, 
so that the Deer are caught and strangled as they move to and fro within the pound. 

The Caribou (Rangifer caribou), or Woodland Caribou, is regarded as a peculiarly 
American species. It is large, measuring three feet six inches in height at the shoulders. 

The relationship of this species with the European has been a matter of uncertainty, 
though it is now conceded that they are distinct. 

Its present habitat is south of Hudson Bay to Lake Superior, and south-easterly to Maine 
and New Brunswick. It was probably common in most of the New England States. 

The Barren Ground Caribou (Rangifer groenlandicus) is much smaller than the preced- 


ing; the horns, however, are much larger, and are very graceful in form. It inhabits the 
barren regions of Arctic America. 


564 THE WAPITT. 


We now come to the Deer which inhabit the warm or temperate regions of the world, 
and which include the greater portion of the family. The first on the list is the WaPrvt, or 
CAROLINA STAG. 

This magnificent animal is one of the largest of the Deer tribe, the adult male measuring 
nearly five feet in height at the shoulders, and about seven feet nine inches from the nose to 
the root of the tail. It is a native of North America, where it is popularly known under the 
name of the Elk. 

The Wapiti lives in herds of variable numbers, some herds containing only ten or twenty 
members, while others are found numbering three or four hundred. These herds are always 
under the command of one old and experienced buck, who exercises the strictest discipline 
over his subjects, and exacts implicit and instantaneous obedience. When he halts, the whole 
herd suddenly stop, and when he moves on the herd follow his example. There must be some 
method by which he communicates his orders to his followers, as the entire herd will wheel 
right or left, advance or retreat, with an almost military precision. 

This position of dignity is not easily assumed, and is always won by dint of sheer strength 
and courage, the post being held against all competitors at the point of the horn. The com- 
bats that take place between the males are of a singularly fierce character, and often end in 
the death of the weaker competitor. An instance is known where a pair of these animals have 
perished in a manner similar to that which will be related of the carjacou, their horns having 
been inextricably locked together, causing the poor creatures to die a sad death of hunger 
and thirst. When attacked by the hunter, and wounded with a hurt that is not immediately 
mortal, the Wapiti will turn fiercely on his opponent, and fight with the reckless courage of 
despair. 

Although the bucks display such courage in fighting for their spouses, they treat them 
very harshly when they have secured them, and always keep the poor creatures in constant 
fear. It is not until they have lost their horns that the does seem to lose the feelings of terror 
with which they regard their hard-hearted mates. 

Even in captivity the male Wapiti retains its combative nature, as may be seen from the 
following anecdote, which is related in the work of Messrs. Audubon and Bachman. 

‘*A gentleman in the interior of Pennsylvania, who kept a pair of Elks (Wapitis) in a 
large woodland pasture, was in the habit of taking pieces of bread or a few handfuls of corn 
with him when he walked in the inclosure, to feed these animals, calling them up for the 
amusement of his friends. Having occasion to pass through his park one day, and not having 
furnished himself with bread or corn for his pets, he was followed by the buck, who expected 
his usual gratification. The gentleman, irritated by the pertinacity with which he was accom- 
panied, turned round, and picking up a small stick, hit the animal a smart blow ; upon which, 
to his astonishment and alarm, the buck, lowering his head, rushed at him, and made a 
furious pass with his horns. 

‘‘ Luckily he stumbled as he attempted to fly, and fell over the prostrate trunk of a tree 
near which lay another log, and being able to throw his body between the two trunks, the Elk 
was unable to injure him, although it butted at him repeatedly, and kept him prisoner for 
more than an hour. Not relishing this proceeding, the gentleman, as soon as he escaped, gave 
orders to have the unruly animal destroyed.” 

The Wapiti is a good swimmer, and even when very young will fearlessly breast the 
current of a wide and rapid river. Like many of the larger animals, it is fond of submerging 
itself under water in the warm weather, for the sake of cooling its heated body, and of keep- 
ing off the troublesome insects. It is also a good runner, and although burdened with its 
large and widely branched horns, can charge through the forest haunts with perfect ease. In 
performing this feat, it throws its head well back, so that the horns rest on the shoulders, and 
shoots through the tangled boughs like magic. Sometimes a Wapiti will make a slight mis- 
calculation in its leap, for Mr. Palliser saw one strike a small tree with its forehead so fiercely, 
that the recoil of the elastic trunk threw the Wapiti fairly on its back upon the ice of a frozen 
stream which it had just crossed. 

The food of the Wapiti consists of grass, wild pea-vine, various branches, and lichens. 


RED DEER 


THE STAG, OR RED DEER. 565 


In winter it scrapes among the snow with its fore-feet, so as to lay bare the scanty vegetation 
below. When alarmed or excited, it gives vent to its feelings in a peculiar loud whistling 
sound, which on a clear quiet day may be heard at the distance of a mile. While uttering this 
sound, the animal raises its head in a very peculiar manner, and seems to eject the ery by a 
kind of spasmodic jerk. The flesh of the Wapiti is in great favor among hunters, while the 
marrow-bones are prized as great dainties. The skin is also valuable, being employed in the 
manufacture of moccasins, belts, thongs, and other articles where strength and flexibility are 
required. The teeth are employed by the Indians in decorating their dresses, and a robe thus 
adorned, which is in the possession of Mr. Audubon, was valued by its manufacturers as 
equivalent to thirty horses. The horns are also employed for various useful purposes. It is 
a remarkable fact, that in no two individuals are the horns precisely alike. 

The genus Cervus is represented in South America by nine species, and by about the same 
number in North America. 

The Wapiti (Cervus canadensis) is the largest of the the Deer, save the Moose. This 
animal has borne the designation Elk, and thereby is often mistaken for the Moose of Europe. 
American naturalists have preferred to use the term Wapiti, as applied by the aborigines. 

As late as 1842 this noble beast was found in New York State. In the northwestern 
counties of Pennsylvania it was common until lately. 

The Wapiti is more nearly allied to the Red Deer, or Stag of Enrope. It is larger and 
more imposing than the latter. It was once very widely distributed ; its range extending 
from ocean to ocean, and reaching as far north as latitude fifty-seven. 


THE StTaG, or RED DEER, is spread over many parts of Hurope and Asia, and is indigenous 
to the British Islands, where it still lingers, though in vastly reduced numbers. 

In the olden days of chivalry and Robin Hood, the Red Deer were plentiful in every 
forest ; and especially in that sylvan chase which was made by the-exercise of royal tyranny 
at the expense of such sorrow and suffering. Even in the New Forest itself the Red Deer is 

_ seldom seen, and those few survivors that still serve as relics of a bygone age, are scarcely to 
be reckoned as living in a wild state, and approach nearly to the semi-domesticated condition 
of the Fallow Deer. Many of these splendid animals are preserved in parks or paddocks, 
but they no more roam the wide forests in unquestioned freedom. In Scotland, however, 
the Red Deer are still to be found, as can be testified by many a keen hunter of the present 
day, who has had his strength, craft, and coolness thoroughly tested before he could lay 
low in the dust the magnificent animal, whose head with its forest of horns now graces his 
residence. 

Formerly the Stag was placed under the protection of the severest penalties, its slaughter 
being visited with capital punishment on the offender if he could be known and arrested. 
Indeed, a man who murdered his fellow might hope to escape retribution except by the 
avenging hand of some relation of the slain man, but if he were unfortunate or daring enough 
to dip his hands in the blood of a Stag, he could hope for no mercy if he were detected in the 
offence. 

All the ancient works on hunting are filled with the praises of the Stag, which is belauded 
with a fluency of language and a fertility of expression that throw the modern sporting termi- 
nology completely into the shade. Every minute particular concerning the Stag itself, or the 
details of hunting, killing, cooking, and serving the animal is graced with its appropriate 
phrase, and if a gentleman should have perchance misplaced or omitted one of these cere- 
monious appellations, he would have been held in very low esteem by his compeers. 

Although the Stag has been several times partially domesticated and trained to run in 
harness, it is a very capricious animal, and not a very safe servant. About the month of 
August the Stag always becomes very much excited, as that is the time when he seeks his 
mate, and during a space of three or four weeks the animal is testy and irritable in temper, 
and prone to attack with a kind of blind rage every other animal except a female of his own 
species. Comparatively tame Stags become dangerous at such a season, and have frequently 
assaulted those human beings to whom they were formerly attached. The sad death of a 


2 


Co 


6 THE FALLOW DEER. 


lady by an infuriated Stag is of recent occurrence, and may serve as a warning to persons who 
are ignorant of the strange fury that makes annual seizure of the animal’s nature. 

In the attack the Stag uses his fore-feet with as much force as the horns, and often with 
terrible effect, Inasmuch as his opponent is seldom prepared for such a mode of action. The 
hard, pointed, sharp-edged hoofs of the creature become most formidable weapons in this 
mode of fighting, and are urged with such force and velocity that the coming blow can hardly 
be avoided. I once narrowly escaped an unexpected blow from a Stag’s hoof. I had been 
feeding the animal with tufts of grass, and was stroking his neck and shoulders, when he 
suddenly reared up, and struck two blows with his fore-feet with such rapidity that although 
I was aware of his intention, and sprang backwards, the second stroke just reached one finger, 
and disabled it for some days. 

The great speed of the Stag is proverbial, and needs no mention. It is an admirable 
swimmer, having been known to swim for a distance of six or seven miles, and in one instance 
a Stag landed in the night upon a beach which he could not have reached without having 
swum for a distance of ten miles. The gallant beast was discovered by some dogs as he 
landed, and being chased by them immediately after his fatiguing aquatic exploit, was over- 
come by exhaustion, and found dead on the following morning. 

The color of the Stag varies slightly according to the time of year. In the summer the 
coat is a warm, reddish-brown, but in winter the ruddy hue becomes gray. The hind quarters 
are paler than the rest of the fur. The young Red Deer are born about April, and are remark- © 
able for the variegated appearance of their fur, which is mottled with white upon the back 
and sides. As the little creatures increase in dimensions, the white marking gradually fades, 
and the fur assumes the uniform reddish-brown of the adult animal. For a short time after 
its birth the young Deer is helpless, and unable to escape even from a human pursuer, but 
it seems, nevertheless, to be possessed of much curious instinct, and to obey the mandates of 
its mother with instantaneous readiness. Mr. St. John mentions that he once saw a very 
young Red Deer, not more than an hour of age, standing by its mother and receiving her 
caresses. As soon as the watchful parent caught sight of the stranger, she raised her fore-foot 
and administered a gentle tap to her offspring, which immediately laid itself flat upon the 
ground, and crouched closely to the earth, as if endeavoring to delude the supposed enemy 
into an idea that it was nothing more than a block of stone. 


THE FaLLow DEER may readily be distinguished from the stag, by the spotted coat, the 
smaller size, and the spreading, palmated horns. 

It is never found in a truly wild state like the stag, but is largely kept in parks, and adds 
much to the beauty of the scene. There is hardly a more interesting sight than a herd of these 
graceful and active creatures, either lying calmly under the shadow of a broad clump of trees, 
or tripping along the sward under the guidance of their leaders, the old and sober proceeding 
at their peculiarly elastic trot, and the young fawn exerting all kinds of fantastic gambols by 
way of expressing the exuberance of youthful spirits. There is always one ‘‘master’’ Deer 
among them, who often couches alone in solitary state, apart from the rest of the herd, and 
only accompanied by a few chosen does whom he honors with his lordly preference. 

In his absence, the herd is commanded and guided by the younger and less formidable 
bucks, but whenever he chooses to make his appearance among his subjects, his advent is 
always heralded by a general movement among the herd, the young bucks moving silently 
aside and making room for their monarch. Sometimes a more determined male will protest 
against such inglorious conduct, and will retain his post at the head of the herd. <A threaten- 
ing movement of the head is, however, generally sufficient to make him move slowly away 
from the place of honor, and in extreme cases, the offender against royal dignity is dis- 
dainfully swept aside by a blow from the horns of the master Deer. Not until he begins 
to fail in strength will the subordinate males venture to cross horns with one who has 
fought his way to the post which he holds, and whose prowess is too practically known to be 
questioned. 

The color of the Fallow Deer is generally of a reddish-brown, spotted with white, and 


FALLOW DEER. 


THE ROEBUCK. 567 


with two or three white lines upon the body. There is, however, another variety which 
scarcely exhibits any of the white spots, and is of a deep blackish-brown. 

The food of the Fallow Deer consists chiefly of grass, but it is very fond of bread, and will 
sometimes display a very curious appreciation of unexpected dainties. I have often seen them 
eat ham-sandwiches in spite of the mustard, and enjoy them so thoroughly that they pushed 
and scrambled with each other for the fragments as they fell on the ground. The animals 
nibble bread, and will raise themselves on their hind legs in order to reach it. It is 
curious to see how a single Deer will contrive to take into her mouth the entire side of a 
‘“‘half-quartern”’ loaf, and though it projected on each side of her jaws, would manage, by 
dint of patient nibbling, to swallow the whole crust without ever letting it drop out of her 
mouth. 

It is from the Fallow Deer that the best venison is procured, that of the stag being com- 
paratively hard and dry. The skin is well known as furnishing a valuable leather, and the 
horns are manufactured into knife-handles and other articles of common use. The shavings 
of the horns are employed for the purpose of making ammonia, which has therefore been 
long popularly known under the name of hartshorn. The height of the adult Fallow Deer is 
about three feet at the shoulders. It is a docile animal, and can be readily tamed. Indeed, 
it often needs no taming, but becomes quite familiar with strangers in a very short time, 
especially if they should happen to have any fruit, bread, or biscuit, and be willing to impart 
some of their provisions to their dappled friends. 


THe SamBur, or SamBoo (Rusa aristotelis), is an example of the Rusine Deer of Asia. 
It is a large and powerful animal, exceeding the red Deer in dimensions, and equaling that 
animal in activity and energy. The horns of the Samboo are set on a rather long footstalk, a 
snag projecting forwards just above the crown, and the tip simply forked. Its color is a sooty- 
brown, with a patch of tan over the eyes, the feet, and by the root of the tail. The male pos- 
sesses a rather full and dark mane. It is generally a savage and morose creature, being 
especially vicious when it is decorated with its powerful horns. In its native land it is a 
water-loving animal, and is generally found in low-lying forest land. 


ANOTHER member of the Rusine Deer is the well-known Axts, CHITTRA, or SpoTtED Hoa 
Deer, of India and Ceylon. 

The horns are not at all unlike those of the samboo, being placed on long footstalks, and 
simply forked at their tips. The color of this pretty animal is rather various, but is generally 
a rich golden-brown, with a dark brown stripe along the back, accompanied by two series of 
white spots. The sides are covered with white spots, which at first sight appear to be scattered 
irregularly, but are seen on a careful inspection to be arranged in oblique curved lines. There 
is also a white streak across the haunches. There are, however, many varieties of the Axis 
Deer, which differ in size as well as in color. The height of the adult Axis is almost equal to 
that of the fallow Deer. 

It does not appear to possess so much restless activity as is seen in many other Deer, and 
owing to its nocturnal habits, is but seldom seen by day. It frequents the thick grass jungles, 
preferring the low-lying lands, where a stream is within easy reach, and passing the greater 
part of the day asleep, in the deep shade of the heavy foliage. If disturbed it flies off with 
great speed for a short distance, but does not appear to be capable of maintaining a long chase. 


OF the Capreoline Deer, the common Rorsuck is a familiar example. 

This animal is smaller than the fallow Deer, being only two feet and three or four inches 
in height at the shoulder, but although so small, can be really a formidable animal, on account 
of its rapid movements and great comparative strength. Speaking of this animal, Mr. St. 
John makes the following remarks. After stating that when captured young it can readily be 
tamed, he proceeds to say: 

“A tame buck becomes a dangerous pet, for after attaining to his full strength, he is very 
apt to make use of it in attacking people whose appearance he does not like, They particu- 


568 THE ROEBUCK. 


larly single out women and children as their victims, and inflict severe and dangerous wounds 
with their sharp-poimted horns. One day, at a kind of public garden, I saw a beautiful but 
small Roebuck in an inclosure, fastened with a chain, which seemed strong enough and heavy 
enough to hold down an elephant. Pitying the poor animal, an exile from his native land, I 
asked what reason they could have for ill-using him, by putting such a weight of iron about 
his neck. The keeper of the place, however, informed me, that small as the Roebuck was, 
the chain was quite necessary, as he had attacked and killed a boy of twelve years old a few 


AXIS DEER.—Avzis maculata. 


days before, stabbing the poor fellow in fifty places with his sharp-pointed horns. Of course 
I had no more to urge in his behalf.” 

Yet, according to some practical writers on the subject, the Roebuck will not turn upon 
its pursuer, even when wounded and brought to bay. It is not found in large herds like the 
fallow Deer, but is strictly monogamous, the single pair living together, contented with each 
other’s society. The horns of this animal have no basal snag, and rise straight from the fore- 
head, throwing out one antler in front, and one or two behind, according to the age of the 
individual. From the base of the horn to the first antler the horn is thickly covered with 
wrinkles. It is a most active little Deer, always preferring the highest grounds, thence form- 
ing a contrast to the fallow Deer, which loves the plains. 

The color of the Roebuck is very variable, but is generally as follows. The body is always 
of a brown tint as a ground hue, worked with either red or gray, or remaining simply brown. 

Zound the root of the tail is a patch of pure white hair, and the abdomen and inside of the 
limbs are grayish white, The chin is also white, and there is a white spot on each side of 
the lips, 


A a 
PANN 
mn 


ROEBUCK. 


THE CARJACOU, OR VIRGINIAN DEER. 569 


THE elegant and graceful CARJACOU, or VIRGINIAN Derr, is found in great numbers in 
North America, and is not only interesting to the naturalist on account of the beauty of its 
form, and the peculiarity of its habits, but is most valuable to the white and red hunters, as 
affording them an unfailing supply of food and clothing. 

The Carjacou may be known by the peculiar shape of its horns, which, in the adult male, 
are of moderate size, bent boldly backwards, and then suddenly hooked forwards, the tips 
being nearly above the nose. There is a basal snag on the internal side, pointing backward, 
and several other snags on the posterior edge. The color of this animal is extremely variable, 
being of a light reddish-brown in spring, slaty-blue in autumn, and dull brown in winter. The 
abdomen, throat, chin, and inner faces of the limbs are white. The fawn is a remarkably 
pretty little creature, the ruddy-brown fur being profusely decked with white spots, arranged 
in irregular lines, and 
sometimes merging into 
continuous stripes. The 
height of the adult ani- 
mal is five feet four 
inches, measured from 
nose to root of tail. 

It is a timid animal, 
and so easily scared that 
the sight of a child fills 
it with alarm, and urges 
it to seek refuge by 
flight. Yet, with a sin- 
gular inconsistency, 
hangs about the skirts 
of civilization, and re- 
fuses to be driven from 
its favorite spots by the 
‘ presence of man, or even 
ata by the sound of  fire- 
EN arms. Like the ourebi, 

it i) : eo Yin it has a strong attach- 
\ AVIAN WNT ASCP VW ay , yy | = 4 WBZ vs ~—sment to certain local- 
ities, and if driven from 
its resting-place on one 
day, it will surely be 
CARJACOU, OR VIRGINIAN DEER.—Cervus virginianus. found on the next day 
within a few yards of 
the same spot. Sometimes it chooses its lair in close proximity to some plantation, and, 
after feasting on the inclosed vegetables, leaps over the fence as soon as its hunger is sati- 
ated, and returns to the spot which it had previously occupied. The animal, however, does 
not often lie in precisely the same bed on successive nights, but always couches within the 
compass of a few yards. 

That the Carjacou is a good leaper has been already seen, and the experience of many eye- 
witnesses shows that it displays equal prowess in the water. It is a good swimmer, and is in 
the habit of venturing to the water-side in the warm weather, and immersing itself in the 
stream, in order to rid itself of the persecuting ticks and mosquitoes. In the work of Messrs. 
Audubon and Bachman is a rather amusing anecdote. 

“We recollect an occasion, when on sitting down to rest on the margin of the Santel 
River, we observed a pair of antlers on the surface of the water, near an old tree, not ten steps 
from us. The half-closed eye of the buck was upon us; we were without a gun, and he was 
therefore safe from any injury we could inflict upon him. Anxious to observe the cunning he 
would display, we turned our eyes another way and commenced a careless whistle, as if for 


570 THE CARJACOU, Ok VIRGINIAN DEER. 


our own amusement, walking gradually towards him in a circuitous route, until we arrived 
within a few feet of him. He had now sunk so deep in the water that an inch only of his 
nose and slight portions of his prongs were seen above the surface. At length we suddenly 
directed our eyes towards him and raised our hands, when he rushed to the shore, and dashed 
through the rattling cane-brake in rapid style.” 

The same author remarks, that the speed of the Carjacou, when swimming, is very con- 
siderable, the animal cleaving the water so rapidly that it can hardly be overtaken by a boat. 
‘As it swims, its whole body is submerged, the head only appearing above the surface. It is 
not only a swift but a very enduring swimmer, having been often seen crossing broad rivers, 
and swimming a distance of two miles. When hunted by hounds, the Virginian Deer has 
been known to baffle its pursuers by making for the sea-shore, taking boldly to the water, and 
swimming out to sea for a mile or more. 

The male is a most pugnacious animal, and engages in deadly contests with those of his 
own sex, the prize being generally a herd of does. In these conflicts one of the combatants is 
not unfrequently killed on the spot, and there are many instances of the death of both parties 
in consequence of the horns interlocking within each other, and so binding the two opponents 
into a common fate. To find these locked horns is not a very uncommon occurrence, and in 
one instance three pair of horns were found thus entangled together, the skulls and skeletons 
lying as proofs of the deadly nature of the strife. 

In those parts of the country where it is unable to visit the plantations, the Carjacou feeds 
on the young grasses of the plains, being fastidiously select in choosing the tenderest herbage. 
In winter it finds sustenance on various buds and berries, and in autumn it finds abundant 
banquets under the oaks, chestnuts, and beeches, revelling upon the fallen fruit in amicable 
fraternity with other quadrupeds and various birds. This variety of food does not render the 
animal fat at all times of the year, for excepting in the months of August, September, and 
October, the Carjacou is in very poor condition. It is then, however, very fat, and the venison 
is of remarkably fine quality. It is in October:and November that the buck becomes so com- 
bative, and in a very few weeks he has lost all his sleek condition, shed his horns, and retired 
to the welcome shelter of the forest. 

The sight of the Carjacou does not seem to be very keen, but its senses of scent and hear- 
ing are wonderfully acute. The slightest sound, even the snapping of a dry twig, will startle 
this wary animal, and the sense of smell is so acute that it is able to track its companions 
solely by means of the scent. It is a thirsty animal, requiring water daily, and generally 
visiting some stream or spring at nightfall. It is remarkably fond of salt, and resorts in great 
numbers to the saline springs, or “‘salt-licks,’’ as they are popularly termed. The Deer do 
not drink the briny water, but prefer licking the stones at the edge where the salt has crystal- 
lized from the evaporation of the water. 

When observed, the Carjacou leaps into the air like the bush-buck under similar circum- 
stances, turning its head in every direction in order to detect the cause of its alarm, and then 
rushing away at full speed. Before it is accustomed to molestation, it starts from its lair long 
before the hunter can approach, but when it has frequently been harassed, it lies down, 
crouching to the ground, and endeavoring to escape the sight of its foe. Whenever it behaves 
in this manner it is easily outwitted, by riding or walking round the prostrate animal, and 
gradually lessening the circle, until it is within easy range. 

When captured while young, the Carjacou is easily domesticated, and becomes even 
troublesome in its confident tameness. <A pair of these animals that were kept by Mr. Audu- 
bon were most mischievous creatures. They would jump into his study window, and when 
the sashes were shut would leap through glass and woodwork like harlequin in a pantomime. 
They ate the covers of his books, nibbled his papers, and scattered them in sad confusion, 
gnawed the carriage-harness, cropped all the choice garden plants, and finally took to biting 
off the heads and feet of the ducklings and chickens. 

The skin of the Carjacou is peculiarly valuable to the hunter, for when properly dressed 
and smoked, it becomes as pliable as a kid glove, and does not shrivel or harden when sub- 


THE MUSK DEER. 571 


jected to the action of water. Of this material are formed the greater part of the native 
Indian’s apparel, and it is also employed for various articles of civilized raiment. 

As the Carjacou feeds, it always shakes its tail before it lowers or raises its head. So by 
watching the movement of the tail, the hunter knows when he may move towards his intended. 
prey, and when he must lie perfectly quiet. So truly indicative of the animal is this habit, that 
when an Indian wishes to signal to another that he sees a Carjacou, he moves his fore-finger up 
and down. ‘This sign is invariably understood by all the tribes of North American Indians. 


THE American Red Deer (Cervus virginianus) is the most familiar of the various species. 
It is absurd to perpetuate the specific name of this animal, as well as that of the preceding 
species ; both are meaningless, as the animals are in no way represented by them. Yet, the 
law of priority in nomenclature keeps them in place. It would be much better could some 
authorized body of naturalists sit in judgment on these objectionable names, and substitute 
appropriate ones—americana would justly represent the great Wapiti; whereas, canadensis 
only refers tc a small portion of its habitat. So with the Red Deer, Virginia is, certainly, 
not an especially favorite resort of the species. 

The White-tailed Deer (Cervus lewcurws) is the Long-tailed of Lewis and Clark, in earlier 
times. Its distinguishing characteristics are a long tail, narrow hoofs, and compact fur. The 
ears are gray, with a white spot at the base. The anal region and under surface of the tail are 
white. The tail is reddish above. The feet are long and slender. This species is very abun- 
dant on the Upper Platte and Upper Missouri, where it takes the place of the Virginia Deer. 


THE Sonora Deer (Cervus mexicanus) resembles the Virginia Deer in general characters, 
but is smaller. The tail is shorter and 
whiter, and the ears are thinner. 


THE Mule Deer (Cervws macrotis) is 
quite readily distinguished from other 
species by its long ears, and its larger size. 
It is next to the Wapiti in general dimen- 
sions. The horns are doubly two-pronged ; 
the forks nearly equal. The ears are 
nearly as long as the tail, and give the 
creature quite an aspect of the mule. It 
inhabits the Upper Missouri region and 
on the banks of the Yellowstone. 


THE Black-tailed Deer (Cervus colum- 
bianus) is about the size of the virginia- 
nus. There is a distinct dusky horseshoe 
mark on the forehead between the eyes. 
It is nearer the Mule Deer than any other 
species, having similiar antlers. It in- 
habits Oregon and California. 

Many of the South American Deer are 
small, and very pleasing in proportions. 


MUSK DEER.—Moschus moschiferus. 


Tue Moschine Deer are readily known 
by the absence of horns in both sexes, the extremely long canine teeth of the upper jaw in the 
males, and the powerfully odorous secretion in one of the species, from which they derive their 
popular as well as their scientific title. There are at least eight or nine species of these 
curious animals. 

The most celebrated of these little Deer is the common Musk DEER, which is a native of 
she northern parts of India, and is found spread throughout a very large range of country, 


572 THE NAPU, OR JAVA MUSK. 


always preferring the cold and elevated mountainous regions. The height of the adult Musk 
Deer is about two feet three inches at the shoulders ; the color is light brown, marked with a 
shade of grayish-yellow. Inhabiting the rocky and mountainous locations of its native home, 
it is remarkably active and sure-footed, rivalling even the chamois or the goat in the agility 
with which it can ascend or descend the most fearful precipices. The great length of the 
false hoofs adds much to the security of the Musk Deer’s footing upon the crags. 

It is only in the male that the long tusks are seen, and that the perfume called musk 
is secreted. The tusks are sometimes as much as three inches in length, and therefore project 
considerably beyond the jaw. In shape they are compressed, pointed, and rather sharp-edged. 
The natives say that their principal use is in digging up the kastooree plant, a kind of sub- 
terranean bulb on which the Musk Deer feeds, and which imparts the peculiar perfume to the 
odorous secretion. The musk is produced in a glandular pouch placed in the abdomen, and 
when the animal is killed for the sake of this treasure, the musk bag is carefully removed, so 
as to defend its precious contents from exposure to the air. When securely taken from the 
animal, the musk is of so powerful an odor as to cause headache to those who inhale its over- 
powering fragrance. The affluence of perfume that resides in the musk is almost incredible, 
for a small piece of this wonderful secretion may remain in a room for many years, and at 
the end of that time will give forth an odor which is apparently not the least diminished 
by time. 

On account of the value of the musk, the animal which furnishes the precious substance 
is subjected to great persecution on the part of the hunters, who annually destroy great num- 
bers of these active little animals. The native 
hunters await the season of migration, when 
the Deer are forced to pass into more clement 
latitudes in search of subsistence, and beset 
their path with various traps, besides seizing 
every opportunity of destroying them by mis- 
siles. Although so good a leaper, and so well 
adapted for traversing the rocky crags of its 
native hills, the Musk Deer is not a very good 
climber, and descends slopes with great diffi- 
culty. 


ANOTHER member of the Moschine group 
is the Kanonit, or Premy Musk (Zrdagulus 
pygmaeus), a Deer which is found in the 
Asiatic islands, and which is as celebrated for 
its cunning as is the fox among ourselves. 

This animal is not nearly so large as the 
musk Deer, and although somewhat similar in 
color, may be distinguished by a broad black 
stripe which runs along the back of the neck, 
and forms a wide band across the chest. In- 
stead of living in the cold and lofty mountain = eae 
ranges which are inhabited by the musk Deer, KANCHIL, OR PIGMY MUSK DEER.—Zragulus pygmeus. 
the Kanchil prefers the thickly wooded dis- 
tricts of the Javanese forests. Like many other animals, the Kanchil is given to ‘‘ possuming,”’ 
or feigning death when it is taken in a noose or trap, and as soon as the successfui hunter 
releases the clever actor from the retaining cord, it leaps upon its feet and darts away before 
he has recovered from his surprise. 


Tue Napu, or JAvA Musk, inhabits Java and Sumatra, and without possessing the intel- 
lect of the Kanchil, is a very pleasing animal to the sight, and as it is readily domesticated, is 
well adapted to European menageries. 


BACTRIAN CAMEL.—Camelus bactrianus. 


vec CA MELE: 


ROM the earliest times that are recorded in history, the CAMEL is mentioned as one of 
the animals which are totally subject to the sway of man, and which in eastern 
countries contribute so much to the wealth and influence of their owners. 

There are two species of Camel acknowledged by zoologists, namely, the common 

Camel of Arabia, which has but one hump, and the Mecheri, or Bactrian Camel, 

which possesses two of these curious appendages. Of these two animals, the former 

is by far the more valuable, as it is superior to its two-humped relative in almost 

every respect. Admirably fitted, as are all animals, for the task which they are intended to 

perform, the Camel presents such wonderful adaptations of form to duty, that the most super- 

ficial observer cannot but be struck with the exquisite manner in which the creature has been 

endowed with the various qualities of mind and body which are needful under the peculiar 
circumstances amid which it dwells. 

As the animal is intended to traverse the parched sand plains, and to pass several con- 

*secutive days without the possibility of obtaining liquid nourishment, there is an internal 

structure which permits the animal to store up a considerable amount of water for future use. 

For this purpose, the honeycomb cells of the ‘‘reticulum”’ are largely developed, and are 

enabled to receive and retain the water which is received into the stomach after the natural 

thirst of the animal has been supplied. After a Camel has been accustomed to journeying 

across the hot and arid sand wastes, it learns wisdom by experience, and contrives to lay by a 

much greater supply of water than would be accumulated by a young and untried animal. It 


574 CHARACTER OF THE CAMET. 


is supposed that the Camel is, in some way, able to dilate the honeycomb cells, and to force 
them to receive a large quantity of the priceless liquid. 

A large and experienced Camel will receive five or six quarts of water into its stomach, 
and is enabled to exist for as many days without needing to drink. Aided by this internal 
supply of water, the Camel can satiate its hunger by browsing on the hard and withered thorns 
that are found scattered thinly through the deserts, and suffers no injury to its palate from 
their iron-like spears, that would direfully wound the mouth of any less sensitive creature. 
The Camel has even been known to eat pieces of dry wood, and to derive apparent satisfaction 
from its strange meal. 

The feet of the Camel are well adapted for walking upon the loose, dry sand, than which 
substance is no more uncertain footing. The toes are very broad, and are furnished with soft, 
wide cushions, that present a considerable surface to the loose soil, and enable the animal to 
maintain a firm hold upon the shifting sands. As the Camel is constantly forced to kneel in 
order to be loaded or relieved of its burden, it is furnished upon the knees and breast with 
thick callous pads, which support its weight without injuring the skin. Thus fitted by nature 
for its strange life, the Camel faces the desert sands with boldness, and traverses the arid 
regions with an ease and quiet celerity that has gained for the creature the title of Ship 
of the Desert. 

The Camel is invariably employed as an animal of carriage, when in its native land, and 
is able to support a load of five or six hundred pounds’ weight without being over-loaded. 
The Arab will not willingly injure his Camel by placing too heavy a burden upon its back, but 
in India, and some other countries where the Camel has been naturalized and domesticated, its 
treatment is barbarous in the extreme. Hundreds of valuable animals are annually sacrificed 
on account of the covetousness of their owners, who know that they will receive payment for 
every Camel that falls upon the journey, and are consequently indifferent to the suffering and 
condition of those animals which they have nominally taken under their care. 

The pace of the Camel is not nearly so rapid as is generally supposed, and even the speed 
of the Heirie, or swift Camel, has been greatly exaggerated. ‘‘In crossing the Nubian desert,” 
says Captain Peel, ‘‘I paid constant attention to the march of the Camels, hoping it might be 
of some service hereafter in determining our position. The number of strides in a minute with 
the same foot varied very little, only from thirty-seven to thirty-nine, and thirty-eight was 
the average ; but the length of the stride was more uncertain, varying from six feet six inches 
to seven feet six inches. As we were always urging the Camels, who seemed, like ourselves, 
to know the necessity of pushing on across that fearful tract, I took seven feet as the average. 
These figures give a speed of 2.62 geographical miles per hour, or exactly three English 
miles, which may be considered as the highest speed that Camels, lightly loaded, can keep 
up on a journey. In general, it will not be more than two and a half English miles. My 
dromedary was one of the tallest, and the seat of the saddle was six feet six inches above the 
ground.”’ 

The speed of the Heirie is seldom more than eight or ten miles per hour, but the endurance 
of the animal is so wonderful, that it is able to keep up this pace for twenty hours without 
stopping. To back a Heirie at full speed isa terrible task, as the peculiar jolting trot at which 
the animal proceeds is so rough and irregular that it seems to dislocate every bone, and to 
shake the digestive organs almost out of their places. It is needful for any one who wishes to 
make a long journey on one of these animals to swathe himself tightly in bandages, in order 
to save himself from the ill effects of long continued jolting. 

The gentle disposition and sweet temper of the Camel is quite as imaginary as its speed, 
for the creature is truly an ill-conditioned and morose beast, ever apt to bite, and so combative 
as to engage in terrible conflicts with its own species as soon as it is relieved of its load. 
Taking advantage of this disposition, the native chiefs will often amuse themselves by com- 
bats between fighting Camels, which are trained for the purpose, like the fighting tigers and 
buffaloes of India. 

The true disposition of the Camel is told in a very spirited manner by the author of “ Life 
among the Pandies.”’ 


ok} 


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CHARACTER OF THE CAMEL. 575 


‘Invaluable he is, I admit; likewise hardy, capable of carrying enormous loads for great 
distances under a frightful sun, and generally admirably suited for the purpose to which he is 
put, namely, that of a baggage animal. But to say that a Camel is patient, to affirm that this 
great, grumbling, groaning, brown brute is either docile, meek, or sweet-tempered, is stating 
what is simply not the case ; and I have no hesitation in saying, that never do I remember to 
have seen a Camel in a good humor, or otherwise than in open or moody hostility with the 
world at large; at least, if outward appearances are to be credited. 

‘Watch him when he is being loaded; see his keeper struggling frantically with him, 
only succeeding in making him kneel down for the purpose by sheer force, and when down, 
only keeping him there by tying neck and fore-legs together tightly with a piece of string ; 
hear him grumbling in deep, bubbling tones, with mouth savagely opened, and I think that 
then, at least, you will admit he is by no means in as amiable a frame of mind as one could 
wish. Observe him now that the process of loading is completed, and the string which held 
him in subjection loosened ; up he rises, a great brown mountain, still groaning, still bubbling, 
and away he goes, madly dashing to and fro, and shaking off tables, portmanteaus, beds, fur- 
niture, and baggage in a scattered shower around him; and I think that even his stanchest 
admirers will allow, that neither at this moment is he in what one would call a pleasant 
humor. ; 

‘“Mr. Camel having, after some battling, been overcome and compelled to carry the load to 
which he so objected, but not until he has damaged it considerably, arrives when the march is 
over at the camping ground. It is then necessary to make him kneel down to have that load 
removed, grumbling as much as ever, in opposition as usual, beaten physically, but with soul 
unsubdued, and internally in a state of rebellion and mutiny, a sort of volcano ready at any 
moment to burst forth.” 


The ‘“‘hump”’ of the Camel is a very curious part of its structure, and is of great impor- 
tance in the eyes of the Arabs, who judge of the condition of their beasts by the size, shape, 
and firmness of the hump. They say, and truly, that the Camel feeds upon his hump, for in 
proportion as the animal traverses the sandy wastes of its desert lands, and suffers from priva- 
tion and fatigue, the hump diminishes. At the end of a long and painful journey, the hump 
will often nearly vanish, and it cannot be restored to its pristine form until the animal has 
undergone a long course of good feeding. When an Arab is about to set forth on a desert 
journey, he pays great attention to the humps of his Camels, and watches them with jealous 
care. 

Independently of its value as a beast of burden, the Camel is most precious to its owners, 
as it supplies them with food and clothing. The milk mixed with meal is a favorite dish 
among the children of the desert, and is sometimes purposely kept until it is sour, in which 
state it is very grateful to the Arab palate, but especially nauseous to that of a European. 
The Arabs think that any man is sadly devoid of taste who prefers the sweet new milk to that 
which has been mellowed by time. A kind of very rancid butter is churned from the cream by 
a remarkably simple process, consisting of pouring the cream into a goat-skin sack, and 
shaking it constantly until the butter is formed. The flesh of the Camel is seldom eaten, prob- 
ably because the animal is too valuable to be killed merely for the sake of being eaten. Some- 
times, however, in a season of great festivity, a rich Arab will slay one of his Camels, and 
calling all his friends and relations to the banquet, they hold high festival upon the unaccus- 
tomed dainty. The long hair of the Camel is spun into a coarse thread, and is employed in the 
manufacture of broadcloths and similar articles. At certain times of the year, the Camel 
sheds its hair, in order to replace its old coat by a new one, and the Arabs avail themselves of 
the looseness with which the hair is at these times adherent to the skin, to pluck it away with- 
out injuring the animal. 

In extreme cases, when the water has failed for many days, and the desert fountains are 
dried up, the Camel dies for the purpose of prolonging the life of its master, and yields up the 
store of water which is laid up in the cells of the stomach. The water thus obtained is of a 
light green color, and very unpleasant to the palate ; but when a man is dying of thirst he is 


576 THE BACTRIAN CAMEL. 


not very particular as to the quality of the liquid which may save his life. Unpleasant though 
it be, this water is hardly more unpalatable than that which is carried in leathern bags on the 
Camel’s back, and which is not only heated by the rays of the fierce sun, but is strongly 
impregnated with a leathery flavor, and smells as if it were taken out of a tan-pit. The water 
which is taken from the Camel’s stomach is even cooler than that which has been carried on 
its back, as the natural heat of the animal is not comparable to that which is produced by the 
continual rays of the burning desert sun. 

The height of an ordinary Camel at the shoulder is about six or seven feet, and its color is 
a light brown, of various depths in different individuals, some specimens being nearly black, 
and others almost white. The dromedary is the lighter breed of Camel, and is chiefly used for 


VICUGNA.—Auchenia vicunna. 


riding, while the ordinary Camel is employed as a beast of burden. Between the two animals 
there is about the same difference as between a dray-horse and a hunter, the Heirie being 
analogous to the race-horse. 


THE BactriAN CAMEL is readily to be distinguished from the ordinary Camel by the 
double hump which it bears on its back, and which is precisely analogous in its structure and 
office to that of the Arabian Camel. ; 

The general formation of this animal ; its lofty neck, raising its head high above the solar 
radiations from the heated ground ; its valve-like nostrils, that close involuntarily if a grain of 
drifting sand should invade their precincts; its wide cushion-like feet, and its powers of absti- 
nence, prove that, like its Arabian relative, it is intended for the purpose of traversing vast 
deserts without needing refreshment on the way. This species is spread through central Asia, 
Thibet, and China, and is domesticated through a large portion of the world. It is not so 
enduring an animal as the Arabian species, requiring a fresh supply of liquid every three days ; 
while the Arabian camel can exist without water for five or even six days. It is employed by 
the Persians in a rather curious military capacity ; its saddle being furnished with one or two 
swivel guns, which are managed by the rider. The corps is called the Camel Artillery, and is 
of considerable value in the peculiar mode of fighting which is prevalent in the East. 


THE VICUGNA. 577 


The height of the Bactrian Camel is rather more than that of the Arabian species, and 
its color is generally brown, which sometimes deepens into sooty black, and sometimes fades 
into a dirty white. 


Tue true camels are exclusively confined to the Old World, but find representatives in the 
New World in four acknowledged species of the genus Llama. 

These animals are comparatively small in their dimensions, and possess no hump, so that they 
may easily be distinguished from the camels. Their hair is very woolly, and their countenance 
has a very sheep-like expression, so that a full-haired Llama instantly reminds the spectator 
of a long-legged, long-necked sheep. The feet of the Llamas are very different from those of 
the camels, as their haunts are always found to be upon rocky ground, and their feet must 


YAMMA, OR LLAMA.—Auchenia lama. 


of necessity be accommodated to the ground on which they are accustomed to tread. The toes of 
the Llama are completely divided, and are each furnished with a rough cushion beneath, and a 
strong, claw-like hoof above, so that the member may take a firm hold of rocky and uneven 
ground. 

Four species of Llamas are now acknowledged ; namely, the Vicugna, the Guanaco, the 
Yamma, and the Alpaca, each of which will be briefly described. 


Tur Vicuena is found in the most elevated localities of Batavia and Northern Chili, and 
is a very wild and untamable animal, having resisted all the attempts of the patient natives to 
reduce it to a state of domestication. It is extremely active and sure-footed in its mountain 
home, and being equally timid and wary, is seldom captured in a living state. Tt lives in herds 
near the region of perpetual snow, and in its habits bears some resemblance to the chamois. 
The short, soft, silken fur of this animal is very valuable, and causes the death of thousands 
of Vicugnas, which are slain by various methods merely for the sake of their coats. The 


578 THE GUANACO. 


color of the Vicugna is a nearly uniform brown, tinged with yellow on the back, and fading 
into gray on the abdomen. Its height at the shoulder is about two feet six inches. 


THE GUANACO is spread over a very wide range of country, ranging over the whole of the 
temperate regions of Patagonia. The color of this species is a reddish-brown, the ears and 
hind legs gray. The neck is long in comparison to the size of the body, and the height at the 
shoulder is about three feet six inches. 

The Guanaco lives in herds varying in number from ten to thirty or forty, but is some- 

‘times seen in flocks of much greater numbers, resembling sheep, not only in their gregarious 
habits, but in the implicit obedience with which they rely upon their leader. Should they be 
deprived of his guardianship they become so bewildered that they run aimlessly from spot to 
spot, and can be easily destroyed by experienced hunters. It is a very wary and timid animal ; 


ALPACA, OR PACO.—Auchenia paco. 


but like many creatures of similar disposition, is possessed with so strong a feeling of curiosity 
that it can be attracted towards the hunter if he lies down on the ground and kicks his feet in 
the air. Even the reports of his rifle do not frighten the animals, who, says Darwin, consider 
them as part of the performance. Still, it is a quick-sighted and wary animal, and if it per- 
ceives a human being approaching its domicile, it sets up a shrill neighing scream, which is 
often the first intimation of its presence. The whole herd then set off into a rapid canter along 
the hill-side, and gain some elevated spot where they can feel themselves safe. 

The Guanaco, in common with the other species, is rather short-tempered, and has a very 
unpleasant habit of displaying its anger by discharging a shower of half-digested food and 
saliva over the offender. Formerly, this salival discharge was thought to be acrid, and capable 
of raising blisters upon the human skin. This, however, is fortunately not the case, although 
the assault is eminently disagreeable, on account of the ill scent of the ejected liquid. In its 
wild state the Guanaco seems to have little or no idea of resistance, being easily held by a 
single dog until the hunter can come up and make sure of his prize. But in domesticated life, 
it seems to imbibe a spirit of combativeness, for it will kick with both hind legs, and deliver 
severe blows with the knees of those limbs. Among themselves, however, the mates fight 
desperately, the cause of combat being generally some favored and coveted female. 


THE ALPACA. 579 


The Guanaco is wonderfully sure-footed upon rocky ground, and is also a good swimmer, 
taking voluntarily to the water, and swimming from one island to another. When near the 
sea, it will drink the salt water, and has often been observed in the act of drinking the briny 
waters of certain salt springs. 


THe YAMMA, or LLAMA, is of a brown, or variegated color, and its legs are long and 
slender. In former days, this animal was the only beast of burden which was possessed by 
the natives, and it was largely used by the Spaniards (who described it as a sheep) for the 
same purpose. It is able to carry a weight of one hundred pounds, and to traverse about 
fourteen or fifteen miles per diem. As a beast of burden, it is now being rapidly supplanted 
by the ass, while the European sheep is gradually taking its place as a wool-bearer. The flesh 
of the Llama is dark and coarse, and is accordingly held in bad repute. 


THe ALPACA, or Paco, is, together with the last animal, supposed by several zoologists to 
be only a domesticated variety of the Guanaco. Its color is generally black, but, is often 
variegated with brown and white. The wool of this species is long, soft, silky, and extremely 
valuable in the commercial world. A herd of Llamas has been imported into Australia, and 
seems to have succeeded remarkably well, the yield of wool having been quite as rich as was 
hoped by the enterprising importer. It isa handsome and a gentle animal, and is only found 
in a domesticated state. 


SSS = 


TARPAN.—Zquus tarpan. 


Isl (yee ts) 1S), 
~) 
2 ¢ HE Horse has, from time immemorial, been made the companion and servant of 
Gah man, and its original progenitors are unknown. It is supposed, however, that 
Ut the Horse must have derived its origin from Central Asia, and from thence 


have spread to almost every portion of the globe. 
There are several countries, such as Tartary and Northern America, where 
the Horse runs wild, and has almost entirely reverted to its primeval state, . 
thus affording an idea of the manners and customs of the Horse before it was 
subjected to the dominion of man. In Tartary, the Wild Horses are found in herds, consist- 
ing of many thousands in number, and are actuated by a wonderful spirit of discipline, each 
herd acting under the commands of a single leader, and executing his orders with military 
precision. The Tartars recruit their studs from these herds, capturing the best and strongest 
animals with the aid of a falcon, which is trained to settle on the Horse’s head, and flutter 
its wings about his face so as to blind and detain him until the hunter comes up to secure 
his prize. The horses thus taken are coupled with the tame animals, and in a very short 
time learn to perform their share ef the work, and to obey the orders of their master as 
implicitly as they once obeyed those of their quadrupedal leader. 

Each herd is headed by an old experienced Horse, who holds his position by right of 
conquest, and loses his chieftainship if vanquished by any opponent. The young males are 
always excluded from these herds, and are forced to live solitary lives until they can attract 
some of the opposite sex, and set up an establishment on their own account. The color of the 
Wild Horse of Tartary is red, with a black stripe along the back. 

Not only do the Tartars ride their horses, but they drink the milk and eat the flesh, so 
that a Horse-hunt is often conducted merely as a food-procuring expedition. From the milk 
the Tartars manufacture a peculiar sub-acid liquid, which they term ‘‘koumiss,”’ and is made 


THE MUSTANG.  «Byehal 


by permitting it to become sour, and then stirring the curd and milk violently with a large 
stick until it is forced into a homogeneous mass. From the same substance the Tartars make 
a fermented liquid. These Horses are very strong and hardy, and the breed is preserved in 
good condition by the custom which prevails among the Tartars of killing and eating the 
defective or weak foals, and preserving the strong and healthy for use. Being brought up 
with the family, the Tartar Horse is very gentle and familiar with its owners. When they are 
only a few months of age they are ridden by the children, but never backed by a man until 
they are five or six years old. They are then, however, severely treated, being forced to travel 
for several consecutive days, and to endure great privations of hunger and thirst. 


MUSTANG. 


ANOTHER well-known example of the Wild Horse is the Mustane of the American 
prairies. 

This animal is congregated into vast herds, which are always under the guardianship of a 
single leader, who is able, in some wonderful manner, to convey his orders to all his subjects 
simultaneously. Although surrounded by various enemies, such as the puma, the wolf, and 
the jaguar, they care little for these ravenous and powerful carnivora, trusting in their united 
strength to save them from harm. There is no animal that will dare to face a troop of Wild 
Horses, which often entice the domesticated animals into their ranks, and carry them exult- 
ingly into the free plains. 

The Mustang is always a strong and a useful animal, and is much sought after as a saddle- 

_horse. To capture these wild creatures is a very difficult matter, and is generally managed by 
the help of the lasso, although the rifle is sometimes called into requisition in difficult cases. 
This latter plan, technically called ‘‘ creasing,’’ is never employed but by very accurate marks- 
men, as the difference of half an inch in the line of fire is sufficient either to miss the animal 
or to kill it on the spot. In ‘‘creasing’’ a Horse, the hunter aims so as to graze the skull just 
behind the ear, the sudden blow stunning the horse for a few seconds, during which time the 
hunter pounces on the bewildered animal, and secures it before it has fairly recovered its 
senses. 


Or 
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bo 


THE ARAB HORSE. 


The lasso is, however, generally employed for this purpose, and as it can be thrown with 
precision to a distance of thirty feet, is a terrible weapon in practised hands. This formidable 
instrument is very simple in construction, being a carefully plaited rope of green hide, one end 
being furnished with an iron ring, and the other extremity fastened to the saddle. When not 
in use, it is hung in coils upon a projection of the saddle, but when the hunter has his game 
in view, he throws the coils over his left arm, makes a slip-noose by means of the iron ring, 
and then grasping the ring and cord firmly in his left hand, so as to prevent the noose from 
slipping, he grasps the centre of the noose and the main cord in his right hand, and is then 
ready for action. Swinging the large noose, four or five feet in diameter, around his head, 
the weight of the iron ring giving a powerful impetus, the hunter is able to hurl the leathern 
cord to its full length, and with deadly aim. As the noose flies circling through the air it 
gradually contracts in diameter, so that the hunter is forced to accommodate the size of the 
loop to the distance of the object aimed at. 

When fully caught, the Mustang is savage and furious at his discomfiture, and would 
speedily escape from his bondage but for the clever and simple method of subjection which is 
employed. The lasso being flung round its neck, the Horse nearly strangles itself by its 
plungings and struggles, and is soon reduced to stand still and gasp for breath. The hunter 
now dismounts from his Horse, and keeping his hands on the lasso, advances cautiously 
towards the captured animal, hauling the rope tight whenever it tries to escape. In a short 
time he works his way towards the creature’s head, and seizing its muzzle in his hand, blows 
strongly into its nostrils. Overcome by some strange influence, the Horse immediately 
becomes quiet, and in a few hours can scarcely be distinguished from a regularly trained 
animal. 

This mode of reducing the Horse to subjection is employed by the Comanche and neigh- 
boring Indians, but the Gauchos, or inhabitants of the Pampas, manage in a different and far 
more cruel manner, the idea of humanity never entering the head of either Indian or white 
man. As soon asa Wild Horse is captured, its legs are suddenly pulled aside, and the poor 
animal falls prostrate on the ground. A Gaucho then seats himself on his head, while others 
gird a saddle tightly on his back, and force a bit into his mouth. The rider next stands astride : 
the prostrate quadruped, which is then released from the weight upon its head. Up leaps the 
Horse, striving in vain to escape, for the Gaucho seats himself in the saddle as the animal rises, 
and is never to be shaken off as long as the Horse disobeys his will. However restive the poor 
creature may be, it soon exhausts itself by unavailing efforts, and becomes passively sub- 
missive. Sometimes a stubborn and determined animal refuses to move, and stands rooted to 
the spot on which it had fallen. The cruel spurs of the Gaucho, however, soon set it going, 
and in a very short time it is thoroughly subdued. 


THE elegant, swift, and withal powerful Horses of which England is so proud, from which 
our own best breeds are descended, and which are employed in the chase or the course, owe 
their best qualities to the judicious admixture of the Arabian blood. The AraB Horse has 
long been celebrated for its swift limbs, exquisite form, and affectionate disposition ; the latter 
quality resulting, however, chiefly from the manner in which it is tamed. 

There are several breeds of Arab Horses, only one of which is of very great value. This 
variety, termed the Kochlani, is so highly prized, that a mare of the pure breed can hardly be 
procured at any cost, and even the male animal is not easy of attainment. The pedigree of 
these Horses is carefully preserved, and written in most florid terms upon parchment. In 
some cases, the genealogy is said to extend for nearly two thousand years. The body of the 
Arab Horse is very light, its neck long and arched, its eye full and soft, and its limbs delicate 
and slender. The temper of the animal is remarkably sweet, for as it has been born and bred 
among the family of its owner, it avoids injuring even the little children that roll about 
among its legs, as carefully as if they’were its own offspring. So attached to its owner is this 
beautiful Horse, that if he should be thrown from its back, the animal will stand quietly by 
its prostrate master, and wait until he gains strength to remount. 

The training of the Kochlani is not so severe as is generally imagined, for the presence of 


— THE RACE HORSE. 583 


water and abundant pasturage is absolutely necessary in order to rear the animal in a proper 
manner. Not until the strength and muscles of the animal are developed, is a trial permitted, 
and then it is truly a terrible one. When the mare—for the male animal is never ridden by 
the Arabs—-has attained her full development, she is mounted for the first time, and ridden at 
full speed for fifty or sixty miles without respite. Hot and fainting, she is then forced into 
deep water, which compels her to swim, and if she does not feed freely immediately after this 
terrific trial, she is rejected as unworthy of being reckoned among the true Kochlani. 


lyf 


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ES MUELLER =~ Cosnpclicud 


ARAB HORSE. 


For the animals which will stand this terrible test the Arab has almost an idolatrous 
regard, and will oftentimes spare an enemy merely on account of his steed. 


THE Race Horse and Trotrrne Horse are, perhaps, the most admirable examples of the 
perfection to which a domesticated animal can be brought by careful breeding and training. 

Whatever may have been its original source, the Racer has been greatly improved by the 
mixture of Arab blood, through the means of the Godolphin and Derby Arabians. The cele- 
brated Horse Eclipse was a descendant, on the mother’s side, of the Godolphin Arabian, that 
wonderful animal which was rescued from drawing a cart in Paris, and which was afterwards 
destined to play so important a part in regenerating the breed of English racers. He was also 
descended, on his father’s side, from the Darley Arabian. It is a remarkable fact, that both 
parents of this extraordinary animal were unappreciated by their owners; Marsk, his father, 


584 THE HUNTER. 


having been purchased for a mere trifle, and then permitted to run nearly wild in the New 
Forest. Spiletta, his mother, only ran one race, in which she was beaten, and Squirt, the 
father of Marsk, was actually saved by the intercession of a groom as he was being led to the 
slaughter-house. 

Eclipse was never beaten, and his racing career extended only through seventeen months, 
and in that short period of time he won more than $125,000. At his last race he was obliged 
to walk over the course, as no one dared enter a Horse against him. Ten years after that 
event, his owner, Mr. O’ Kelly, was requested to sell him, and demanded the sum of $125,000, 
an annuity of $2,500 a year, together with six of his offspring yearly. When he died, in 
1789, he was twenty-five years old, and had realized for his owner a princely fortune. His 


HUNTER. 


shape was very remarkable, the hinder quarters being considerably higher than the shoulders, 
and his breathing was so thick that it could be heard at a considerable distance. He was origi- 
nally purchased for about $400. 


Many thoroughbred Horses which are not suitable for the purposes of the turf are admira- 
bly adapted for the chase, and are trained for that purpose. The body of the Hunter should 
not be so long as that of the racer, and requires greater compactness, in order that he may not 
fatigue himself by taking too long a stride over ploughed land. A comparatively large foot is 
required, in order to save it from being destroyed by the rapid alternation of soft and hard 
ground which the animal is obliged to traverse, and which would batter a small contracted foot 
to such an extent as to render the Horse useless. The low shoulders of Eclipse would be very 
injurious in a Hunter, on account of the numerous and trying leaps which it is often called 
upon to perform. 

The best bred Horses are generally the most affectionate and docile, although their spirit 
is very high, and their temper hot and quick. There are few animals which are more affec- 
tionate than a Horse, which seems to feel a necessity for attachment, and if his sympathies be 
not roused by human means, he will make friends with the nearest living being: Cats are 
great favorites with Horses, and even the famous Chillaby, called, from his ferocity, the Mad 


THE HUNTER. 585 


Arabian, had his little friend in the shape of a lamb, which would take any liberties with him, 
and was accustomed to butt at the fliesas they came too near his strange ally. The Godol- 
phin Arabian was also strongly attached to a cat, which usually sat on his back, or nestled in 
the manger. When he died, the cat pined away and soon followed her loved friend. 

These examples are sufficient to show that the ferocity of these animals was caused by the 
neglect or ignorance of their human associates, who either did not know how to arouse the 
affectionate feelings of the animal, or brutally despised and crushed them. The Horse is a 
much more intellectual animal than is generally supposed, as will be acknowledged by any 
one who has possessed a favorite Horse, and treated it with uniform kindness. 

There is no need for whip or spur when the rider and steed understand each other, and the 
bridle is reduced almost to a mere form, as the touch of a finger, or the tone of a voice, are 
sufficient to direct the animal. We are all familiar with the elephantine dray-horses that march 
so majestically along with their load of casks, and which instantaneously obey the singular 
sounds which continually issue from the throats of their conductors, and back, stop, advance 
or turn to the right or left, without requiring the touch of a rein or the blow of a whip. The 
infliction of pain is a clumsy and barbarous manner of guiding a Horse, and we shall never 
reap the full value of the animal until we have learned to respect its feelings, and to shun the 
infliction of torture as a brutal, a cowardly, and an unnecessary act. To maltreat a child is 
always held to be a cowardly and unmanly act, and it is equally cowardly and unworthy of the 
human character to maltreat a poor animal which has no possibilty of revenge, no hope of 
redress, and no words to make its wrongs known. Pain is pain, whether inflicted on man or 
beast, and we are equally responsible in either case. 

As an unprejudiced observer, with no purpose to serve, and without bias in either direc- 
tion, I cannot here refrain from observing, that Mr. Rarey’s method of bringing the Horse 
under subjection is a considerable step in the right direction, and a very great improvement on 
the cruel and savage method which is so often employed by coarse and ignorant men, and truly 
called ‘‘ breaking.’ Having repeatedly witnessed the successful operations of that gentleman, 
in subduing Horses that had previously defied all efforts, I cannot be persuaded that it is a 
cruel process. The method by which it is achieved.is now sufficiently familiar, and I will 
only observe, that the idea is a true and philosophical one. The Horse is mostly fierce because 
it is nervous, and bites and kicks, not because it is enraged, but because it is alarmed. Restore 
confidence, and the creature becomes quiet, without any desire to use its hoofs and teeth in an 
aggressive manner. It is clearly impossible to do so as long as the animal is at liberty to 
annihilate its teacher, and the strap is only used until the Horse is convinced that the presence 
of a human form, or the touch of a human hand, has nothing of the terrible in it. Confidence 
soon takes the place of fear, and the animal seems to receive its teacher at once into its good 
graces, following him like a dog, and rubbing its nose against his shoulder. 

The ingenuity of the Horse is very considerable, and the creature will voluntarily perform 
acts that display a considerable amount of intellect. From a number of anecdotes relating to 
the intellectual powers of the Horse, I select the following, some of them entirely original, and 
others very little known. 

An orchard had been repeatedly stripped of its best and ripest fruit, and the marauders 
had laid their plans so cunningly that the strictest vigilance could not detect them. At last 
the depredators were discovered to be a mare and her colt which were turned out to graze 
among the trees. The mare was seen to go up to one of the apple-trees and to throw herself 
against the trunk so violently that a shower of ripe apples came tumbling down. She and her 
offspring then ate the fallen apples, and the same process was repeated at another tree. 
Another mare had discovered the secret of the water-butt, and whenever she was thirsty, was 
accustomed to go to the butt, turn the tap with her teeth, drink until her thirst was satisfied, 
and then to close the tap again. I have heard of two animals which performed this feat, but 
one of them was not clever enough to turn the tap back again, and used to let all the water 
run to waste. } 

A careless groom was ordered to prepare a mash for one of the Horses placed under his 
care, and after making a thin, unsatisfactory mixture, he hastily threw a quantity of chaff on 


586 THE TROTTER. 


the surface and gave it to the Horse. The animal tried to push away the chaff and get his nose 
into the mash, but was unable to do so, and when he tried to draw the liquid into his mouth, 
the chaff flew into his throat and nearly choked him. Being baffled, he paused awhile, and 
then pulled a lock of hay from the rack. Pushing the hay through the chaff, he contrived to 
suck the liquid mash through the insterstices until the hay was saturated with moisture. He 
then ate the piece of hay, pulled another lock from the rack, and repeated the process until 
he had finished his mash. 


LikE the Race Horse and the Hunter, the HacknEy or Roap Horse is obtained by 
judicious breeding, and is said by Mr. Youatt to be ‘‘more difficult to find than even the 
hunter or the courser. There are several faults that may be overlooked in the hunter, but 
which the Road Horse must not have. The former may start, may be awkward in his walk or 
even his trot, he may have thrushes or corns; but if he can go a good slapping pace, and has 
wind and bottom, we can put up with him and prize him. But the Hackney, if he is worth 
having, must have good fore legs and good hinder ones, too; he must be sound on his feet, 
even-tempered, no starter, quiet in whatever situation he may be placed, not heavy in hand, 
and never disposed to fall on his knees. A Hackney is far more valuable for the pleasantness 
of his paces and his safety, good temper and endurance, than for his speed. We rarely want 
to go more than eight or ten miles an hour, and on a journey not more than six or seven. The 
fast Horses, and especially the fast trotters, are not even in their paces, and although they 
may perform very extraordinary feats, are disabled and worthless when the slower Horse is in 
his prime.” 

The same author, to whose valuable work on the Horse the reader is referred as a treasury 
of valuable information, proceeds to observe that pure blood is disadvantageous to a Hackney, 
as it gives small hoofs, slender legs, and a long stride, each of which qualities would be hurtful 
on the hard stony road. There should, however, be a spice of high breeding in the animal, 
the amount to be regulated by the country in which it lives and the work which it has to 
perform. 

When. properly managed and kindly treated, the Hackney is a most intelligent animal, 
displaying a singularly excellent memory. This extraordinary memory of the Horse has often 
proved serviceable to its owner, and in many instances has been made the means of saving his 
life. An ordinary Hackney had been ridden to a spot far from home, very difficult to 
find, and into which neither he nor his rider had previously been. Two years afterwards, 
the same journey was repeated, but at a distance of three or four miles from his destination 
the night closed in and the rain poured in torrents. Having entirely lost his way, the rider in 
despair flung the reins on his Horse’s neck, and left him to his own desires. The intelligent 
animal proved himself equal to the trust which was reposed in him, and in half-an-hour drew 
up at the house which his master was visiting. 

The power of the well-bred Hackney may be imagined from the following feat, recorded 
in the above-mentioned work : 

‘*A mare was matched to trot one hundred miles in ten hours and a half. She was one of 
those rare animals that could do almost anything as a hack, a hunter, or in harness. On one 
occasion, after having, in following the hounds and travelling to and from course, gone through 
at least sixty miles of country, she fairly ran away with her rider over several ploughed fields. 
She accomplished the match in ten hours and fourteen minutes, or deducting thirteen minutes 
for stoppages, in ten hours and a minute’s actual work, and thus gained the victory. She 
was a little tired, and being turned into a horse-box, lost no time in taking her rest. On the 
following day she was as full of life and spirit as ever. The owner had given positive orders 
to the driver to stop at once on her showing decided symptoms of distress, as he valued her 
more than anything he could gain by her enduring actual suffering.”’ 


Our country has long been celebrated for the excellence of its Trotting Horses, and we 
have succeeded in obtaining a breed of Horses that are intended exclusively for that pace. In 
America the trot is the only pace that is valued, and the energies of the animal are all directed 


THE FLEMISH HORSE. 587 


to that single point. A good trotter is possessed of endurance as well as speed, for one of 
these animals trotted one hundred miles in ten hours and seven minutes, inclusive of thirty- 
seven minutes which were occupied in refreshment and stoppages, so that the actual time 
occupied was only nine hours and a half. 


In the present times, when railways have taken the place of the old mail coaches, the 
regular Coach Horse is little needed, and has been metamorphosed into the handsome but less- 
enduring Carriage Horse. 

A valuable Carriage Horse has a large admixture of good blood in him, and as he is 
required more for the sake of appearance than for steady hard work, he is required to possess 
a high, strong action and proud bearing, well-arched neck, and a light springy step. His 
speed is very considerable, and he can do a great amount of work, but he is not fitted for 
dragging heavy loads like his predecessors, nor can he endure a continuance of work, for several 
days in succession. The splendid action of the Carriage Horse, although it is very showy, and 
adds much to the magnificence of his appearance, is injurious to the welfare of his feet 
and legs, which are sadly damaged by being battered against the hard stones of the street 
pavements. 

The name of Cleveland Horse is given to this animal because it derives its origin from the 
Cleveland Bay, a variety of the Horse that is largely bred at Cleveland, in England, and 
which, when crossed with more or less thorough-bred animals, produces the best Carriage 
Horses in the world. Very great care is bestowed on this important subject, and in the finest 
animals there is so much of the pure blood that, in the words of Mr. Youatt, ‘“‘the Coach 
Horse is nothing more than a tall, strong, over-sized hunter.’’ According to the same 
experienced author, the principal points in the Carriage Horse are substance well placed, a 
deep and well-proportioned body, bone under the knee, and sound, open, tough feet. 


THE true, pure-blooded, SurFFOLK PUNCH is now nearly extinct, having been so frequently 
crossed with other breeds that its individuality has been almost entirely lost. 

The old Suffolk Punch, so called from its round, punchy form, is a wonderful animal for 
pulling, being built as if expressly for the purpose of dragging great weights with unflinching 
perseverance. A team of these Horses needs no incitement by the whip, but as soon as they 
hear the command of their driver, they fling their whole weight into the collar, and almost 
throw themselves on their knees in their anxiety to fulfil their task. They seem to be per- 
fectly aware of their powers, and to be jealously tenacious of their supremacy, for even if they 
find after one or two efforts that the load resists their best endeavors, they do not refuse to 
exert themselves any further, as is often the case with draught Horses, but will persevere in 
pulling until they drop with fatigue. The low heavy shoulder, and strong quarters of the 
Suffolk Punch are of infinite service in drawing the plough or the cart, and its hardy frame 
and determined disposition enable it to support a hard day’s labor without being overcome. 

These valuable characteristics have been employed in improving the breed of carriage 
Horses, for it is a wonderful fact, and one which cannot be too carefully considered, that mental 
traits are more enduring than bodily form, and that a crossed breed derives its true value, not 
so much from the outward form which is obtained by the cross, but from the mental charac- 
teristics that are transmitted through a series of generations. The reader may remember that 
in the case of the greyhound a bull-dog cross was introduced in order to impart courage and 
determination to a breed that had sacrificed everything to speed, and that although the bull- 
dog form was totally eradicated in a few generations, the bull-dog spirit remained. 

Thus with the Suffolk Punch. Some of the best carriage Horses have been obtained by 
crossing the Suffolk Punch with a thorough-bred hunter, so as to unite the excellences of the 
two animals, giving speed and rapid force to the draught Horse, and the power of pulling to 
the hunter. 


Aw elephant among Horses, the mixed Flemish and Black Draught Horse is familiar as 
drawing the heavy drays on which beer is conveyed from the breweries to the purchaser. 


588 THE DRAY HORSE. 


This enormous animal is really needed for his peculiar work, although a natural emula- 
tion that exists between the different firms leads them to rival each other in the size and 
magnificence of their dray Horses, as well as in the excellence of their beer. It is a general 


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idea that the dray Horses derive their huge bulk from being fed on grains and permitted to 
drink beer, and that the draymen owe their large proportions and rubicund aspect to similar 
privileges. Such is, however, not the case, as the Horses are bred especially for the purpose, 
and the men are chosen with an eye to their jovial aspect. It would never answer for a brewer 


THE DOMESTIC ASS. 589 


to keep a poor, wizened, starveling drayman, for the public would immediately lay the fault 
on the beer, and transfer their custom elsewhere. 

The dray Horse is a very slow animal, and cannot be permanently quickened in his pace, 
even if the load be comparatively light. Its breast is very broad, and its shoulders thick and 
upright, the body large and round, the legs short, and the feet extremely large. The ordi- 
nary pace of the heavy Draught Horse is under three miles an hour, but by a judicious 
admixture of the Flemish breed the pace is nearly doubled, the endurance increased, and the 
dimensions very slightly diminished. The great size of the dray Horse is required, not for 
the absolute amount of pulling which it performs, but for the need of a large and heavy 
animal in the shafts to withstand the extreme jolting and battering that takes place as the 
springless drays are dragged over the rough stones of the metropolis. And as a team of two 
or three small leaders and one huge wheeler would look absurd, it is needful to have all the 
Horses of uniform dimensions and appearance. 

The genuine dray Horse is a noble beast, and it is very pleasant to see the kindly feelings 
which exist between them and their drivers. The long whip is carried upon the drayman’s 
shoulders more as a badge of office than as an instrument of torture, and if used at all, it is 
gently laid upon the Horse’s back, accompanied with some endearing language, which is very 
intelligible to the horse, but not to be comprehended by ordinary human intellects. 


One® of the best Horses for ordinary heavy work is the CLYDESDALE Cart Horss, an 
animal which has derived its name from the locality where it was first bred. It is larger than 
the Suffolk Punch, and owes its origin to the Lanark Horse crossed with the large Flemish 
breed. In temper it is docile, and it is possessed of enormous strength and great endurance. 
The pure breed is large and heavy, and is notable for a very long stride. When judiciously 
crossed with other breeds it produces offspring which are extensively employed in the carriage 
and for the saddle. 


SEVERAL breeds of partially wild Horses are still found in the British islands, the best 
known of which is the SHETLAND Pony. 

-This odd, quaint, spirited little animal is an inhabitant of the islands at the northern 
extremity of Scotland, where it runs wild, and may be owned by any one who can catch and 
hold it. Considering its diminutive proportions, which only average seven or eight hands in 
height, the Sheltie is wonderfully strong, and can trot away quite easily with a tolerably 
heavy man on its back. One of these little creatures carried a man of twelve stone weight for 
a distance of forty miles in a single day. The head of this little animal is small, the neck 
short and well arched, and covered with an abundance of heavy mane, that falls over the face 
and irresistibly reminds the spectator of a Skye-terrier. It is an admirable draught Horse 
when harnessed to a carriage of proportionate size ; and a pair of these spirited little creat- 
ures, when attached to a lady’s low carriage, have a remarkably piquant and pretty 
appearance. 


MAN has so long held the Domestic Ass under his control, that its original progenitors 
have entirely disappeared from the face of the earth. 

There are, as it is well known, abundant examples of wild Asses found in various lands, 
but it seems that these animals are either the descendants of domesticated Asses which have 
escaped from captivity, or mules between the wild and domestic animals. In size and general 
appearance the Ass varies greatly, according to the country which it inhabits, and the treat- 
ment to which it is subjected. The Spanish kind, for example, is double the size of the ordi- 
nary English Ass, and even the latter animal is extremely variable in stature and general 
dimensions. Asa rule, the Ass is large and sleek-haired in warmer countries, and small and 
woolly-haired in the colder parts of the globe. 

Strong, sure-footed, hardy, and easily maintained, the Ass is of infinite use to the poorer 
classes of the community, who need the services of a beast of burden, and cannot afford to 
purchase or keep so expensive an animal as a horse. In the hands of unthinking and unedu- 


590 THE DOMESTIC ASS. 


cated people, the poor creature generally leads a very hard life, and is subjected to much and 
undeserved ill-treatment ; not so much from deliberate cruelty as from want of thought. We 
often see the poor animal laden with a burden that is evidently beyond its powers, and contin- 
ually urged forward by blows. Not long ago, I saw a poor donkey harnessed to a low cart in 
which were seated three full-grown women, one of whom was continually belaboring the animal 
with a thick stick. Presently they stopped, took up a fourth passenger, and again moved on, 


ASS.—Hquus asinus. 


in spite of all remonstrances on behalf of the unfortunate creature that was forced to drag so 
heavy a weight. 

This cruel treatmentis as impolitic as it is inhuman; for there are few animals which will 
better repay kindness than the Ass, or will develop better qualities. 

Some years ago a very excellent movement was started by Captain Scott, for the purpose 
of ameliorating the condition of certain unfortunate donkeys which were employed in the con- 
veyance of coal, and were in a most pitiable condition. 

Several persons had attempted to remonstrate with the owners of the poor animals, and 
had only been insulted, without achieving any successful result. Captain 8., however, struck 
out another line of conduct, and instead of abusing or persecuting those who treated their 
animals badly, he offered prizes to those who could produce the best and healthiest donkey. 
Several persons joined him in this most laudable undertaking, and they held quarterly meet- 
ings, at which the prizes were bestowed. A medal was also given to each successful com- 
petitor, and the association pledged themselves to employ no donkey-driver who could not 
produce a medal. The natural consequences followed. The public soon took up the idea, 
the medal-holders carried off all the trade, and the cruel and neglectful drivers were either 


forced to conform to the regulations of the society, or to betake themselves and their beasts 
elsewhere. 


INTELLIGENCE OF THE ASS. a91 


It is a very great mistake to employ the name of Ass or donkey as a metaphor for stupid- 
ity, for the Ass is truly one of the cleverest of our domesticated animals, and will lose no 
opportunity of displaying his capability whenever his intelligence is allowed to expand by 
being freed from the crushing toil and constant pain that are too often the concomitants of a 
donkey’s life. Every one who has petted a favorite donkey will remember many traits of its 
mental capacities ; for as in the case of the domestic fool of the olden days, there is far more 
knavery than folly about the creature. 

One of these animals was lately detected in a most ingenious theft. A number of rabbits 
were kept in a little outhouse, and inhabited a set of hutches fastened to the wall. One day 
it was found that nearly all the store of oats had suddenly vanished from the outhouse with- 
out any visible reason. Next morning, however, the donkey who lived in an adjoining meadow 
was seen to open the gate which led into his field, and cautiously shut it after him. This con- 
duct afforded a clue to the disappearance of the oats, and upon a careful search being made, 
his footmarks were traced along the path to the rabbit-house, and even on the ground among 
the hutches. It was very clear that the ingenious animal must have unlatched his own gate, 
unfastened the loop of the rabbit-house, finished all the oats, and have returned as he went, 
re-fastening all the doors behind him. In leaving the rabbit-house he must have backed out, 
as the place was not wide enough to permit him to turn. 

He was very familiar with the children, and would permit three of them to ride on his 
back together. After a while the boys went to school, and some ponies were procured for the 
other members of the family, so that Sancho had a long holiday. When the boys returned 
from school, they mounted Sancho as usual for the purpose of having their ride. The cunning 
animal allowed them to seat themselves, and then coolly shook them off again. This process 
he repeated until they gave up the hopeless attempt, and Sancho gained his purpose. 

That a donkey has more than once succeeded in beating off the attacks of a leopard by 
vigorous and rapid kicks of his hind-feet is well known, and an incident occurred some 
years ago which shows that the animal is as valiant in opposing dogs as in fighting leopards. 
A surly, ill-intentioned man, who possessed an equally surly bull-dog, set his animal at an 
unoffending donkey. The bull-dog, nothing loth, made at his intended victim and sprang at 
him. The Ass, however, cleverly avoided the dog's onset, seized him in its teeth, carried him 
to a river near which the scene occurred, plunged him under water, and there lying down upon 
him, prevented him from regaining the surface, and fairly drowned his opponent. 

Another Ass displayed a singular discrimination of palate, being celebrated for his love of 
good ale. At one road-side inn the landlady had been very kind in supplying the donkey with 
a glass of his loved beverage, and the natural consequence was, that the animal could never be 
induced to pass within a moderate distance of the spot without going for his beer. Neither 
entreaties nor force sufficed to turn his head in another direction, and his master was in such 
cases obliged to make the best of the matter, and permit the animal to partake of his 
desired refreshment. He had a curious knack of taking a tumbler of beer between his lips, 
and drinking the contents without spilling a drop of the liquid or breaking the glass. So 
curious a sight as a donkey drinking beer was certain to attract many observers, who testi- 
fied their admiration by treating the animal to more beer. His head, however, was fortu- 
nately a strong one, for only once in his life was he ever seen intoxicated, and on that soli- 
tary occasion his demeanor was wonderfully decoreus. 

A petted donkey belonging to one of my friends was permitted to walk at large in the 
garden, on condition that he restrained himself from leaving the regular paths. Once or 
twice he had been seduced by the charms of some plant to walk upon the flower-beds, and had 
been accordingly drubbed by the gardener, who detected the robber by the marks of his foot- 
steps, which were deeply imprinted in the soft mould. After awhile the animal seemed to 
have reflected upon the circumstance which led to the discovery of his offence, and the next 
time that he walked upon the flower-beds, he seraped the earth over his foot-marks, and 
endeavored to obliterate the traces of his disobedience. As, however, his hoofs were not very 
delicate tools, and his method of levelling anything but gentle, the marks were more conspic- 
uous than before. 


592 THE MULE. 


In the East, the Ass is used more extensively than elsewhere, and is generally employed 
for carrying burdens or for the saddle, the horse being used more for ostentation or for war- 
fare than for the mere conveyance of human beings from one spot to another. The following 
account of donkey-riding in Cairo, by Bayard Taylor, gives a most vivid and animated descrip- 
tion of the manner in which the Ass is employed in the East. ‘ 

‘To see Cairo thoroughly, one must first accustom himself to the ways of those long-eared 
cabs, without the use of which I would advise no one to trust himself in the bazaars. Donkey- 
riding is universal, and no one thinks of going beyond the Frank quarters on foot. If he does, 
he must submit to be followed by not less than six donkeys, with their drivers. <A friend of 
mine who was attended by such a cavalcade for two hours, was obliged to yield at last, and 
made no second attempt. When we first appeared in the gateway of an hotel, equipped for 
an excursion, the rush of men and animals was so great, that we were forced to retreat until 
our servant and the porter whipped us a path through the yelling and braying mob. After 
one or two trials, I found an intelligent Arab boy named Kish, who for five piastres a day fur- 
nished strong and ambitious donkeys, which he kept ready at the door from morning till night. 
The other drivers respected Kish’s privilege, and thenceforth I had no trouble. 

““The donkeys are so small that my feet nearly touched the ground, but there is no end to 
their strength and endurance. Their gait, whether in pace or in gallop, is so easy and light 
that fatigue is impossible. The drivers take great pride in having high-cushioned, red saddles, 
and in hanging bits of jingling brass to the bridles. They keep their donkeys close shorn, 
and frequently beautify them by painting them various colors. The first animal I rode had 
legs barred like a zebra’s, and my friend’s rejoiced in purple flanks and a yellow belly. The 
drivers run behind them with a short stick, punching them from time to time, or giving them 
a sharp pinch on the rump. Very few of them own their donkeys, and I understood their 
pertinacity when I learned that they frequently received a beating on returning home empty- 
handed. 

““The passage of the bazaars seems at first quite as hazardous on donkey-back as on foot ; 
but it is the difference between knocking somebody down and being knocked down yourself, 
and one certainly prefers the former alternative. There is no use in attempting to guide the. 
donkey, for he won’t be guided. The driver shouts behind, and you are dashed at full speed 
into a confusion of other donkeys, camels, horses, carts, water-carriers and footmen. In vain 
you cry out ‘ Bess’ (enough), Piacco, and other desperate adjurations: the driver’s only reply 
is, ‘Let the bridle hang loose!’ You dodge your head under a camel load of planks ; your 
leg brushes the wheel of a dust-cart ; you strike a fat Turk plump in the back ; you miracu- 
lously escape upsetting a fruit stand; you scatter a company of spectral, white-masked 
women, and at last reach some more quiet street, with the sensations of a man who has 
stormed a battery. 

‘‘ At first this sort of riding made me very nervous, but presently I let the donkey go his 
own way, and took a curious interest in seeing how near a chance I ran of striking or being 
struck. Sometimes there seemed no hope of avoiding a violent collision, but by a series of the 
most remarkable dodges, he generally carried you through in safety. The cries of the driver 
running behind, gave me no little amusement. ‘The howadji comes! Take care on the right 
hand! Take care on the left hand! O man, take care! O maiden, take care! O boy, get 
out of the way! The howadji comes!’ Kish had strong lungs, and his donkey would let 
nothing pass him, and so wherever we went we contributed our full share to the universal 
noise and confusion.” 

The color of the Ass is a uniform gray, a dark streak passing along the spine, and another 
stripe being drawn transversely across the shoulders. In the quagga and zebra these stripes 
are much more extended. 

The cross-breed between the horse and the ass, which is commonly known by the name 
of the Mut#, is a very valuable animal for certain purposes, possessing the strength and power 
of the horse, with the hardiness and sure foot of the ass. The largest and most useful Mules 
are those which are produced by a male ass and a mare, the large Spanish Ass being the best 
for this purpose. In Spain and in many eastern countries the Mule is an animal of some 


THE KIANG, OR WILD ASS. 593 


importance, the parents being selected as carefully as those of the horse itself. The chief draw- 
back in the rearing of this animal is that it is unproductive, and is incapable of continuing its 
species, so that there can be no definite breed of Mules, as of horses and asses. 


Tuer Wild Asses are all celebrated for their extreme fleetness and sureness of foot, and 
among them the DziccrEral, KHur, or KouLan deserves especial mention. 

This animal is so wonderfully swift that it cannot be overtaken even by a fleet Arabian 
horse, and if it can get upon hilly or rocky ground, it bids defiance to all wingless enemies. 
Not even the greyhound can follow it with any hope of success when it once leaves level 
ground. This great speed renders it a favorite object of chase with the natives of the countries 


DZIGGETAI, OR KOULAN.—Asinus onager. 


which it inhabits ; and whether in Persia or India, it is held to be the noblest of game. Some- 
times the falcon is trained to aid in the chase of the Wild Ass, but the usual method of 
securing this animal is to drive it towards rocky ground, and to kill it with a rifle bullet as it 
stands in fancied security upon some lofty crag. 

It lives in troops, descending to the plains during the winter months, and returning to the 
cooler hills as soon as the summer begins to be unpleasantly warm. It is very common in 
Mesopotamia, and is always a most shy and wary, as well as swift animal. Each troop is 
under the command of a leader, who sways his subjects with unlimited authority, and takes 
upon himself to make all needful arrangements for their welfare. 

The honor. of success is not the only motive which urges the hunters to pursue the 
Dziggetai, forits-flesh is remarkably excellent, and is universally thought to be one of the 
greatest dainties. The localities inhabited by this animal are Mesopotamia, Persia, the shores 
of the Indus, and the Punjab. The color of this animal is pale reddish-brown in the summer, 
fading into a gray-brown in the winter, and marked with a black stripe along the spine, 
becoming wider upon the middle of the back. 


ANOTHER species of Wild Ass is the Krana, or Wild Ass of Thibet, sometimes, but 
erroneously, called the Wild Horse of Thibet, because its noise resembles the neighing of that 
animal rather than the braying of the ass. 


594 THE QUAGGA. 

The Kiang inhabits the high table-lands of its native country, and is wonderfully fleet and 
active in traversing level or uneven ground. It isa rather large animal; a full-sized adult 
from Chinese Tartary measuring fourteen hands in height at the shoulder. It lives in little 
troops of eight or ten in number, and is found in districts where the cold is most intense, the 
thermometer falling below zero in the localities which are most frequented by them. As they 
pass their lives in sucha climate, they are necessarily furnished with warm, woolly coats, 
which are of different color and thickness, according to the time of year. In the summer the 
fur is short, smooth, and of a light reddish-brown, but in winter the hair becomes long and 
rather woolly, and fades into a light gray brown. The legs too change the tinting, being straw- 
colored in summer and whitish in winter. A broad black line is drawn along the back, but 
there is no transverse band across the shoulders, nor are their young marked with zebra-like 
stripes, as is the case with the young Dziggetai. 


AFRICAN WILD ASS.—Asinus teniopus. 


It is a swift and wary animal, fleeing in terror before the hunter, and yet stopping at 
intervals to gaze on the object of its alarm. Unless the hunter is very sure of his aim, he will 
not risk a shot, for the animals are so terrified by the report and the flash that they forget 
their curiosity in their fear, and gallop away at the best of their speed, which soon carries 
them out of danger. It is capable of domestication, and can be put in training like a horse or 
a domestic ass. 


AFRICA produces some most beautiful examples of the Wild Asses, equalling the Asiatic 
species in speed and beauty of form, and far surpassing them in richness of color and boldness 
of marking. 

The QuaGGA looks at first sight like a cross between the common wild ass and the zebra, 
as it only partially possesses the characteristic zebra-stripes, and is decorated merely upon the 
hind and fore-parts of the body. The streaks are not so deep as they are in the zebra, and the 
remainder of the body is brown, with the exception of the abdomen, legs, and part of the tail, 
which are whitish-gray. The Quagga lives in large herds, and is much persecuted by the 
natives of Southern Africa, who pursue it for the sake of its skin and its flesh, both of which 
are in high estimation. 


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QUAGGA.—Asinus quagga. 


A NEARER approach to the true zebra is seen in the animal which is indifferently termed 
the Dauw, the Prrcni, or BurcHELL’s ZEBRA. This species is an inhabitant of Southern 
Africa, where it is found in large herds south of the Orange River. Unlike the wild ass of 
Asia, the Dauw keeps aloof from the rocky and hilly districts, and is only found on the plains, 
where it wanders in ¢éompany with ostriches, various antelopes, and other strange comrades. 
The general appearance of this species bears a considerable resemblance to that of the zebra, 
from which animal it may be immediately distinguished by the color, number, and extent of 
the dark stripes and bands. In the Dauw, the stripes are not so black as in the zebra, and 
instead of covering the entire body and limbs, they only extend over the head, neck, body, 
and the upper portions of the legs. The general color of the fur is a pale-brown, becoming 
grayish-white upon the abdomen and inner faces of the limbs. 

Like many other gregarious animals of Southern Africa, the Dauw is found to make 
periodical migrations, for the purpose of supporting itself with the food that has failed in its 
original district. In times of scarcity the Dauw, together with several species of antelope, 
visits the cultivated lands, and makes sad havoc among the growing crops. When rain has 
fallen, and the forsaken districts have regained their fertility, the Dauw leaves the scene of its 
plunder, and returns to its ancient pasturage. 

The Dauw is capable of a partial domestication, and can be tamed to a consicerable extent. 
It is, however, considered as possessing a tetchy and uncertain temper, and is of too obstinate 
a disposition to be of much use to man. By the Matabili and Bechuana Kaffirs it is called 
Peet-sey, and the Dutch colonists have given it the name of Bontequagga. 


Among all the species of the Ass tribe, the ZeBRA is by far the most conspicuous and the 
most beautiful. 

The general color of the Zebra is a creamy white, marked regularly with velvety black 
stripes that cover the entire head, neck, body, and limbs, and extend down to the very feet. 
It is worthy of note, that the stripes are drawn nearly at right angles to the part of the body 


596 THE ZEBRA. 


on which they occur, so that the stripes of the legs are horizontal, while those of the body are 
vertical. The abdomen and inside faces of the thighs are cream-white, and the end of the 
tail is nearly black. This arrangement of coloring is strangely similar to that of the tiger, and 
has earned for the animal the name of ‘‘ Hippotigris,’’ or Horse-tiger, among some zoologists, 
ancient and modern. The skin of the neck is developed into a kind of dewlap, and the tail is 
sparingly covered with coarse black hair. By the Cape colonists it is called ‘‘ Wilde Paard,”’ 
or Wild Horse. 

At the best of times the flesh of the Zebra is not very inviting, being rather tough, coarse, 
and of a very peculiar flavor. The Boers, who call themselves by the title of ‘‘ baptized men,”’ 
think they would be derogating from their dignity to partake of the flesh of the Zebra, and 


ZEBRA.—Asinus zebra. 


generously leave the animal to be consumed by their Hottentot servants. When wounded, 
the Zebra gives a kind of groan, which is said to resemble that of a dying man. 

In disposition the Zebra is fierce, obstinate, and nearly untamable. The efforts used by 
Mr. Rarey in reducing to obedience the Zebra of the Zoological Gardens are now matter of 
history. The little brindled animal gave him more trouble than the huge savages on whom he 
had so successfully operated, and it overset some of his calculations by the fact that it was 
able to kick as fiercely from three legs as a horse from four. 

In its habits the Zebra resembles the dziggetai more than the dauw, as it is always found 
in hilly districts, and inhabits the high craggy mountain ranges in preference to the plains. — It 
is a mild and very timid animal, fleeing instinctively to its mountain home as soon as it is 
alarmed by the sight of a strange object. 


BETWEEN the zebras and the domestic ass several curious Mules have been produced. It 
is worthy of notice, that wherever a cross breed has taken place, the influence of the male 
parent seems to be permanently impressed on the mother, who in her subsequent offspring 
imprints upon them some characteristic of the interloper. 


THE ELEPHANT. 5 


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ieee oe Pi AN T'S. 


THE important family of the Elephantide is allied, according to the catalogue of the 
British Museum, to the Elephants, Tapirs, Swine, Hyrax, Rhinoceros, and Hippopotamus. 
All these animals, however different their aspect, are nearly related to each other by means of 
certain members of the family, which, although now extinct, have been recovered through the 
assistance of geological researches. 

Of Elephants, two distinct species are found in different continents, the one inhabiting 
Asia, and the other taking up its residence in Africa. According to some zoologists, these 
animals belong to different genera, but the distinctions between the two creatures are not suffi- 
ciently determined to warrant such a suggestion. Although the Asiatic and African Elephants 
are very similar in external form, they may at once be distinguished from each other by the 
dimensions of the head and the size of the ear. In the Asiatic animal, the head is elongated, 
the forehead concave, and the ears of ordinary size, while in the African Elephant the head is 
much shorter, the forehead convex, and the ears of enormous magnitude, nearly meeting on 
the back of the head, and hanging with their tips below the neck. 

The molar teeth also afford excellent indications of the country to which their owner has 
belonged, for the enamel upon the surface of the teeth of the Asiatic Elephant is moulded into 
a number of narrow bands like folded ribands, while that of the African species is formed into 
five or six diamond or lozenge shaped folds. Indeed, each molar tooth seems to be composed 
of a number of flat, broad teeth, which are fastened closely together, so as to form a single 
large mass. Only a portion of each tooth is externally visible, the remainder being hidden in 
the jaw, and moving forward as the exposed portion is worn away. When the whole tooth is 
thus worn out, it falls from the jaw, and its place is taken by another which has been forming 
behind it. In this manner the Elephant sheds its molar teeth six or seven times in the course 
of its life. The tusks, however, are permanent, and are retained during the whole of the ani- 
mal’s existence. There are a pair of small ‘‘milk-tusks’’? when the Elephant is in its child- 
hood, but these are soon shed and replaced by the true tusks. In the Indian Elephant only 
the males are furnished with tusks, and not every individual of that sex, whereas in the Afri- 
can species both sexes are supplied with these valuable appendages, those of the male being 
much larger and heavier than those of his mate. 

The Elephant, whether Asiatic or African, always lives in herds, varying greatly in num- 
bers, and being always found in the deepest forests, or in their near vicinity. Both species 
are fond of water, and are never found at any great distance from some stream or fountain, 
although they can and do make tolerably long journeys for the purpose of obtaining the need- 
ful supply of liquid. They have a curious capability of laying up a store of water in their 
interior, somewhat after the fashion of the camel, but possess the strange accomplishment of 
drawing the liquid supply from their stomachs by means of their trunks, and scattering it in 
a shower over their backs in order to cool their heated bodies. When drinking, the Elephant 
inserts the tip of his trunk into the stream, fills its cavities with water, and then, turning 
his trunk so as to get the extremity well into his throat, he discharges its contents fairly into 
his stomach, where it may be heard to splash by any one who is in near proximity to the 
animal. 

The strangest portion of the Elephant’s form is the trunk, or proboscis. This wonderful 
appendage is in fact a development of the upper lips and the nose, and is perforated through 
its entire length by the nostrils, and is furnished at its extremity with a kind of finger-like 
appendage, which enables the animal to pluck a single blade of grass, or to pick a minute 
object from the ground. The value of the proboscis to the Elephant is incredible ; without its 
aid the creature would soon starve. The short, thick neck would prevent it from stooping 
to graze, while the projecting tusks would effectually hinder it from. reaching any vege- 


598 STRUCTURE OF THE ELEPHANT. S 


tables which might grow at the level of its mouth. And as it would be unable to draw 
water into its mouth without the use of the trunk, thirst would in a very short time end its 
existence. 

As the trunk is required for so many purposes, it must needs be capable of extension, 
contraction, and of flexibility in every direction, as well as possessed of enormous strength. 
In order to effect these conditions, the trunk is composed of no less than fifty thousand 
distinct muscles, some of which run longitudinally along the axis of the proboscis, and 
others radiate from the centre to the circumference. When the trunk is at rest, its surface 
is covered with a series of thick, transverse wrinkles or corrugations, which become less 
distinct as this appendage is gradually stretched, and vanish entirely when it is extended 
to its full length. The little finger-like appendage at its tip is slightly different in shape in 
the two sexes. 

In order to support the enormous weight of the teeth, tusks, and proboscis, the head is 
required to be of very large dimensions, so as to afford support for the powerful muscles and 
tendons which are requisite for such a task. It is also needful that lightness should be com- 
bined with magnitude, and this double condition is very beautifully fulfilled. The skull of 
the Elephant, instead of being a mere bony shell round the brain, is enormously enlarged by 
the separation of its bony plates, the intervening space being filled with a vast number of 
honeycomb-like bony cells, their walls being hardly thicker than strong paper, and their hol- 
lows filled during the life of the animal with a kind of semi-liquid fat or oil. The brain lies in 
a comparatively small cavity within this cellular structure, and is therefore defended from the 
severe concussions which it would otherwise experience from the frequency with which the 
animal employs its head as a battering-ram. It is easy to understand the difficulty of killing 
an Elephant by aiming at the head, for unless the shot be directed towards one of the apertures 
which lead to the brain, such as the eye, the ear, or the nostril, the bullet only enters the mass 
of bony cells, and does comparatively little damage. It is worthy of observation, that as the 
skull of the Asiatic and African Elephant is different in shape, a bullet which will destroy one 
animal might have little effect on the other. 

In order to support the enormous weight which rests upon them, the legs are very stout, 
and are set perpendicularly, without that bend in the hinder leg which is found in most ani- 
mals. There is no elongated cannon-bone in the Elephant, so that the hind-legs are without 
the so-called knee-joint. This structure, however, is of infinite use to the animal when it climbs 
or descends steep acclivities, a feat which it can perform with marvellous ease. It may seem 
strange, but it is nevertheless true, that localities which would be totally inaccessible to a 
horse are traversed by the Elephant with perfect ease. 

In descending from a height, the animal performs a very curious series of manceuvres. 
Kneeling down, with its fore-feet stretched out in front, and its hinder legs bent backward, as 
is their wont, the Elephant hitches one of its fore-feet upon some projection or in some crevice, 
and bearing firmly upon this support, lowers itself for a short distance. It then advances the 
other foot, secures it in like manner, and slides still farther, never losing its hold of one place 
of vantage until another is gained. Should no suitable projection be found, the Elephant 
scrapes a hole in the ground with its advanced foot, and makes use of this artificial depression 
in its descent. If the declivity be very steep, the animal will not descend in a direct line, but 
makes an oblique track along the face of the hill. Although the description of this curious 
process occupies some time, the actual feat is performed with extreme rapidity. 

Though the foot of an Elephant is extremely large, it is most admirably formed for the 
purpose which it is destined to fulfil, and does not, as might be supposed, fall heavily upon 
the ground. The hoof that incloses the foot is composed of a vast number of horny plates 
that are arranged on the principle of the common carriage-spring, and seem to guard the 
animal from the jarring shock of the heavy limb upon the soil. Those who for the first time 
witness the walk or the run of the Elephant, are always surprised at the silent ease of the 
creature’s free, sweeping step. As there is no short ligament in the head of the thigh-bone, 
the hind-foot is swung forward at each step, clearing the ground easily, but being scarcely 
raised above the surface of the earth, 


THH ASIATIC ELEPHANT. 599 


Having thus given a short sketch of the characteristics which are common to both species 
of Elephants, I will proceed to a short account of the Asiatic animal. 


THE ASIATIC ELEPHANT bears a world-wide fame for its capabilities as a servant and com- 
panion of man, and for the extraordinary development of its intellectual faculties. Hundreds 
of these animals are annually captured, and in a very short period of time become wholly sub- 
jected to their owners, and learn to obey their commands with implicit submission. Indeed, 
the power of the human intellect is never so conspicuous as in the supremacy which man 
maintains over so gigantic and clever an animal as the Elephant. In all work which requires 
the application of great strength, combined with singular judgment, the Elephant is supreme : 
but as a mere puller and hauler it is of no very great value. In piling logs, for example, the 
Elephant soon learns the proper mode of arrangement, and will place them upon each other 
with a regularity that would not be surpassed by human workmen. Sir Emerson Tennent 
mentions a pair of Elephants that were accustomed to labor conjointly, and which had been 
taught to raise their wood-piles to a considerable height by constructing an inclined plane of 
sloping beams, and rolling the logs up the beams. The same writer, in his most valuable work 
on Ceylon, gives the following curious instance of intelligence in an Elephant : 

‘“One evening, while riding in the vicinity of Kandy, towards the scene of the massacre 
of Major Davie’s party in 1803, my horse evinced some excitement at a noise which approached 
us in the thick jungle, and which consisted of a repetition of the ejaculation, Urmph! urmph! 
in a hoarse and dissatisfied tone. A turn in the forest explained the mystery, by bringing me 
face to face with a tame Elephant, unaccompanied by any attendant. He was laboring pain- 
fully to carry a heavy beam of timber, which he balanced across his tusks, but the pathway 
being narrow, he was forced to bend his head to one side to permit it to pass endways; and 
the exertion and inconvenience combined led him to utter the dissatisfied sounds which dis- 
turbed the composure of my horse. 

‘On seeing us halt, the Elephant raised his head, reconnoitred us for a moment, then flung 
down the timber, and forced himself backwards among the brushwood, so as to leave a pass- 
age, of which he expected us to avail ourselves. My horse still hesitated: the Elephant 
observed, and impatiently thrust himself still deeper into the jungle, repeating his cry of 
urmph/ but in a voice evidently meant to encourage us to come on. Still the horse trembled ; 
and, anxious to observe the instinct of the two sagacious creatures, I forbore any interfer- 
ence: again the Elephant wedged himself farther in amongst the trees, and waited impatiently 
for us to pass him, and after the horse had done so, tremblingly and timidly, I saw the wise 
creature stoop and take up his heavy burden, turn and balance it on his tusks, and resume 
his route, hoarsely snorting, as before, his discontented remonstrance.”’ 

Another Elephant of Ceylon performed a feat of equal sagacity. 

By profession he was a builder, and was employed in laying stones under the supervision 
of an overseer. Whenever he completed one course, he signalled to the overseer, who came 
and inspected his work, and after ascertaining that the task was properly performed, gave the 
signal to lay another course. On one occasion, the Elephant placed himself against a portion 
of the wall, and refused to move from the spot, when the overseer came to the part of the wall 
which his body concealed. The overseer, however, insisted on the animal’s moving aside, and 
the Elephant, seeing that his ruse had failed, immediately set hard to work at pulling down 
the wall which he had just built, and which was defective in the spot which he had been 
attempting to conceal from the inspector’s eye. 

Although so valuable an animal for certain kinds of work, the Elephant is hardly so 
effective an assistant as is generally supposed. ‘‘The working Elephant,’ says Sir E. Ten- 
nent, ‘“‘is always a delicate animal, and requires watchfulness and care ; as a beast of burden 
he is unsatisfactory ; for although in point of mere strength there is hardly any weight which 
could be conveniently placed on him that he could not carry, it is difficult to pack it without 
causing abrasions that afterwards ulcerate. His skin is easily chafed by harness, especially 
in wet weather. Either during long droughts, or too much moisture, his feet are liable to 
sores, which render him non-effective for months. Many attempts have been made to provide 


600 MANNER OF CAPTURING THE ELEPHANT. 


him with some protection for the sole of the foot, but from his extreme weight and mode of 
planting the foot, they have all been unsuccessful. His eyes are also liable to frequent inflam- 
mation. In Ceylon, the murrain among cattle is of frequent occurrence, and carries off great 
numbers of animals, wild as well as tame. In such visitations, the Elephants suffer severely, 
not only those at liberty in the forest, but those which are carefully tended in the Govern- 
ment stables. 

‘‘On being first subjected to work, the Elephant is liable to severe and often fatal swell- 
ings of the jaws and abdomen. On the whole, there may be a question as to the prudence or 
economy of maintaining a stud of Elephants for the purposes to which they are assigned in 
Ceylon. In the rude and unopened parts of the country—where rivers are to be forded, and 
forests are only traversed by jungle paths—their labor is of value in certain contingencies, in 
the carrying of stores and in the earlier operations for the construction of fords and bridges of 
timber. But in more highly civilized districts, and wherever macadamized roads admit of the 
employment of horses and oxen for draught, I apprehend that the services of Elephants 
might, with advantage, be probably reduced, if not altogether dispensed with.” The able 
writer then proceeds to observe that if the peculiar constitution, irritability, and expensive 
maintenance of the Elephant be taken into consideration, the value of its labor will be found 
to be less than that of a good draught horse. The keep of an Elephant in Ceylon costs from 
$1.50 to $1.75 per diem, and the animai can onty work, on an average, four days in each week, 
while the keep of a powerful dray horse, which works five days in the week, is only about 
60 cents per diem. 

The general disposition of the Asiatic Elephant is gentle, but there are always some stray 
individuals that are not admitted into any herd, but live in solitary moodiness, and are termed 
‘“‘rooues,’’ from their irritable temper. So gentle, indeed, is their nature, that even when 
most irritated by wounds, they literally do not know how to kill their foe, even if he is lying at 
their mercy, and there are many instances where hunters who have been chased and struck down 
by these animals, have escaped without sufferig any serious damage. The tusks are seldom 
employed as offensive weapons, and the Elephant has but little idea of directing them towards 
an adversary. A momentary pressure of the foot, or a blow with the tusk, would in any case 
be sufficient to cause death, but the animal seems to be scarcely aware of its own power, and 
often contents itself with kicking its prostrate foe from foot to foot, hustling him between the 
fore and hinder limbs in a very unpleasant manner. A little Indian Elephant, that had been 
much worried by wild boars, was accustomed to defeat them by receiving their charge, and 
then knocking them about from foot to foot until they were effectually disabled. 

There are two modes of capturing the Asiatic Elephant, the one by pursuing solitary indi- 
viduals and binding them with ropes as they wander at will through the forests, and the other 
by driving a herd of Elephants into a previously prepared pound, and securing the entrance so 
as to prevent their escape. j 

In the former method, the hunters are aided by certain trained females, termed ‘‘koom- 
kies,” which enter into the spirit of the chase with wonderful animation, and help their riders 
in every possible manner. When the koomkies see a fine male Elephant, they advance care- 
lessly towards him, plucking leaves and grass, as if they were perfectly indifferent to his 
presence. He soon becomes attracted to them, when they overwhelm him with endearing 
feminine blandishments, and occupy his attention so fully that he does not observe the pro- 
ceedings of the ‘‘mahouts,’”’ or riders. These men, seeing the Elephant engaged with the 
“‘koomkies,”’ slip quietly to the ground, and attach their rope nooses to his legs, fastening the 
ends of the cords to some neighboring tree. Should no suitable tree be at hand, the koomkies 
are sagacious enough to comprehend the dilemma, and to urge their victim towards some large 
tree which is sufficiently strong to withstand his struggles. As soon as the preparations are 
complete, the mahouts give the word of command to the koomkies, who move away, leaving 
the captive Elephant to his fate. 

Finding himself deserted and bound, he becomes mad with rage, and struggles with 
all his force to get free. In these furious efforts, the Elephant displays a flexibility and 
activity of body that are quite surprising, and are by nc means in accordance with the clumsy, 


ASIATIC ELEPHANT. 


MANNER OF CAPTURING THE ELEPHANT. 601 


stiff aspect of its body and limbs. It rolls on the ground in despair, it rends the air with 
furious cries of rage, it butts at the fatal tree with all its force, in hope of bringing it to the 
ground, and has been known to stand with its hind legs fairly off the ground, in its furious 
endeavors to break the rope. After a while, however, it finds its exertions to be totally use- 
less, and yields to its conquerors. Formerly it was allowed to remain in its captivity until 
reduced by hunger, but as the ropes are apt to cut severely into the ankle, and to cause pain- 
ful and dangerous wounds, the time of bondage is now shortened as much as possible, and the 
animal removed to another spot where ropes are needless. The koomkies afford invaluable 
assistance both in tying the animal and in leading him away from the tree to which he had 
been bound. One of these animals is reported to have gone on a solitary hunting expedition 
on her own account, and to have captured a fine male Elephant, which she tied to a tree with 
some iron chains. 

The second mode of capturing Elephants is more complicated, and secures a greater 
number of beasts at a time, but as it necessarily includes the young, the old, and the vigor- 
ous of both sexes in the general seizure, its results are not so admirable as might be anticipated. 

The inclosure into which the Elephants are driven is termed a ‘‘keddah,”’ and is ingeni- 
ously constructed of stout logs and posts, which are supported by strong buttresses, and are 
so arranged that a man can pass through the interstices between the logs. When the keddah 
is set in good order, a vast number of hunters form themselves into a huge cizcle, inclosing one 
or more herds of Elephants, and moving gradually towards ihe inclosure of the keddah, and 
arranging themselves in such a manner as to leave the entrance towards the keddah always 
open. When they have thus brought the herd to the proper spot, a business which will often 
consume several weeks, the Elephants are excited by shouts, the waving of hands and spears, 
etc., to move towards the inclosure, which is cunningly concealed by the trees among which it 
is built. If the operation should take place at night, the surrounding hunters are supplied 
with burning torches, while the keddah is carefully kept in darkness. Being alarmed by the 
noise and the flames, the Elephants rush instinctively to the only open space, and are thus 
fairly brought within the precincts of the keddah, from which they never emerge again save 
as captives. 

The terrified animals run round and round the inclosure, and often attempt a desperate 
charge, but are always driven back by the torch-bearers, who wave their flaming weapons, 
and discourage the captured animals from their meditated assault. At last the poor creatures 
are so bewildered and fatigued, that they gather together in the centre of the keddah, and are 
then considered to be ready for the professional Elephant-hunters. These courageous men 
enter the keddah either on foot or upon the backs of their koomkies, and contrive to tie every 
one of the captives to some spot from whence it cannot move. Most ingenious stratagems are 
employed by the hunters in this perilous task, the details of which may be found in many 
works on the subject. 

When the natives hunt the Elephant merely for the sake of his ivory or his flesh, and 
do not care to take him alive, they achieve their object by stealing cautiously upon him as he 
dozes, and by gently tickling one of his hind-feet with a slight twig they induce him to lift the 
foot from the ground. As soon as he does so, the hunters, who are furnished with a mallet 
and a sharp wooden spike about eight inches in length, drive the spike into his foot, and 
effectually lame him with a single blow. He is then quite at their disposal, and is easily 
despatched. The flesh of the Elephant is thought to be very poor indeed ; but the heart, the 
tongue, the trunk, and the foot, are considered to be good eating if properly dressed. 

The “‘points”’ of a good Elephant are as important in India and Ceylon as those of a horse 
in Europe. In a native work upon the Elephant, quoted by Sir E. Tennent, the points are 
given as follows :—‘‘ The softness of the skin, the red color of the mouth and tongue, the fore- 
head expanded and full, the ears large and rectangular, the trunk broad at the root, and 
blotched with pink in front, the eyes light and kindly, the cheeks large, the neck full, the 
back level, the chest square, the fore-legs short and convex in front, the hind-quarters plump, 
five nails in each foot, all smooth, elastic, and round. An Elephant with all these perfections 
will impart glory and magnificence to the king.’’ 


602 HABITS OF THE ELEPHANT. 


The herds in which these animals congregate are not of very great size, containing only 
from ten to twenty or thirty individuals, and consisting, as is generally thought by men of 
practical experience, of members of the same family. This opinion is strengthened by the 
fact that certain physical peculiarities, such as the shape of the trunk or the head, have been 
found in every member of the same herd. Sometimes these herds will associate with each 
other for a time, but at the smallest alarm each little flock assembles together independently 
of the others. It is rather remarkable that a whole herd has never been known to charge a foe 
simultaneously. The leader generally faces the enemy, while the remainder of the herd 
manceuvre in his rear; but that the entire herd should unite in a charge, is a circumstance 
never yet known to occur. The Asiatic Elephant will permit the temporary society of other 
animals, and may be seen at a fountain or feeding on an open space in close proximity to deer 
and wild buffaloes, neither animal displaying any aversion to or fear of the other. i 

In its general habits the Elephant is restless and irritable, or rather ‘‘ fidgety,’ never 
remaining quite still, but always in motion in some way or other. At one time it will sway 
backwards and forwards, at another it will stoop and rise continually, or it will be getting 
sand or water and sprinkling it over its body, or it will pluck a leafy branch and wave it 
slowly and gracefully over its back. It is very fond of bathing, and has a curious predilection 
for drawing a mixture of mud and water into its trunk, and discharging it over its body. It 
is an admirable swimmer, and will cross large rivers with perfect ease. Sometimes it prefers 
walking on the bed of the river, merely protruding the tip of its proboscis above the surface 
for the purpose of breathing. 

The Indian Elephant is employed more for purposes of state or for sport than for hard 
labor, and is especially trained for tiger-hunting. As there is a natural dread of the tiger 
deeply implanted in the Elephant’s being, it is no easy matter to teach the animal to approach 
its brindled foe. A stuffed tiger-skin is employed for this purpose, and is continually pre- 
sented to the Elephant until he learns to lose all distrust of the inanimate object, and to 
strike it, to crush it with his feet, or to pierce it with his tusks. After a while, a boy is put 
inside the tiger-skin, in order to accustom the Elephant to the sight of the tiger in motion. 
The last stage in the proceedings is to procure a dead tiger, and to substitute it for the stuffed 
representative. Even with all this training, it most frequently happens, that when the Ele- 
phant is brought to face a veritable living tiger, the fierce bounds, savage yells, and furious 
eyes of the beast are so discouraging, that he turns tail, and makes the best of his way from 
the spot. Hardly one Elephant out of ten will face an angry tiger. 

The Elephant is always guided by a mahout, who sits astride upon its neck and directs 
the movements of the animal by means of his voice, aided by a kind of spiked hook, called 
the haunkus, which is applied to the animal’s head in such a manner as to convey the driver’s 
wishes to the Elephant. The persons who ride upon the Elephant are either placed in the 
howdah, a kind of wheelless carriage strapped on the animal’s back, or sit upon a large pad, 
which is furnished with cross ropes in order to give a firm hold. The latter plan is generally 
preferred, as the rider is able to change his position at will, and even to recline upon the 
Elephant’s back if he should be fatigued by the heavy rolling gait of the animal. The Ele- 
phant generally kneels in order to permit the riders to mount, and then rises from the ground 
with a peculiar swinging motion that is quite indescribable, and is most discomposing to 
novices in the art. Very small Elephants are furnished with a saddle like that which is used 
upon horses, and is fitted with stirrups. The saddle, however, cannot be conveniently used on 
animals that are more than six feet in height. 

The size of Elephants has been greatly exaggerated, as sundry writers have given fourteen 
or sixteen feet as an ordinary height, and have even mentioned instances where Elephants have 
attained to the height of twenty feet. It is true that the enormous bulk of the animal makes its 
height appear much greater than is really the case. Eight feet is about the average height of a 
large Elephant, and nine or ten feet is the utmost maximum to which the creature ever attains. 

It is rather remarkable that the Elephants should be so fond of intoxicating liquids as to 
be induced by the promise of porter, beer, wine or spirits, to perform tricks which it would 
otherwise refuse to attempt. The natural food of the Elephant consists of grass and various 


b) 


THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT. 6038 


leaves, which it plucks daintily with the tip of its trunk, and always beats against its fore-legs, 
in order to shake off the dust. While feeding, the Elephant never seems to be in a hurry, but 
eats deliberately, and often pauses in its meal, as if engaged in contemplation. In this 
country, the average daily food of an adult Elephant is one truss of hay, one truss of straw, a 
bushel of barley-meal and bran made into a mash, thirty pounds of potatoes, and six pints of 
water. In Ceylon, each Elephant employs two men in cutting leaves for its sustenance, and a 
very large animal would probably require the services of three leaf-cutters. 

The general color of the Elephant is brown, of a lighter tint when the animal is at liberty, 
and considerably deeper when its hide is subjected to rubbing with a cocoa-nut brush, and 
plenty of oil, Sometimes an albino or white Elephant is seen in the forests, the color of the 
animal being a pinky-white, and aptly compared to the nose of a white horse. The King 
of Ava, one of whose titles is ‘‘ Lord of the White Elephants,”’ generally contrives to monopo- 
lize every White Elephant, and employs them for purposes of state, decorating them with 
strings of priceless gems, pearls, and gold coins, and lodging them in the most magnificent of 
houses, where their very eating-troughs are of silver. 

Although the tame Elephant is usually gentle in his disposition, there are certain times 
in the year when he becomes greatly excited, and is sometimes so powerfully agitated, that he 
will attack anything that comes in his way, and has often been known even to assault his own 
keeper. Elephants in this condition are technically called ‘‘must’’? Elephants, and are care- 
fully guarded as long as the paroxysm lasts. On one occasion, a mahout was forced to sit 
upon the animal’s back for several days continuously, not daring to alight lest the infuriated 
animal should destroy him. As he sat upon the creature’s back, it constantly endeavored to 
pull him from his seat, but was held at bay by the sharp point of the ‘‘haunkus,’”’ which 
wounded his trunk whenever it threatened the mahout, and caused such pain that the animal 
was fain to desist from its deadly efforts. While in this state of excitement, the Elephant is 
largely employed as a combatant, being set to fight another ‘‘must”’ animal for the gratifica- 
tion of its owner. Very heavy wagers were often laid upon these combatants by their Eastern 
owners, and the fight was of a most terrific character. Each Elephant was mounted by his 
own mahout, who was furnished with a rope netting, to which he clung as the animals met in 
the deadly shock, in order to prevent himself from being flung off the creature’s back. It is a 
remarkable fact, that the animal never interferes with a human being provided he is mounted 
upon an Elephant’s back, and even the wild ‘‘rogue’’ Elephants do no harm to the men who 
come to ensnare them. 

There are many breeds, or ‘‘casts,’’ of the Asiatic Elephant, which are distinguished by 
certain technical terms. 


THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT is spread over a very wide range of country, extending from 
Senegal and Abyssinia to the borders of the Cape Colony. Several conditions are required for 
its existence, such as water, dense forests, and the absence of human habitations. 

Although it is very abundant in the locality which it inhabits, it is not often seen by 
casual travellers, owing to its great vigilance, and its wonderful power of moving through the 
tangled forests without noise, and without causing any perceptible agitation of the foliage. 
In spite of its enormous dimensions, it is one of the most invisible of forest creatures, and a 
herd of Elephants, of eight or nine feet in height, may stand within a few yards of a hunter 
without being detected by him, even though he is aware of their presence. The only sure 
method of ascertaining the presence of Elephants is by listening for one sound which they are 
continually giving forth, and which they are unable to control. This peculiar noise resembles 
the bubbling of wine when poured from a bottle, and is caused by the large amount of 
water which is stored in their interior. This curious sound is emitted at regular intervals, 
and forms a sure criterion whereby to judge of the direction in which the creatures may be 
standing. 

At the present day the African Elephant is never captured and domesticated, although 
there seems to be but little reason for such an omission. In the ancient times, this species was 
trained for the arts of war and peace as regularly as the Asiatic Elephant, and its present 


604 THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT. 


immunity from a life of captivity seems to be the result of the fears or laziness of the natives. 
The only object in possessing the African Elephant is to procure its valuable tusks and teeth, 
and to afford nourishment to the native tribes. Before the introduction of fire-arms among 
the Kaffir tribes, the Elephant was hunted by men armed with assagais, or spears, and after 
being unrelentingly pursued for several successive days, was at last forced to succumb under 
the multitudes of missiles which penetrated its body. Now, however, the musket-ball, how- 
ever rude may be the weapon, does great service to the black hunter, and the Elephant is slain 
in far less time and in greater numbers than under the old system. 

When wounded, the African Elephant is a most formidable animal, charging impetuously 
in the direction of the foe, and crashing through the heavy forest as if the trees were but 
stubble. In such a case, the best resource of the hunter is in his dogs, which bay round the 
infuriated animal, and soon distract his attention. The bewilderment which the Elephant 
feels at the attacks of so small an animal as a dog is quite extraordinary. He does not seem 
to know what he is doing, and at one time will try to kneel on his irritating foes, will even 
push down a tree in hopes of crushing them under its branches. This species is not so readily 
killed by a single ball as is its Asiatic relative, but instances are not wanting where an African 
Elephant has been slain by a single ball, which entered by the nostrils, and penetrated to the 
brain. In chasing this animal, the white hunter always prefers a gun with a very wide bore, 
as the execution which is done depends more upon the weight of the missile than on the 
accuracy with which it is sent. One great value of the heavy ball, of two or even three ounces 
in weight, is, that it will break the leg of the animal, and so render him at once helpless. The 
bone does not always give way at once when struck by so heavy a ball, but is sure to snap 
after the animal has made a few paces. 

The most deadly gun for Elephant shooting seems to be a breech-loader, either double 
or single, and carrying a ball weighing not less than two ounces. All the apparatus of ramrod 
and powder-flask is thus rendered needless, and each charge being separately made up into a 
cartridge, is inserted into the breech, and is ready for use without the least delay. Very 
accurate shooting is of no great consequence in the pursuit of this giant game, as the hunter 
can always approach within a few yards of the animal, and deliver his fire from his horse’s 
back, sheering off if the creature endeavors to charge. The bullets employed in Elephant 
shooting are always hardened-with a mixture of one-eighth of tin or solder, and a steel-pointed 
bullet would probably be the most deadly missile that ever was employed for the purpose. 
The shell-bullets might also be used with terrible effect. 

The Kaffirs are persevering Elephant-hunters, and are wonderfully expert in tracking any 
individual by the ‘‘spoor,’’ or track, which is made by his footsteps. The foot of a male is 
easily to be distinguished by the roundness of its form, while that of the female is more oval, 
and the height of the animal is also ascertained by measurement of the foot-marks, twice the 
circumference of the foot being equal to the height at the shoulder. The mode by which the 
natives follow a single Elephant through all the multiplied tracks of his companions is very 
curious. The sole of each Elephants foot is marked with certain wrinkles, which are never 
precisely alike in any two individuals, and may be compared to the minute depressions which 
are found on the human thumb, and which in more primitive times were employed as an expe- 
ditious mode of affixing a sign-manual, by being rubbed with ink and impressed upon the 
document. The black hunter, therefore, taking a piece of soft clay or earth, works it between 
his hands into a firm and smooth mass, resembling the footmark in shape, and with the point 
of a thorn traces upon it a chart of the lines which are found on the Elephant’s foot. If he 
should become bewildered amid the multiplicity of footmarks, he has only to refer to his clay 
chart, and is guided against the possibility of mistaking one individual for another. 

The death of a large Elephant is great matter of congratulation among the natives, who 
rejoice at the abundant supply of food which will fall to their share. Almost every portion of 
the animal is used by the Kaffirs, whose strong jaws are not to be daunted by the toughest 
meat, and whose accommodating palates are satisfied with various portions which would be 
rejected by any civilized being. Indeed, it seems to be a general rule among savages, that 
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AFRICAN ELEPHANT. 


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HABITS OF THE AFRICAN FLEPHANT. 605 


as a luxury, and in many cases thought too good to be spoiled by cooking. The flesh of the 
Elephant is dried in order to be formed into ‘‘biltongue,’’ or jerked meat, and the fat is jeal- 
ously preserved, being used in the decoration of the person and rubbed copiously over the 
head and body. Even the skin is of service to the natives, for beneath the hard, leather-like 
hide, there lies a tough inner skin, which is carefully removed ‘in large sheets, and is made 
into vessels for the conveyance of water. 

Some portions of the Elephant are, however, grateful even to Christian palates, and the 
foot, when baked, is really delicious. This part of the animal is cooked by being laid in a hole 
in the earth, over which a large fire has been suffered to burn itself out, and then covered over 
with the hot earth. Another fire is then built on the spot, and permitted to burn itself out as 
before, and when the place is thoroughly cool, the foot is properly cooked. The flesh of the 
boiled foot is quite soft and gelatinous, something resembling calf’s head, and is so tender 
that it can be scooped away with a spoon. The trunk and the skin around the eye are also 
enumerated as delicacies, but have been compared by one who has had practical experience, as 
bearing a close resemblance to shoe-leather both in toughness and evil flavor. 

The African Elephant is a most suspicious and wary animal, being very keen of scent and 
acute of hearing. So sensitive are the animal’s olfactory faculties, that it can track a native 
by the scent of his footsteps, although perhaps it might find a difficulty in following the 
spoor of a shod and cleanly Christian. However close the Elephant may be, the pursued 
hunter is always safe if he can only climb a tree, for the animal never thinks of looking else- 
where than on the ground for its foe, and neither by scent nor vision directs its attention to 
the trees. While employed in thus trailing their enemies, it writhes the trunk into the most 
singular contortions, fully justifying the epithet of anguimanus, or snake-hand, which has so 
aptly been applied to that member. 

The natives employ many methods of capturing Elephants, the pitfall being the most 
deadly. Even this insidious snare is often rendered useless by the sagacity of the crafty old 
leaders of the herds, who precede their little troops to the water, as they advance by night to 
“drink, and carefully beating the ground with their trunks as they proceed, unmask the pitfalls 
that have been dug in their course. They then tear away the coverings of the pits, and render 
them harmless. These pitfalls are terrible affairs when an animal gets into them, for a 
sharp stake is set perpendicularly at the bottom, so that the poor Elephant is transfixed by 
its own weight, and dies miserably. Each pit is about eight feet long by four in width. 

Whenever the Elephants approach the water at night, their advent may be at once known 
by the commotion that arises among the various animals which have also congregated around 
the pool for the purpose of slaking their thirst. ‘‘If the spring or pool,” says Mr. Ander- 
son, in his valuable work, ‘‘ Lake Ngami,” ‘‘be of small extent, all the animals present will 
immediately retire from the water as soon as they are aware of the presence of the Elephants, 
of whom they appear to have an instinctive dread, and will remain at a respectful distance 
until the giants have quenched their thirst. Thus, long before I have seen or even heard the 
Elephants, I have been warned of their approach by the symptoms of uneasiness displayed by 
such animals as happened to be drinking at the time. The giraffe, for instance, begins to sway 
his long neck to and fro; the zebra utters sudden and plaintive cries ; the gnoo glides away 
with a noiseless step ; and even the ponderous and quarrelsome black rhinoceros, when he has 
time for reflection, will pull up short in his walk to listen: then turning round, he listens 
again, and if he feels satisfied that his suspicions are correct, he invariably makes off, giving 

vent to his fear or ire by one of his vicious and peculiar snorts. Once, it is true, I saw a 
rhinoceros drinking together with a herd of seven male Elephants; but then he was of the 
“white species, and, besides, I do not believe that either party knew of each other’s proximity.”’ 

The ivory of the African Elephant is extremely valuable, and vast quantities are exported 
annually. The slaughter of an Elephant is therefore a matter of congratulation to the white 
hunter, who knows that he can obtain a good price for the tusks and teeth of the animal 

which he has slain. A pair of tusks weighing about a hundred and fifty pounds will fetch 
nearly $200 when sold, so that the produce of a successful chase is extremely valuable. One 
officer contrived to purchase every step in the army by the sale of the ivory which he had 


606 THE AMERICAN TAPIR. 


thus obtained. On an average, each pair of tusks, taking the small with the great, will weigh 
about one hundred and twenty pounds. 

There is an ingenious but a very cruel method of procuring ivory, which is employed by 
the Somali. The hunter contrives to crawl towards the Elephant as it is reposing, and with a 
single stroke of a very sharp sword nearly severs the principal tendon of the hind leg. At the 
time, the animal thinks little of the wound, evidently supposing it to be caused by the prick 
of athorn. In order to rid himself of the supposed thorn, he stamps violently on the ground, 
and flings out the wounded limb, until the damaged sinew parts, and the Elephant is rendered 
incapable of locomotion. The hunters do not trouble themselves about the poor beast, know- 
ing that he must soon die of hunger and thirst, as he cannot stir from the spot on which he 
was wounded. After a sufficient time has elapsed for putrefaction to have done its work, the 
hunters return to the spot, and easily draw the tusks from the skull. The tail is cut off, and 
evermore exhibited as a trophy of victory. 


THE! SEAS PARES® 


One of the links which unite the elephants to the swine and rhinoceros is to be found in 
the genus Tapirus. The animals which belong to this genus are remarkable for the prolonged 
upper lip, which is formed into a kind of small proboscis, not unlike that of the elephant, but 
upon a smaller scale, and devoid of the finger-like appendage at the extremity. Only two 
species are at present existing, but the fossil remains of many other species have been discov- 
ered, which, by the peculiar length of proboscis and general formation, seem to render the 
transition from the elephant to the swine less abrupt. The body is heavy and powerful, the 
skin thick and almost devoid of hair, and the tail is almost wanting. 

The common or AMERICAN TAPIR, sometimes called the Mborebi, is a native of tropical 
America, where it is found in great numbers, inhabiting the densely wooded regions that 
fringe the banks of rivers. It is a great water-lover, and can swim or dive with perfect ease. 
Although a large animal, being nearly four feet in height, and very strongly made, it falls a 
victim to many destroyers, the jaguar being the most terrible of its enemies. It is said that 
when the jaguar leaps upon the Tapir’s back, the affrighted animal rushes through the brush- 
wood in hopes of sweeping away its deadly foe, and if it be fortunate enough to gain the 
river’s bank, will plunge into the water, and force the jaguar, who is no diver, to relinquish 
his hold. The tough, thick hide with which the Tapir is covered is of great service in enabling 
the animal to pursue its headlong course through the forest without suffering injury from the 
branches. When it runs, it carries its head very low, as does the wild boar under similar 
circumstances. 

In disposition the Tapir is very gentle, and does not attack human beings except when 
wounded and driven to bay. It then becomes a fierce and determined opponent, and is capable 
of inflicting severe wounds with its powerful teeth. The hunter’s dogs are often dangerously 
wounded by the teeth of the despairing Tapir. The voice of the Tapir is a curious shrill kind 
of whistling sound, which is but seldom uttered. The senses of the animal are very acute, 
and its sight, hearing, and scent appear to be equally sensitive. During the daytime it is 
seldom seen, preferring to lie quietly hidden in the deep underwood during the hotter hours of 
the day, and to emerge at night in order to obtain food and meet its companions. The nocturnal 
journeys which the Tapir will make are of considerable extent, and the animal proceeds straight 
onwards, heedless of bank or river, surmounting the one and swimming the other with equal 
ease. The food of the Tapir is generally of a vegetable nature, and consists of young branches 
and various wild fruits, such as gourds and melons. 

The color of the adult Tapir is a uniform brown, but the young is beautifully variegated 
with yellowish-fawn spots and stripes upon a rich brown-black ground, reminding the observer 
of the peculiar tinting of the Hood’s marmot. The neck is adorned with a short and erect 


THE AMERICAN TAPIR. 607 


black mane. The Tapir can easily be brought under the subjection of man, and is readily 
tamed, becoming unpleasantly familiar with those persons whom it knows, and taking all 
kinds of liberties with them, which would be well enough in a little dog or a kitten, but are 
quite out of place with an animal as large as a donkey. 

The Tapir family, Zapirida@, has two groups or genera, and six species are enumerated. 
For a long time only two were known, the East Indian and the American. Lately, several 
species have been discovered in South America; these were all found in the Andes of New 
Grenada, and Ecuador. A species has also been found in Central America. 


AMERICAN TAPIR.—Tapirus terrestias. 


The common American Tapir (Zapirus terrestris) is found in all parts of South America. 
It is regarded as the largest of South American mammals, measuring sometimes six feet from 
the snout to the end of the tail. It is nocturnal in habit. Selecting a mate, it lives in pairs 
during most of the time. 

Baird’s Tapir (Hlasmognathus bairdi) is a late discovery in Central America. The specific 
characters are, a very short fur, close, and dark-brown in color, or nearly black. The lower 
parts of the cheeks and sides of the neck are a bay-brown; the chin, throat, chest, and front 
edge of shoulders, a grayish-white. 

Like the young of other species of Tapir, the young of this are striped curiously with 
white, giving an aspect not unlike that of the zebra. This is the only species of the 
genus known. It is native of the Isthmus of Panama, and extends northward to Mexico. 
It is regarded as larger than other American species. A variety has been described 
as a species, and called H. dow/, in honor of Captain Dow, a clever collector of Cali- 
fornia. 

Tapirs were common in this country in Eocene time, as well as in other countries. The 
extinct forms of family Lophiodontida are allied to them. 


608 SWINE. 


THE second species of Tapir is found in Malacca and Sumatra, and is a most conspicuous 
animal, in consequence of the broad band of white that encircles its body, and which at a little 
distance gives it the aspect of being muffled up in a white sheet. 

The ground color of the adult Malayan Tapir is a deep sooty-black, contrasting most 
strongly with the grayish-white of the back and flanks. The young animal is as beautifully 
variegated as that of the preceding species, being striped and spotted with yellow fawn upon 
the upper parts of the body, and with white below. There is no mane upon the neck of the 
Malayan Tapir, and the proboscis is even longer in proportion. In size it rather exceeds 
the preceding animal. In many of its habits the Malayan animal is exactly similar to the 


KUDA-AYER, OR MALAYAN TAPIR.—Tapirus malayanus. 


species which inhabits America, but it is said that although the Kuda-Ayer is very fond of 
the water, it does not attempt to swim, but contents itself with walking on the bed of the 
stream. Although a sufficiently common animal in its native country, it is but seldom seen, 
owing to its extremely shy habits, and its custom of concealing itself in the thickest underwood. 

The hide of the Tapir is employed by the natives for several useful purposes, but the flesh 
is dry, tasteless, and not worth the trouble of cooking. The term Kuda-Ayer is a Malayan 
word, signifying ‘‘river-horse,’’ and it is also known by the name of Tennu. 


SWINE. 


Ty the Swine, the snout is far less elephantine than in the preceding animals, and 
although capable of considerable mobility, cannot be curled round any object so as to raise it 
from the ground. Nor, indeed, is such a power needed, as the Swine employ the snout for the 
purpose of rooting in the earth, and of distinguishing, by its tactile powers, and the delicate 
sense of smell which is possessed by these animals, those substances which are suitable for its 
food. 


SWINE. 609 


In order to enable this instrument to perform its functions more effectually, it is furnished 
with a small bone, as is the case with the mole. Their form is heavy and massive, their neck 
and fore-quarters are very strong, and their heads are wedge-shaped, probably because in a 
wild state they inhabit dense bushes and thickets, and require this form of head and snout to 
enable them to pierce the tangled vegetation with ease. A wild boar will charge fearlessly at 
an apparently impenetrable thicket, and vanish into its interior as if by magic. The tusks, 
especially in the male, are largely developed, and are terrible weapons of offence, a boar being 
able to rip up a dog or a man’s leg with a single blow of his tusks. When striking with these 
weapons, the boar does not seem to make any great exertion of strength, but gives a kind of 
wriggle with his snout as he passes his victim. In India, it is not uncommon for an infuriate 
wild boar to pursue some unfortunate native, to overtake him as he flies, and putting his snout 
between the poor man’s legs, to cut right and left with an almost imperceptible effort, and to 
pass on his course, leaving the wounded man helpless on the ground. 

There are many species as well as varieties of Swine, which are found in different parts of 
the earth, the first and most familiar of which is the Domestic Hoa. 

This species is spread over the greater portion of the habitable globe, and was in former 
days common in a wild state. The chase of the wild boar was a favorite amusement of the 
upper classes, and the animal was one of those which were protected by the terribly severe 
forest laws which were then in vogue. The boar was usually slain with the spear, although 
the net or the arrow were sometimes employed in his destruction. In several continental 
countries the boar-hunt is still carried on, and by some more legitimate sportsmen is attacked 
solely with the spear. The chase is then a most exciting one, for the boar is a terrible antago- 
nist, his charge is made with lightning swiftness, and together with his furious eyes and lips 
dripping with the foam, he is a sufficiently formidable foe to disconcert any one who is not. 
possessed of good nerves and a steady hand. The animal has an awkward habit of swerving 
suddenly from his course, snapping at the spear-head and breaking it from the shaft. He 
also, when the hunter is on horseback, will charge at the horse instead of the rider, and rising 
on his hind legs, in order to give the blow greater force, will lay open the horse’s flank and 
instantly disable it. There are, however, but few sportsmen of the present day who will 
restrict themselves to the use of the spear in boar-hunting, but employ the rifle in lieu of that 
weapon, so that the danger and excitement of the sport are almost entirely destroyed. 

Swine are very scooeine hos in their appetite, and will devour almost any vegetable or 
animal substance. Although more of a vegetable than an animal feeder, the Hog, whether wild 
or domesticated, will pick up any dead animal it may find, and will sometimes kill meat for 
itself. As a specimen of the carnivorous powers of the Swine, Buffon mentions that in the 
stomach of a wild boar opened by himself, he found part of the skin of a roebuck, and some 
feet of birds. Certain pig-keepers take a base advantage of the omnivorous qualities of the 
Hog, and instead of feeding their animals with such a vegetable diet as will produce a firm and 
sound flesh, maintain them on the worst kind of garbage, which they obtain at a cheap rate 
from slaughter-houses, and even force them to eat the offal of their own species. The flesh of 
such ill-fed animals is always flabby and of ill-savor, and is also injurious to those by whom it 
is consumed. 

In this country, the Hog is used not only for food, but for the sake of the hide, which, 
when prepared after a peculiar fashion, is found to make the best leather for saddles. The 
bristles are largely used in the manufacture of brushes. 

Both to the Jews and the Mahometans the Hog is a forbidden article of diet, the latter 
prohibition being evidently in imitation of the former. In the Mosaical law the Hog is spoken 
of as an unclean animal that might not be eaten, although for what reason is not easy to ascer- 
tain, and the Rabbinical mandates which exercised such a potent sway over the people laid 
such a stress upon the interdict that they declared the animal itself to be a vile and foul beast, 
and pronounced a sentence of uncleanness against those who came in contact with a Hog or 
with anything which it had touched. It must be remarked, that the Egyptians, among whom 
the Hebrews had so long resided, held similar views of the Hog, and that might be in defer- 
ence to their prejudices which they had contracted from their former masters. The Hebrews 


+ 


610 INTELLIGENCE OF THE HOG. 


were taught in their law to hold the animal in the same light in which it had been regarded by 
those to whom they had been accustomed to look with reverence. By some persons it is 
thought that the flesh of the Hog is harmful to those who reside in hot countries ; but even 
granting this to be the case—a matter which is by no means certain—it affords no clue to the 
cause Why the Hog should have been held as a vile and unclean beast by the polished and 
learned Egyptians, who depicted so accurately the various animals found in their country, and 
employed them so largely in their symbolical literature. é 

In its wild and domesticated state, the Hog is a most prolific animal, producing from eight 
to twelve pigs twice in each year, when it is in full vigor and in good health. Gilbert White 
records a sow which, when she died, was the parent of no less than three hundred pigs. 

We are rather apt to speak libellously of the Hog, and to ascribe to it qualities which are 
of our own creation. Although it is a large feeder, it really is not more gluttonous than the 
cow, the dog, or the sheep, for each of these animals will eat to repletion if furnished with a 
large amount of food, and will become inordinately fat in consequence of such high feeding. 
In its wild state it is never found overloaded with fat, and, as has already been seen, is so 
active an animal that it can surpass a horse in speed, and is so little burdened with flesh that 
it can endure throughout a lengthened chase. Neither is it naturally a dirty creature, for in 
its native woods it is as clean as any other wild animal. But when it is confined in a narrow 
stye, without any possibility of leaving its curtailed premises, it has no choice, but is perforce 
obliged to live in a constant state of filth. 

The Hog is also thought, and very wrongly, to be an especially stupid animal. It appears 
stupid for the same reason that it appears to be gluttonous and dirty, merely because no atten- 
tion has been paid towards developing its intellectual qualities, which have been left to exer- 
cise themselves in the narrow confines of the stye and on the caily supply of food. 

When, however, its owner chooses to look upon the Hog as a living being, and not merely 
as a piece of animated pork or bacon, he finds that it is by no means the stupid animal that 
it has been supposed to be. ‘‘ Learned’? pigs are familiar to us all, and though the animal 
does not display any very great amount of literature, it exhibits a capacity of observation and 
obedience which would hardly have been expected from so maligned an animal. 

The senses of the Hog are wonderfully acute, and are capable of being turned to good 
purport. So delicate is its sense of smell, that it has been trained to act as a pointer, and in 
this capacity acted its part so thoroughly, that it would often find birds which the dogs had 
missed. ‘‘Slut,’’ as this animal was called, was very fond of the sport, and would frequently 
walk a distance of seven miles in hopes of finding some one who was going out with a gun. 
She would point at every kind of game with the curious exception of the hare, which she 
never seemed to notice. Although she would willingly back the dogs, they were very jealous 
of her presence, and refused to do their duty when she happened to be the discoverer of any 
game, so that she was seldom taken out together with dogs, but was employed as a solitary 
pointer. So sensitive was her nose, that she would frequently point a bird at a distance of 
forty yards, and if it rose and flew away, she would walk to the place from which it had taken 
wing, and put her nose on the very spot where it had been sitting. If, however, the bird only 
ran on, she would slowly follow it up by the scent, and when it came to a stop, she would 
again halt and point towards it. She was employed in the capacity of pointer for several 
years, but was at last killed because she had become a dangerous neighbor to the sheep. 

The Hog has also been trained to draw a carriage, a team of four Hogs having been driven 
by a farmer into the market-place of St. Alban’s. After driving once or twice round the 
market-place, he unharnessed his team, fed them, and in two hours put them again to his 
chaise, and drove them back to his house, a distance of two or three miles. Absurd as the 
idea may seem, the Hog has been trained for the saddle as well as for harness. Another 
farmer laid a heavy wager that he would in one hour ride his boar pig a distance of four 
miles and a quarter. He won his wager easily, accomplishing the distance in less than the 
given time. The Hog seems to be a good leaper, for a livery-stable keeper, who petted a 
favorite pig, engaged that he could make his pig leap over a door four feet and a half in height. 
In order to induce the animal to make the effort, he placed the door across the entrance to the 


THE BABY ROUSSA. 611 


stye, and laid a bounteous supply of favorite food within the inclosure. A wild boar has 
been known to clear a paling nearly nine feet in height, and it is remarkably active in leaping 
across ravines. 

There is a prevalent idea, that whenever the Hog takes to the water he cuts his own throat 
with the sharp hoofs of his fore-feet. This, however, is by no means the case, for the animal 
is an admirable swimmer, and will often take to the water intuitively. In one of the Moray 
Islands, three domestic pigs, belonging to the same litter, swam a distance of five miles; 
and it is said that if they had belonged to a wild family, they would have swum to a much 
greater distance. 

The flesh and fat of the Hog is especially valuable on account of its aptitude for taking 
salt without being rendered hard and indigestible by the process; and the various breeds of 
domesticated Swine are noted for their adaptation to form pork or bacon in the shortest time 
and of the best quality. A full account of the various English varieties, together with the 
mode of breeding them and developing their peculiar characteristics, may be found in many 
books which are devoted specially to the subject. 


THe WILD Boar of India is reckoned by some naturalists to be a separate species, end 
deserves a few words on account of its superiority in size, strength, and swiftness, to the ordi- 
nary European Swine. 

This animal is a sad plague to the agricultural population of India, as it makes terrible 
havoc among the crops, and is especially fond of frequenting the sugar-canes, eating them and 
chopping them into short lengths, which it forms into hut-like receptacles for its young. The 
Boar is a most fierce and savage animal, and if driven from the cane-brake, will rush at man, 
or animal, that may be within his reach, and cut him terribly with his sharp tusks. Even the 
sow can do considerable damage with her teeth, but instead of ripping, like her mate, she bites 
sharply and rapidly. When the animal is fairly roused, and takes to his heels; he puts the 
mettle of the swiftest and stanchest horse fairly to the test, and even on ground where the horse 
has all the advantage, he will frequently distance his pursuers, and regain his domicile in the 
cane-brake. Among the plantations are numbers of old disused wells, the sides of which have 
fallen in and were never properly filled up. In these wells the wild hog loves to lie, for the 
mouth of the well is so overgrown with thick verdure that the aperture is scarcely visible even 
to a person that stands on its brink, while from those who are not aware of its precise locality 
it is entirely hidden. 

The spear is generally employed in Boar-hunting, or ‘‘ pig-sticking,’’ as the sport is 
familiarly termed, and is either thrown from the horse’s back, or is held like a lance and 
directed so as to receive the animal’s charge. When driven to bay, the Indian Boar is as 
savage an animal as can be imagined, as with flashing eyes and foaming mouth he dashes first 
at one and then another of the horsemen, sometimes fairly driving them from the spot, and 
remaining master of the field. 


” 


OnE of the most formidable looking of Swine is the BAByroussa of Malacca. 

This strange creature is notable for the curious manner in which the tusks are arranged, 
four of these weapons being seen to project above the snout. The tusks of the lower jaw pro- 
ject upward on each side of the upper, as is the case with the ordinary boar of Europe, but 
those of the upper jaw are directed in a very strange manner. Their sockets, instead of point- 
ing downwards, are curved upwards, so that the tooth, in filling the curvatures of the socket, 
passes through a hole in the upper lip, and curls boldly over the face. The curve, as well as 
the comparative size of these weapons, is extremely variable, and is seldom precisely the 
same in any two individuals. The upper tusks do not seem to be employed as offensive 
weapons ; indeed, in many instances they would be quite useless for such a purpose, as they 
are so strongly curved that their points nearly reach the skin of the forehead. The female is 
devoid of these curious appendages. 

From all accounts the Babyroussa seems to be a very fierce and dangerous animal, being 
possessed of great strength, and able to inflict terrible wounds with the tusks of the lower jaw. 


612 THE BOSCH VARK. 


A naval officer who had experienced several encounters with this creature, spoke of it with 
ereat respect, and seemed to hold its warlike abilities in some awe. The adult male Baby- 
roussa is considerably larger than the boar of England, and the officer above mentioned told 
me that he had seen them as large as donkeys. It is a very good swimmer, and will take 
to the water for its own gratification, swimming considerable distances without any apparent 
effort. 

The skin of the Babyroussa is rather smooth, being sparsely covered with short bristly 
hairs. The object of the upper tusks is at present unknown, although certain old writers 
asserted that the animal was accustomed to suspend himself to branches by means of the 
appendage. The Babyroussa lives in herds of considerable size, and is found inhabiting the 
marshy parts of its native land. 


BABY ROUSSA.—Poreus babirussa. 


Tne Bosc Vark, or Bush Hog, of Southern Africa is a very formidable animal in 
aspect as well as in character, the heavy, lowering look, the projecting tusks, and the callous 
protuberance on the cheek, giving it a ferocious expression which is no way belied by the 
savage and sullen temper of the animal. The Bosch Vark inhabits the forests, and is generally 
found lying in excavations or hollows in the ground, from which it is apt to rush if suddenly 
disturbed, and to work dire vengeance upon its foe. In color it is extremely variable, some 
species being of a uniform dark brown, others of a brown variegated with white, while others 
are tinged with bright chestnut. The young is richly mottled with yellow and brown. For 
the following account of the habits of the Bosch Vark I am indebted to Captain Dray- 
son’s MS. 

‘‘ Where the locality is sufficiently retired and wooded to afford shelter to the bush bucks 
which I have mentioned, we may generally expect to find traces of the Bush Pig. His spoor 
is like the letter M without the horizontal marks, the extremities of the toes forming two sepa- 
rate points, which is not the case with the antelopes, at least very rarely so, the general 
impression of their feet being like the letter A with a division down the centre, thus /\. 


THE VLACKEH VAREK. 615 


‘*The Bush Pig is about two feet six inches in height and five feet in length ; his canine 
teeth are very large and strong, those in the upper jaw projecting horizontally, those in the 
lower upwards. He is covered with long bristles, and, taking him all in all, he is about as 
formidable-looking an animal, for his size, as can be seen. 

‘‘The Bosch Varks traverse the forests in herds, and subsist on roots and young shrubs. 
A large hard-shelled sort of orange, with an interior filled with seeds, grows in great quan- 
tities on the flats near the Natal forests; this is a favorite fruit of the wild pigs, and they 
will come out of the bush of an evening and roam over the plains in search of windfalls 
from these fruit-trees. 


BOSCH VARK.—Choirepotamus africanus. 


“The Kaffir tribes, although they refuse to eat the flesh of the domestic pig, will still 
feast without compunction on that of its bush brother. 

‘“‘In the bush I always found the Kaffirs disinclined to encounter a herd of these wild 
Swine, stating as their reason for doing so that the animals were very dangerous ; they also 

said that the wounds given by the tusks of this wild pig would not readily heal. The Berea 
bush of Natal was a favorite resort of these wild pigs, but although their spoor could be seen 
in all directions, the animals themselves were not so frequently encountered. 

‘The Kaffirs are much annoyed by these wild pigs, which force a passage through the 
imperfectly made fences, and root up the seeds, or destroy the pumpkins in the various gar- 
dens. Asa defence, the Kaffirs leave nice enticing little openings in different parts of their 
fences, and the pigs, taking advantage of these ready-made doorways, frequently walk through 
them, and are then engulfed in a deep pit in which is a pointed stake, and they are assagaied 
with great delight by the expecting Kaffirs, who are on the alert, and who hear the cries of 
distress from piggy himself. 

“The tusks are considered great ornaments, and are arranged on a piece of string and 
worn round the neck.” 


THE VLACKE VARK, or EMGALLA, is even a more formidable animal in its aspect than 
the bosch vark. The general color of the Vlacke Vark is a blackish hue upon the crown of 


614 THE VLACKE VARK. 


the head, the neck, and upper part of the back, and dull brown upon the remainder of the 
body, except upon the abdomen, where it fades into a grayer hue. The tusks of an adult 
male are most terrible weapons, projecting eight or nine inches beyond the lips, and with them 
it has been known to cut a dog nearly in two with a single stroke, or to sever the fleshy parts 
of a man’s thigh. It is a savage and determined opponent, and its charge is greatly to be 
dreaded. When chased, it presents a most absurd appearance, for it is naturally anxious to 
learn how much it has gained upon its pursuers, and is yet unable to look round, on account 
of its short neck and the large excrescence on each side of the face. The animal is therefore 
obliged to lift its snout perpendicularly in the air so as to look over its own shoulder ; and as 
it always carries its tail stiff and upright when running, it has a most ludicrous aspect. 


VLACKE VARK.—Phacocherus africanus. 


This animal is not devoid of sagacity, as was proved by Gordon Cumming: ‘‘T selected 
the old boar for my prey, and immediately separated him from his comrades. After ten miles 
of sharp galloping, we commenced ascending a considerable acclivity, where I managed to 
close with him, and succeeded in turning his head towards my camp. He now reduced his 
pace to a trot, and regarded me with a most malicious eye, his mouth a mass of foam. He 
was entirely in my power, as I had only to spring from my horse and bowl him over. I felt 
certain of him, but resolved not to shoot as long as his course lay in the direction of my 
wagon. At length, surprised at the resolute manner in which he held for my camp, I headed 
him ; when, to my astonishment, he did not in the slightest swerve from his course, but trotted 
along behind my horse like a dog following me. This at once aroused my suspicions, and I 
felt certain that the cunning old fellow was making for some retreat, so I resolved to dis- 
mount and finish him. Just, however, as I had come to this resolution, I suddenly found 
myself in a labyrinth of enormous holes, the haunt of the ant-bear. In front of one of them 
the wild boar pulled up, and charging stern foremost into it, disappeared from my disap- 
pointed eyes, and I saw him no more. I rode home for my men; and returning, we collected 
grass and bushes, and tried to smoke him out, but without success,” 


THE PECCARY. 615 


The structure of the teeth in this animal is very curious, and will repay examination. 
Another species, the Hauiur, or Harosa (Phacocherus eliani), belongs to the same genus. 
This animal is sometimes known as the Ethiopian Wild Boar, or the Abyssinian Phacochere. 


AMERICA possesses a representative of the porcine group in the Peccaries, two species of 
which animals inhabit the Brazils. 

The common Prcoary, or Tasacu, although it is of no very great dimensions, resembling 
a small pig in size, is yet as terrible an animal as the Wild Boar of India or the Phacochere 
of Africa. Ever fierce and irritable of temper, the Peccary is as formidable an antagonist as 
can be seen in any land, for it knows no fear, and will attack any foe without hesitation. Fear 
is a feeling of which the Peccary is ignorant, probably because its intellect is not of a very 
high order, and it is unable to comprehend danger. Although the Peccary is a very harmless 
animal to outward view, being only three feet long and weighing fifty or sixty pounds, and its 
armature consists of some short 
tusks that are barely seen beyond 
the lips, yet these little tusks are 
as fearful weapons as the eight- 
inch teeth of the vlacke vark, for 
they are shaped like a lancet, being 
acutely pointed and double edged, 
so that they cut like knives and 
inflict very terrible wounds. 

No animal seems to be capable 
of withstanding the united attacks 
of the Peccary, even the jaguar 
being forced to abandon the con- 
test, and to shrink from encounter- 
ing the circular mass of Peccaries 
as they stand with angry eyes and 
enashing teeth ready to do their 
worst on the foe: In Webber’s 
Romance of Natural History there 
is a very amusing account, too long 
to be quoted in this place, of the 
sudden consternation that was caused during a bear hunt by the charge of a herd of Pec- 
caries, which came rushing over the very spot where the deadly struggle was being waged, 
scattering men, dogs, and bear in a common confusion. The singular courage of this animal 
seems, however, to be based on ignorance, for after a herd of Peccaries have been frequently 
assailed by the hunter, they appear to learn the power of their adversaries, and instead of 
charging at their opponents, make the best of their way to some place of concealment. 

The usual resting-place of the Peccary is in the hollow of a fallen tree, or in some burrow 
that has been dug by an armadillo and forsaken by the original inhabitant. The hollow tree, 
however, is the favorite resort, and into one of these curious habitations a party of Peccaries 
will retreat, each backing into the aperture as far as he can penetrate the trunk, until the 
entire hollow is filled with the odd little creatures. The one who last enters becomes the 
sentinel, and keeps a sharp watch on the neighborhood. The native hunters take advantage 
of this curious habit to immolate great numbers of these animals. There are two methods of 
Peccary killing, one by the gun and the other by the sword and pitchfork. 

In the former method the hunter takes up his temporary abode in some concealed spot 
that commands the entrance of the tree or hole in which the Peccaries are known to sleep. 
As soon as the sentinel has assumed its post, the hunter takes a careful aim at the forehead, 
and kills it with a single ball. The wounded animal cautiously leaps from the cover, and its 
place is immediately taken by its successor. The hunter instantly reloads his rifle, and kills 
the second Peccary in like manner. In this way he will kill the entire family without giving 


PECCARY.—Dicétyles torquatus. 


616 THE COLLARED PECCARY. 


the alarm. If the slain animal should not leap from the hollow, but fall dead at its post, the 
carcase is pushed out of the hole by the next in succession, who then assumes the part of 
sentinel without displaying any alarm. The other method requires the co-operation of two 
hunters, and is managed by one getting above the mouth of the hole and pinning the foremost 
Peceary to the ground with a pitchfork, while the other despatches it with a sword. 

The food of the common Peccary is of a very varied character, and consists of fruits, seeds, 
grain, roots, reptiles, small birds and their eggs, and, indeed, of almost anything vegetable or 
animal which can be swallowed. The flesh of the Peccary is not of much value, as during 
many parts of the year it is wholly uneatable, on account of an odoriferous gland in the back, 
which taints the meat to such an extent that it cannot be eaten. The flesh of the male is at 
all times very unpleasant, but that of the female is in some months tolerably good, and has 
been compared to that of the hare. At the best, however, it is dry and insipid, as there is no 
fat or lard to be found in the Peccary. In all cases, the gland must be removed as soon as 
the animal is dead, for if it be permitted to remain but for a single hour, its effects will be 
perceptible throughout the entire body. 

The common Peccary is not so harmful to the agriculturist as its large relation, and as it 
destroys such large number of reptiles, is probably rather beneficial than otherwise. The 
color of the Peceary is a grizzled brown, with the exception of a white stripe that is drawn 
over the neck, and has earned for the animal the name of the Collared Peecary. 


THE TAGNICATE, or WHITE-LIPPED Prccary, is larger than the preceding animal, assem- 
bles in larger herds, is fiercer in its disposition, and works more woe to the farmer. 

The White-lipped Peccary derives its name from a band of white hairs that crosses the 
upper jaw, and covers nearly the whole of the lower. The color of the adult animal is black- 
brown, flecked with a gray grizzle, but when young it is striped after the manner of the bosch- 
vark. A slight mane runs along its neck, and its ears are fringed with long and stiff hairs. 
It is a most mischievous animal, as it makes long marches over the country, ravaging the 
crops in its progress, and always choosing, with a perversely excellent taste, the best maize 
and grass. The ery of the Peccary is a sharp shrill grunt. When angry, thg Peccary clashes 
its teeth smartly together, producing a sound which is recognizable at some distance, and is 
very useful to the hunters, as it serves to give timely notice of the animal’s approach. 

The generic name, Dicotyles, signifies ‘‘double-cupped,”’ and is given to the animal on 
account of the peculiar open gland upon the back. This species is a good swimmer, and often 
crosses rivers of its own accord. As, however, it loses all its offensive powers while in the 
water, the Indians watch. the opportunity, and by dashing among the floating animals, kill as 
many as they choose without any danger. 


Famity Sum, the Hogs, has five genera and twenty-two species. The Peccaries are the 
only ones inhabiting this Continent. Two species are recognized. 


HABITS OF THE RHINOCEROS. 617 


i LEE eet | N O' EROS? 


SEVERAL species of the RutNoceEROs are still inhabitants of the north, and several others 
have long been extinct, and can only be recognized by means of their fossilized remains. Of 
the existing species, two or three are found in various parts of Asia and its islands, and the 
remainder inhabit several portions of Africa. Before examining the separate species, we will 
glance at some of the characteristics which are common to all the members of this very con- 
spicuous group. 

The so-called horn which projects from the nose of the Rhinoceros is a very remarkable 
structure, and worthy of a brief notice. It is in no way connected with the skull, but is simply 
a growth from the skin, and may take rank with hairs, spines, or quills, being indeed formed 
after a similar manner. If a Rhinoceros horn be examined—the species of its owner is quite 
immaterial—it will be seen to be polished and smooth at the tip, but rough and split into 
numerous filaments at the base. These filaments, which have a very close resemblance to those 
which terminate the plates of whalebone, can be stripped upwards for some length, and if the 
substance of the horn be cut across, it will be seen to be composed of a vast number of hairy 
filaments lying side by side, which, when submitted to the microscope, and illuminated by 
polarized light, glow with all the colors of the rainbow, and bear a strong resemblance to 
transverse sections of actual hair. At the birth of the young animal, the horn is hardly visi- 
ble, and its full growth is the work of years. 

As the horn is employed as a weapon of offence, and is subjected to violent concussions, it 
is set upon the head in such a manner as to save the brain from the injurious effects which 
might result from its use in attack or combat. In the first place, the horn has no direct con- 
nection with the skull, as it is simply set upon the skin, and can be removed by passing a 
sharp knife round its base, and separating it from the hide on which it grows. In the second 
place, the bones of the face are curiously developed, so as to form an arch with one end free, 
the horn being placed upon the crown of the bony arch, so as to diminish the force of the con- 
cussion in the best imaginable manner. The substance of the horn is very dense, and even 
when it is quite dry, it possesses very great weight in proportion to its size. In former days, 
it was supposed to bear an antipathy to poison, and to cause effervescence whenever liquid 
poison was poured upon it. Goblets were therefore cut from this material, and when gor- 
geously mounted in gold and precious stones, were employed by Eastern monarchs as a ready 
means for detecting any attempt to administer a deadly drug. 

The skin of the Rhinoceros is of very great thickness and strength, bidding defiance to 
ordinary bullets, and forcing the hunter to provide himself with balls which have been hard- 
ened with tin or solder. The extreme strength of the skin is well known both to the Asiatic 
and African natives, who manufacture it into shields and set a high value on these weapons of 
defence. 

All the species of Rhinoceros are very tetchy in their temper, and liable to flash out into 
anger without any provocation whatever. During these fits of rage, they are dangerous neigh- 
bors, and are apt to attack any moving object that may be within their reach. In one well- 
known instance, where a Rhinoceros made a sudden dash upon a number of picketed horses, 
and killed many of them by the strokes of his horn, the animal had probably been irritated by 
some unknown cause, and wreaked his vengeance on the nearest victims. During the season 
of love, the male Rhinoceros is always vicious, and, like the elephant, the buffalo, and other 
animals in the like condition, will conceal himself in some thicket, and from thence dash out 
upon any moving object that may approach his retreat. 

Sometimes the Rhinoceros will commence a series of most extraordinary antics, and seem- 
ing to have a spite towards some particular bush, will rip it with his horn, trample it with his 
feet, roaring and grunting all the while, and will never cease until he has cut it into shreds 
and levelled it with the ground. He will also push the point of his horn into the earth, and 
career along, ploughing up the ground as if a furrow had been cut by some agricultural imple- 


618 THE JAVANESE RHINOCEROS. 


ment. In such case it seems that the animal is not laboring under a fit of rage, as might be 
supposed, but is merely exulting in his strength, and giving vent to the exuberance of health 
by violent physical exertion. 

The Rhinoceros is a good aquatic, and will voluntarily swim for considerable distances. 
It is very fond of haunting the river-banks and wallowing in the mud, so as to case itself with 
a thick coat of that substance, in order to shield itself from the mosquitoes and other mordant 
insects which cluster about the tender places, and drive the animal, thick-skinned though it 
may be, half mad with their constant and painful bites. In Sumatra, a curious result some- 
times follows from this habit of mud-wallowing, as may be seen from the following extract 
from the ‘* Journal of the Indian Archipelago.’’? ‘This animal, which is of solitary habits, is 
found frequently in marshy places with its whole body immersed in the mud, and part of the 
head only visible. The Malays call the animal ‘Badak-Tapa,’ or the recluse Rhinoceros. 
Towards the close of the rainy season they are said to bury themselves in this manner in dif- 
ferent places ; and upon the dry weather setting in, and from the powerful effects of a vertical 
sun, the mud becomes hard and crusted, and the Rhinoceros cannot effect its escape without 
considerable difficulty and exertion. The Semangs prepare themselves with large quantities of 
combustible materials, with which they quietly approach the animal, who is aroused from his 
reverie by an immense fire over him, which, being kept well supplied by the Semangs with 
fresh fuel, soon completes his destruction, and renders him in a fit state to make a meal of.”’ 

In every species of Rhinoceros the sight appears to be rather imperfect, the animal being 
unable to see objects which are exactly in its front. The scent and hearing, however, are very 
acute, and seem to warn the animal of the approach of danger. 

The Asiatic species of Rhinoceros are remarkable for the heavy folds into which the skin 
is gathered, and which hang massively over the shoulders, throat, flanks, and hind quarters. 
Upon the abdomen the skin is comparatively soft, and can be pierced by a spear which would 
be harmlessly repelled from the thick folds of hide upon the upper portions of the body. In 
the Iypran Rutyoceros this weight of hide is especially conspicuous, the skin forming great 
flaps that can be easily lifted up by the hand. Ina tamed state the Rhinoceros is pleased to 
be caressed on the softer skin under the thick hide, and in the wild state it suffers sadly from 
the parasitic insects that creep beneath the flaps, and lead the poor animal a miserable life, 
until they are stifled in the muddy compost with which the Rhinoceros loves to envelop its 
body. The horn of the Indian species is large in width, but inconsiderable in height, being 
often scarcely higher than its diameter. Yet with this short, heavy weapon, the animal can 
do terrible execution, and is said, upon the authority of Captain Williamson, to repel the 
attack of an adult male elephant. 

The height of this animal when full-grown is rather more than five feet, but the average 
height seems scarcely to exceed four feet. In color it is a deep brown-black, tinged with a 
purple hue, which is most perceptible when the animal has recently left its bath. The color 
of the young animal is much paler than that of the mother, and partakes of a pinky hue. 


Tur JAVANESE RHINOCEROS is not so large as its Indian relation, the skin-folds are much 
less conspicuous, and are arranged in a different manner. The hide, too, is covered with 
certain angular markings, interspersed with short hairs, and its limbs are proportionately 
longer and more slender. It is a nocturnal animal, seldom being seen by day, and issuing at 
night from its place of concealment for the purpose of feeding. Being a large and powerful 
beast, and happening to be very fond of several cultivated plants, such as the coffee and the 
pepper vine, it is apt to burst its way into the plantations, and to do considerable damage 
before it retires to its forest home. It seems to be more gentle and tractable than the common 
Indian Rhinoceros, and has been trained to wear a saddle, and to be guided by a rider. 

The Sumatran species possesses two horns upon its nose, the first being tolerably long and 
sharp, and the second very thick, short, and pyramidal. The skin-folds are very slight in this 
animal ; the hide is black in color, rough in texture, and is covered with a thin crop of short 
bristly hairs. The neck is short and heavy, and the limbs are more clumsy than those of the 
Indian species. From all accounts if seems to be a very quiet creature, and to be held in no 


SELMAR HESS, PUBLISHER, N Y 


RHINOCEROS. 


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THE RHINASTER, OR BORELE. 619 


kind of dread, as an adult male has been seen to fly in terror before the attack of one of the 
native wild dogs. The head of this species is peculiarly long, a characteristic which is observ- 
able in the skull as well as in the living animal. 


Or African Rhinoceroses four species are clearly ascertained, and it is very probable that 
others may yet be in existence. Two of the known species are black, and the other two 
white ; the animals differing from each other not only in color, but in form, dimensions, habits, 
and disposition. The commonest of the African species is the BoRELE, RHINASTER, or LITTLE 
Buiack Rurnoceros, of Southern Africa; an animal which may be easily distinguished from 
its relations by the shape of the horns and the upper lip. In.the Borele the foremost horn is 
of considerable length, and bent rather backward, while the second horn is short, conical, and 
much resembles the weapon of the Indian animal. The head is rather rounded, and the pointed 
upper lip overlaps the lower, and is capable of considerable extension. 

The Borele is a very fierce and dangerous animal, and is more feared by the natives than 
even the lion. Although so clumsy in shape and aspect, it is really a quick and active creature, 
darting about with lightning speed, and testing the powers of a good horse to escape from its 
charge. Like many other wild animals, it becomes furiously savage when wounded, but it 
will sometimes attack a passenger without the least provocation. On one occasion an angry 
Rhinoceros came charging down upon a wagon, and struck his horn into the bottom plank 
with such force as to send the wagon forward for several paces, although it was sticking in 
deep sand. He then left the wagon, and directed his attack upon the fire, knocking the 
burning wood in every direction, and upsetting the pot which had been placed on the fire. He 
then continued his wild career in spite of the attempts of a native who flung his spear at him, 
but without the least effect, as the iron point bent against the strong hide. 

The skin of this animal does not fall in heavy folds, like that of the Asiatic species, but is 
nevertheless extremely thick and hard, and will resist an ordinary leaden bullet, unless it be 
fired from a small distance. The skin is employed largely in the manufacture of whips, or 
jamboks, and is prepared in a rather curious manner. When the hide is removed from the 
animal it is cut into strips of suitable breadth and laid on the ground. ‘These strips are then 
hammered for some time in order to condense the substance of the skin, and when they are dry 
are carefully rounded with a knife and polished with sand-paper. One of tiese whips will 
continue serviceable for several years. The horn of the Borele, from its comparatively small 
dimensions, is not so valuable as that of the other species, but is still employed in the manu- 
facture of drinking-cups and sword-handles. Its value is about half that of ivory. 

The food of the Black Rhinoceros, whether the Borele or the keitloa, is composed of roots, 
which the animal ploughs out of the ground with its horn, and of the young branches and 
shoots of the wait-a-bit thorn. It is rather remarkable that the black species is poisoned by 
one of the Euphorbiacese, which is eaten with impunity by the two white animals. 

When wounded, the Black Rhinoceros is a truly fearful opponent, and it is generally 
considered very unsafe to fire at the animal unless the hunter is mounted on a good horse or 
provided with an accessible place of refuge. An old experienced hunter said that he would 
rather face fifty lions than one wounded Borele; but Mr. Oswell, the well-known African 
sportsman, always preferred to shoot the Rhinoceros on foot. The best place to aim is just 
behind the shoulder, as, if the lungs are wounded, the animal very soon dies. There is but 
little blood externally, as the thick loose skin covers the bullet-hole, and prevents any outward 
effusion. When mortally wounded the Rhinoceros generally drops on its knees. 

It is at all times a rather savage beast, and is apt to quarrel with its own kind. Mr. 
Andersson mentions a curious battle of which he was an eye-witness, where four of these animals 
engaged furiously with each other. Two of them he contrived to shoot, and found that one 
was absolutely unfit for food, being covered with festering wounds which had been received in 
former encounters. The flesh of this animal is tolerably good, but that of the black species is 
rather tough, and possesses a bitter and unpleasant flavor, in consequence of the food on 
which the animal lives. The white species feeds almost exclusively on grass, and its flesh is 
remarkably good and tender. The Borele is a nocturnal animal, rousing himself from sleep 


620 THE WHITE RHINOCEROS. 


at dark, and proceeding straightway to the nearest pool. Having refreshed himself, he takes 
long journeys in search of food, and returns to his temporary home soon after sunrise. When 
sleeping, he lies so still that he may easily be mistaken for a fragment of dark rock. 

As the eyes are set deeply in the head of the Rhinoceros, it is unable to see objects 
directly in its front if they are at any distance, its sight being hindered by the horns. But 
the hearing and scent of the creature are marvellously acute, and so wary is the animal, that 
even when feeding it will constantly halt, raise its ears, snuff the wind, and will not return to 
its occupation until its fears have been allayed. 


Tur KerrLoa can readily be recognized by the horns, which are of considerable length, 
and nearly equal to each other in measurement. This is always a morose and ill-tempered 
animal, and is even more to be dreaded than the borele, on account of its greater size, strength, 
and length of horn. The upper lip of the Keitloa overlaps the lower even more than that of 
the borele; the neck is longer in proportion, and the head is not so thickly covered with 
wrinkles. At its birth the horns of this animal are only indicated by a prominence on the 
nose, and at the age of two years the horn is hardly more than an inch in length. At six 
years of age it is nine or ten inches long, and does not reach its full measurement until the 
lapse of considerable time. 

The Keitloa is a terribly dangerous opponent, and its charge is so wonderfully swift, that 
it can hardly be avoided. One of these animals that had been wounded by Mr. Andersson, 
charged suddenly upon him, knocked him down, fortunately missing her stroke with her 
horns, and went fairly over him, leaving him to struggle out from between her hind legs. 
Searcely had she passed than she turned, and made a second charge, cutting his leg from the 
knee to the hip with her horn, and knocking him over with a blow on the shoulder from her 
fore-feet. She might easily have completed her revenge by killing him on the spot, but she 
then left him, and plunging into a neighboring thicket, began to plunge about and snort, per- 
mitting her victim to make his escape. In the course of the day the same beast attacked a 
half-caste boy who was in attendance on Mr. Andersson, and would probably have killed him 
had she not been intercepted by the hunter, who came to the rescue with his gun. After 
receiving several bullets, the Rhinoceros fell to the ground, and Mr. Andersson walked up to 
her, put the muzzle of the rifle to her ear, and was just about to pull the trigger, when she 
again leaped to her feet. He hastily fired and rushed away, pursued by the infuriated animal, 
which, however, fell dead just as he threw himself into a bush for safety. The race was such 
a close one, that as he lay in the bush he could touch the dead Rhinoceros with his rifle, so 
that another moment would probably have been fatal to him. 


THE common WuitE RutNoceros (Rhinoceros simus) is considerably larger than the two 
preceding animals, and together with the kobaoba, or long-horned white Rhinoceros, is 
remarkable for its square muzzle and elongated head. The foremost horn of this animal is of 
very considerable length, attaining a measurement of more than three feet when fully grown. 
The second horn is short and conical, like that of the borele. Fortunately for the human 
inhabitants of the regions where the White Rhinoceros dwells, its temper is remarkably quiet, 
and devoid of that restless irritability and sudden access of rage which is so distinguishing a 
quality of the two black species. Even when wounded it seldom turns upon its antagonist, 
but contents itself with endeavoring to make its escape. Sometimes, however, probably 
when it has its young to protect, it will assume the offensive, and is then even more to be 
dreaded than its black relatives. The following anecdote, which was related by Mr. Oswell, 
the hero of the tale, to Mr. Andersson, affords an instance of this rare display of combat- 
iveness :— 


‘“Once as I was returning from an elephant chase, I observed a huge White Rhinoceros a 
short distance ahead. I was riding a most excellent hunter—the best and fleetest steed that I 
ever possessed during my shooting excursions in Africa—at the time; but it was a rule with 
me never to pursue a Rhinoceros on horseback, and simply because this animal is so much 


AFRICAN RHINOCEROS. 


THE WHITE RHINOCEROS. 621 


more easily approached and killed on foot. On this occasion, however, it seemed as if fate 
had interfered. 

‘“Turning to my after-rider, I called out: ‘By heaven! that fellow has got a fine horn! 
I will have a shot at him.’ With that, I clapped spurs to’my horse, who soon brought me 
alongside the huge beast, and the next instant I-lodged a ball in his body, but, as it turned 
out, not with deadly effect. On receiving my shot, the Rhinoceros, to my great surprise, instead 
of seeking safety in flight, as is the habit of this generally inoffensive animal, suddenly stopped 
short, then turned sharply round, and having eyed me most curiously for a second or two, 
walked slowly towards me. I never dreamt of danger. Nevertheless, I instinctively turned 
my horse’s head away: but, strange to say, this creature, ususally so docile and gentle— 
which the slightest touch of the reins would be sufficient to guide—now absolutely refused 
to give me his head. When at last he did so, it was too late; for, notwithstanding the 
Rhinoceros had only been walking, the distance between us was so inconsiderable, that by this 
time I clearly saw contact was unavoidable. Indeed, in another moment I observed the brute 
bend low his head, and, with a thrust upwards, strike his horn into the ribs of the horse with 
such force as to penetrate to the very saddle on the opposite side, where I felt its sharp point 
against my leg. 

““The violence of the blow was so tremendous as to cause the horse to make a complete 
somersault in the air, coming heavily down on its back. With regard to myself, I was, as a 
matter of course, violently precipitated to the ground. Whilst thus prostrated, I actually saw 
the horn of the infuriated beast alongside of me; but, seemingly satisfied with his revenge, 
without attempting to do farther mischief, he started off ata canter from the scene of action. 
My after-rider having by this time come up, I rushed upon him, and almost pulling him off 
his horse, leapt into the saddle; and, without a hat, and my face streaming with blood, was 
quickly in pursuit of the retreating beast, which I soon had the satisfaction to see stretched 
lifeless at my feet.” 


Tue flesh of the Mucuuco, or Monoonoo, as the White Rhinoceros is called by the 
natives, is apt to be rather tough, but is of good flavor. The best portions are those which are 
cut from the upper part of the shoulder and from the ribs, where the fat and the lean parts are 
regularly striped to the depth of two inches. Ifa large portion of the meat is to be cooked at 
one time, the flesh is generally baked in the cavity of a forsaken ant-hill, which is converted 
into an extempore oven for the occasion ; but if a single hunter should need only to assuage 
his own hunger, he cuts a series of slices from the ribs, and dresses them at his fire. The 
hide of the Monoohoo is enormously thick, and gives a novice no little trouble to get it from 
the body, as it is as hard as a board, and nearly as stiff. An adept, however, will skin the 
animal as quickly and easily as if it were a sheep. 

The Kopaosa, or Long-horned White Rhinoceros (2Ainoceros oswelli’) is much rarer than 
either of the preceding species, and is found far in the interior, mostly to the east of the 
Limpopo River. The peculiar manner in which this species carries its horns, makes it a very 
conspicuous animal. In all the other species, the horns are curved, and incline rather back- 
ward ; but in the Kobaoba, the foremost horn is nearly straight, and projects forward, so that 
when the animal is running, the tip of the horn nearly touches the ground. Indeed, the 
extremity of an adult Kobaoba’s horn is generally rubbed down on one side, owing to the 
frequency with which it has come in contact with the earth. The head of this and the preced- 
ing species is always carried very low, forming a singular contrast to the saucy and inde- 
pendent manner in which the borele carries his head. 

The long horn of the Kobaoba sometimes exceeds four feet in length, and as it is almost 
straight, is most valuable for many purposes. The best, toughest, and straightest ramrods are 
manufactured from this horn, and I have seen one of these ramrods that was almost four feet 
long, even after being shaped and trimmed, so that the horn from which it was cut must have 
been still longer. The mother Kobaoba employs this horn for avery curious purpose, as was 
seen by Cumming. Whenever the mother and her young are abroad, the calf always takes 
the lead, and in this instance she guided her little one by pressing it against the calf’s side. 


622 THE HYRAYX. 2 


The horn is also used by the Kaffirs to make. ‘‘ knobherries,’’ or knob-headed sticks, which 
they can employ as clubs in hand-to-hand combat, or can throw with wonderful effect. A 
party of Kaffirs will often go out in chase of birds, armed with nothing but these knobherries, 
which they will hurl with such force and precision that they generally return home loaded 
with game. 

The four African species of Rhinoceros are not at all prolific animals, producing only one 
young one at a time, and, as far as is known, a considerable interval occurs between births. 
It is not a gregarious, neither does it appear to be amonogamous, animal. It seems, however, 
to find some gratification in the presence of others of its own species, and may be seen in little 
assemblies of eight or ten in number. These assemblies, however, cannot be termed flocks or 
herds, as their members are not under the command of a single leader, nor bound together by 
any common tie, and, when alarmed, each individual makes his escape as best he can. The 
skin is comparatively smooth, and devoid of hair, so that the animal bears some resemblance 
to an overgrown pig. 


OnE of the most curious little animals in existence is the HyRAxX, interesting not so much 
from its imposing external appear- 
ance, as for its importance in filling 
up a link in the chain of creation. 

About as large as a tolerably 
sized rabbit, covered with thick, soft 
fur, inhabiting holes in the banks, 
possessing incisor-like teeth, and, in 
fine, being a very rabbit in habits, 
manners, and appearance, it was long 
classed among the rodents, and placed 
among the rabbits and hares. It has, 
however, been discovered in later 
years, that this little rabbit-like ani- 
mal is no rodent at all, but is of one 
of the pachydermata, and that it 
forms a natural transition from the 
rhinoceros to the hippopotamus. On HYRAX, OR ROCK RABBIT. Hyrax habessinicus. 

a close examination of the teeth, 

they are seen to be wonderfully like those of the hippopotamus, their edges being bevelled off 
in a similar manner, and therefore bearing some resemblance to the chisel-edged incisors of the 
rodents. There are several species of Hyrax, one of which inhabits Northern Africa and 
Syria, while the other two are found in Abyssinia and South Africa. 

The South African Hyrax is termed by the colonists Kirep Das, or Rock Rassit, and is 
found in considerable plenty among the mountainous districts of its native land, being 
especially common on the sides of the Table mountain. It is largely eaten by the natives, 
who succeed in killing it in spite of its extreme wariness and activity. Among the crevices 
and fissures in the rock the Hyrax takes up its abode, and may often be seen sitting in the 
warm rays of the sun, or feeding with apparent carelessness on the aromatic herbage of the 
mountain side. It is, however, perfectly secure, in spite of its apparent negligence, for a 
sentinel is always on guard, ready to warn his companions by a peculiar shrill cry of 
the approach of danger. Sometimes the Hyrax is seen at a considerable height, but 
is often observed near the sea-shore, seated on rocks which are barely above high-water 
mark. 

Besides mankind, the Hyrax has many foes, such as the birds of prey and carnivorous 
quadrupeds, and is destroyed in considerable numbers. The fore-feet of this animal are 
apparently furnished with claws like those of the rabbit, but on a closer inspection, the sup- 
posed claws are seen to be veritable hoofs, black in color, and very similar to those of the 
rhinoceros in form. The Hyrax is an agile little creature, and can climb a rugged tree-trunk 


THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 623 


with great ease. It is rather hot in its temper, and if irritated, becomes highly excited, and 
moves its teeth and feet with remarkable activity and force. 


THE SyRIAN Hyrax is the animal which is mentioned under the name of ‘‘coney”’ in 
the Old Testament, and is found inhabiting the clefts and caverns of rocks. In its habits and 
general appearance it is very similar to the Cape Hyrax, and needs no farther description. 
Although it will bite fiercely when first captured, it is sufficiently docile in disposition, and 
soon learns to obey its keeper, towards whom it displays an affectionate disposition if it be 
rightly treated. The color of both species is dark brown, but the Syrian animal can be distin- 
guished from the Cape Hyrax by the presence of a great number of very long black hairs, 
which are thickly scattered over its body, and penetrate through the shorter fur. Its native 
name is Ashkoko. 


eh bale Ou Orn Av U oF 


THE last on the list of the pachydermatous animals is the well-known HrppoPpoTamts, or 
River Horse. 

This enormous quadruped is a native of various parts of Africa, and is always found either 
in water or in its near vicinity. In absolute height it is not very remarkable, as its legs are 
extremely short, but the actual bulk of its body is very great indeed. The average height of 
a full-grown Hippopotamus is about five feet. Its naked skin is dark brown, curiously marked 
with innumerable lines like those on ‘‘ crackle”? china or old oil-paintings, and is also dappled 
with a number of sooty black spots, which cannot be seen except on a close inspection. A 
vast number of pores penetrate the skin, and exude a thick, oily liquid, which effectually 
seems to protect the animal from the injurious effects of the water in which it is so constantly 
immersed. The author once spoiled a pair of gloves entirely by patting the male animal at 
present in the Zoological Gardens. The mouth is enormous, and its size is greatly increased 
by the odd manner in which the jaw is set in the head. 

Within the mouth is an array of white, gleaming tusks, which have a terrific appearance, 
but are solely intended for cutting grass and other vegetable substances, and are seldom 
employed as weapons of offence, except when the animal is wounded or otherwise irritated. 
The incisor teeth of the lower jaw lie almost horizontally, with their points directed forwards, 
and are said to be employed as crowbars in tearing up the various aquatic plants on which the 
animal feeds. The canines are very large and curved, and are worn obliquely, in a manner 
very similar to the rodent type of teeth. Their shape is a bold curve, forming nearly the half 
of a circle, and their surface is deeply channeled and ridged on the outer line of the curve, and 
smoother on the face. The entire tooth, when it has been removed from the animal and thor- 
oughly dried, is covered with a series of fine, superficial cracks, which intersect each other 
diagonally with much regularity, being a veritable example of nature’s ‘‘cross-hatching.”’ 

The tooth is very solid in its substance and close in its grain, and as it retains its color 
under very trying circumstances, is admirably adapted for the manufacture of artificial teeth. 
Throughout the greater part of its length it is quite solid, but bears a conical hollow about 
three or four inches deep at the extremity which enters the socket. The extreme whiteness 
of the ivory obtained from the Hippopotamus’ teeth renders it peculiarly valuable for the deli- 
cate scales of various philosophical instruments, and its natural curve adapts it admirably for 
the verniers of ship sextants. The weight of a large tooth is from five to eight pounds, and the 
value of the ivory is from four to five dollars per pound. 

With these apparently combined teeth the Hippopotamus can cut the grass as neatly as if 
it were mown with a scythe, and is able to sever, as if with shears, a tolerably stout and thick 
stem. 

Possessed of an enormous appetite, having a stomach that is capable of containing five or 
six bushels of nutriment, and furnished with such powerful instruments, the Hippopotamus is 


624 THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. | 


a terrible nuisance to the owners of cultivated lands that happen to be near the river in which 
the animal has taken up his abode. During the day it is comfortably asleep in its chosen 
hiding-place, but as soon as the shades of night deepen, the Hippopotamus issues from its 
den, and treading its way into the cultivated lands, makes sad devastation among the growing 
crops. Were the mischief to be confined to the amount which is eaten by the voracious brute, 
it would still be bad enough, but the worst of the matter is, that the Hippopotamus damages 
more than it eats by the clumsy manner of its progress. The body is so large and heavy, and 
the legs are so short, that the animal is forced to make a double track as he walks, and in the 
grass-grown plain can be readily traced by the peculiar character of the track. It may there- 
fore be easily imagined that when a number of these hungry, awkward, waddling, splay-footed 
beasts come blundering among the standing crops, trampling and deyouring indiscriminately, 
they will do no slight damage before they think fit to retire. 

The aggrieved cultivators endeavor to protect their grounds and at the same time to make 
the depredators pay for the damage which they have done, by digging a number of pitfalls 
across the Hippopotamus paths, and furnishing each pit with a sharp stake in the centre. 

When an animal falls into such a trap, the rejoicings are great, for not only is the ivory of 
great commercial value, but the flesh is very good eating, and the hide is useful for the manu- 
facture of whips and other instruments. The fat of the Hippopotamus, called by the colonists 
‘* Zee-Koe speck,’’ or Sea-cow bacon, is held in very high estimation, as is the tongue and the 
jelly which is extracted from the feet. The hide is so thick that it must be dragged from the 
creature’s body in slips, like so many planks, and is an inch and a half in thickness on the 
back, and three-quarters of an inch on the other portions of the body. Yet, in spite of its 
enormous thickness and its tough quality, it is quite pliable when seen on the living beast, 
and accommodates itself easily to all his movements. 

The Hippopotamus is, as the import of its name, River Horse, implies, most aquatic in its 
habits. It generally prefers fresh water, but it is not at all averse to the sea, and will some- 
times prefer salt water to fresh. It isan admirable swimmer and diver, and is able to remain 
below the surface for a very considerable length of time. In common with the elephant, it 
possesses the power of sinking at will, which is the more extraordinary when the huge size of 
the animal is taken into consideration. Perhaps it may be enabled to contract itself by an 
exertion of the muscles whenever it desires to sink, and to return to its former dimensions 
when it wishes to return to the surface. It mostly affects the stillest reaches of the river, 
as it is less exposed to the current, and not so liable to be swept down the stream while 
asleep. The young Hippopotamus is not able to bear submersion so long as its parent, and 
is therefore carefully brought to the surface at short intervals for the purpose of breathing. 
During the first few months of the little animal’s life, it takes its stand on its mother’s 
neck, and is borne by her above or through the water as experience may dictate or necessity 
require. 

There are various modes of hunting this mischievous but valuable animal, each of which 
is in vogue in its own particular region. The pitfalls above mentioned are universal through- 
out the whole Hippopotamus country, and lure many an animal to its destruction without 
needing any care or superintendence on the part of the men who set the snare. There is also 
the ‘‘down-fall,”’ a trap which consists of a log of wood, weighted heavily at one end, to 
which extremity is loosely fixed a spear-head well treated with poison. This terrible log is 
suspended over some Hippopotamus path, and is kept in its place by a slight cord which 
crosses the path and is connected with a catch or trigger. As soon as the animal presses the 
cord, the catch is liberated, and down comes the armed log, striking the poisoned spear deep 
into the poor beast’s back, and speedily killing it by the poison, if not from the immediate 
effects of the wound. 

The white hunter of course employs his rifle and finds that the huge animal affords no easy 
mark, as unless it is hit in a mortal spot it dives below the surface and makes good its escape. 
Mortal spots, moreover, are not easy to find, or when found, to hit ; for the animal soon gets 
cunning after it has been alarmed, and remains deeply immersed in the water as long as it is 
zble, and when it at last comes to the surface to breathe, it only just pushes its nostrils above 


~ 


HIPPOPOTAMUS. 


aa= reat 


=. 


THE HIPPOPOTAMUS. 625 


the surface, takes in the required amount of air, and sinks back again to the river bed. More- 
over, it will often be so extremely wary, that it will not protrude even its mouth in the open 
water, and looks out for some reeds or floating substances which may cover its movements 
while breathing. Asa general rule, it is found that the most deadly wound that can be given 
to a Hippopotamus is on the nose, for the animal is then unable to remain below the surface, 
and consequently presents an easy mark to the hunter. A heavy ball just below the shoulder 
always gives a mortal wound, and in default of such a mark being presented, the eye or the 
ear is a good place to aim at. 

The most exciting manner of hunting the Hippopotamus is by fairly chasing and harpoon- 
ing it, as if it were a whale or a walrus. This mode of sport is described very vividly by Mr. 
Andersson. 

The harpoon isa very ingenious instrument, being composed of two portions, a shaft 
measuring three or four inches in thickness and ten or twelve feet in length, and a barbed iron 
point, which fits loosely into a socket in the head of the shaft, and is connected with it by 
means of a rope composed of a number of separate strands. This peculiar rope is employed to 
prevent the animal from severing it, which he would soon manage were it to be composed of a 
single strand. To the other end of the shaft a strong line is fastened, and to the other end of 
the line a float or buoy is attached. As this composite harpoon is very weighty it is not thrown 
at the animal, but is urged by the force of the harpooner’s arm. The manner of employing it 
shall be told in Mr. Andersson’s own words : 


‘*As soon as the position of the Hippopotami is ascertained, one or more of the most 
skilful and intrepid of the hunters stand prepared with the harpoons; whilst the rest make 
ready to launch the canoes, should the attack prove successful. The bustle and noise caused 
by these preparations gradually subside. Conversation is carried on in a whisper, and every 
one is on the gui-vive. The snorting and plunging become every moment more distinct ; but 
a bend in the stream still hides the animals from view. The angle being passed, several dark 
objects are seen floating listlessly on the water, looking more like the crests of sunken rocks 
than living creatures. Ever and anon, one or other of the shapeless masses is submerged, but 
soon again makes its appearance on the surface. On, cn, glides the raft with its sable crew, 
who are now worked up to the highest state of excitement. At last, the raft is in the midst of 
the herd, who appear quite unconscious of danger. Presently one of the animals is in imme- 
diate contact with the raft. Now is the critical moment. The foremost harpooner raises 
himself to his full height, to give the greater force to the blow, and the next instant the fatal 
iron descends with unerring accuracy in the body of the Hippopotamus. 

‘The wounded animal plunges violently, and dives to the bottom; but all his efforts to 
escape are unavailing. The line or the shaft of the harpoon may break ; but the cruel barb 
once imbedded in the flesh, the weapon (owing to the toughness and thickness of the beast’s 
hide) cannot be withdrawn. 

‘* As soon as the Hippopotamus is struck, one or more of the men launch a canoe from off 
the raft, and hasten to the shore with the harpoon-line, and take a round turn with it about a 
tree, or bunch of reeds, so that the animal may either be ‘brought up’ at once, or, should 
there be too great a strain on the line, ‘ played’ (to liken small things to great) in the same 
manner as the salmon by the fishermen. But if time should not admit of the line being passed 
round a tree, or the like, both line and ‘buoy’ are thrown into the water, and the animal goes 
wherever he chooses. 

‘*The rest of the canoes are now all launched from off the raft, and chase is given to the poor 
brute, who, so soon as he comes to the surface to breathe, is saluted with a shower of light 
javelins. Again he descends, his track deeply crimsoned with gore. Presently—and perhaps 
at some little distance—he once more appears on the surface, when, as before, missiles of all 
kinds are hurled at his devoted head. 

‘‘When thus beset, the infuriated beast not unfrequently turns upon his assailants, and 
either with his formidable tusks, or with a blow from his enormous head, staves in or capsizes 
the canoes. At times, indeed, not satisfied with wreaking his vengeance on the craft, he 


2 


626 THE PHATAGIN. 


will attack one or other of the crew, and with a single grasp of his horrid jaws either terribly 
mutilates the poor fellow, or, it may be, cuts his body fairly in two. 

‘*The chase often lasts a considerable time. So long as the line and the harpoon hold, the 
animal cannot escape, because the ‘buoy’ always marks his whereabout. At length, from loss 
of blood or exhaustion, Behemoth succumbs to his pursuers.”’ 


The Hippopotamus is a gregarious animal, collecting in herds of twenty or thirty in num- 
ber, and making the air resound with their resonant snorts. The snort of this creature is a 
most extraordinary sound, and one that is well calculated to disturb the nerves of sensitive 
persons, especially if heard unexpectedly. The animals at the Zoological Gardens make the 
very roof ring with the strange unearthly sounds which they emit. In their native state it is 
very difficult to ascertain even approximately the number of a herd, as the animals are con- 
tinually diving and rising, and never appear simultaneously above the surface of the water. 

The creature is generally a harmless one, and need not be much dreaded. Sometimes, 
however, it becomes angry if molested in its watery home, and will then make a violent attack 
upon the object that has excited its anger. One of these animals, whose calf had been speared 
on the previous day, made at the boat in which Dr. Livingstone was sitting, and drove her 
head against it with such force that she lifted the forepart of the boat completely out of the 
water, capsized one of the black oarsmen fairly into the river, and forced the whole crew 
to jump ashore. 

Although in its native river the female Hippopotamus is a most kind and affectionate 
mother, the tame animal does not display such excellent qualities. The female Hippopotamus 
in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris has twice been a mother, and twice has killed her offspring. 
On the last occasion she seemed to have been seized with a sudden fit of anger, for the marks 
of her teeth were only too plain on the poor little beast when its dead body was discovered, 
and her tusks had penetrated into its lungs. On the first occasion she killed it from sheer 
awkwardness ; and after carrying it about on her neck in the proper manner, she bruised it so 
severely in her clumsy efforts to teach her offspring the proper mode of getting out of the 
bath, that it never recovered from the hurts which it received. 

The Hippopotamus has for years been extinct in Europe, but the fossil remains of the 
animal are found abundantly in the London clay, showing that in some remote age the Hippo- 
potamus must have traversed the plains of England, and wallowed in its rivers. There is 
another species of Hippopotamus, which is smaller than that which has just been described, 
and is termed Hippopotamus Liberiensis. It is a native of Western Africa, and is remarkable 
for only having two incisors in the lower jaw. 


ARMADILLOS, ANT-EATERS, ETC. 


We have now to treat of the several small families that embrace the Manis, the Armadillo, 
the Ant-eater, and the Platypus, or Duck-bill. 

The Phatagin is one of the numerous species that compose the strange genus of Manis. 
All these animals are covered with a series of horny plates, sharp pointed and keen edged, 
that lie with their points directed towards the tail, and overlap each other like the tiles upon 
the roof of a house ; being the natural prototype of the metal scale-armor that was prevalent in 
the days of chivalry, and of the horn-scale bucklers that have been employed both in ancient 
and modern times. This defence of scales is not, however, entirely of a negative character, 
like the shell of the tortoise, but can be converted at will into a powerful weapon of offence 
towards all who come too hastily in contact with it. When the Manis is pursued, and is 
unable to escape, it rolls itself into a ball, after the manner of the hedgehog, so that the sharp- 
edged and acutely-pointed scales stand boldly outward, and can inflict very unpleasant wounds 
on the hand of man or the mouth of predaceous beast. The head is the most vulnerable part 


THE BAJJERKEIT. 627 


of the Manis, but as it always takes care to hide its head within the curve of the body, it has 
little fears on that score. 

* The fore-claws of the Phatagin are very large, and are employed for the purpose of tearing 
down the nests of the termite, or white-ant, as it is more popularly called, so as to enable it 
to feed upon the inmates, as they run about in confusion at the destruction of their premises. 
Ants, termites, and various insects are the favorite food of the Phatagin, which sweeps them 
up by means of its long and extensile tongue, caring nothing for their formidable jaws, which 
are powerful enough to drive a human being almost distracted with pain. The claws are not 
only employed in destroying the nest of the termite, but in digging burrows for its own resi- 
dence, a task for which they are well adapted by reason of their great size and strength, and 
the vigor of the limbs to which they are attached. As the limbs are short, and the claws very 
long, the pace of the Phatagin is very slow, and its tardiness is increased by the fact that the 
claws of the fore-feet are folded upon a thick, fleshy pad, and are therefore not at all adapted 
for locomotion. 


PHATAGIN.—WManis longicaudata. 


The Phatagin is a native of Western Africa, and is of considerable dimensions, reaching 
five feet in average length, of which the tail occupies three feet. From the great length of 
the tail, it is sometimes called the Lone-ratLEp MAnis. 


THE BAJJERKEIT, or SHORT-TAILED MANIs, is a native of various parts of India, and is 
also found in Ceylon. Of this species Sir Emerson Tennent gives the following short 
account. ‘‘Of the Edentates, the only example in Ceylon is the scaly ant-eater, called by 
the Singalese, Caballaya, but usually known by its Malay name of Pengolin, a word indica- 
tive of its faculty of ‘rolling itself up’ into a compact ball, by bending its head towards its 
stomach, arching its back into a circle, and securing all by a powerful hold of its mail-covered 
tail. When at liberty, they burrow in the dry ground to a depth of seven or eight feet, where 
they reside in pairs, and produce annually two or three young. 

““Of two specimens which I kept alive at different times, one from the vicinity of Kandy, 
about two feet in length, was a gentle and affectionate creature, which, after wandering over 
the house in search of ants, would attract attention to its wants by climbing up my knee, lay- 
ing hold of my leg by its prehensile tail. The other, more than double that length, was 
caught in the jungle near Chilaw, and brought to me in Colombo. I had always understood 
that the Pengolin was unable to climb trees, but the one last mentioned frequently ascended a 
tree in my garden in search of ants, and this it effected by means of its hooked feet, aided 
by an oblique grasp of the tail. The ants it seized by extending its round and glutinous 
tongue along their tracks. Generally speaking, they were quiet during the day, and grew 
restless as evening and night approached.” 


628 THE ARMADILLO. 


BAJJERKEIT.—Manis pentadactyla. 


THE manis affords a curious example of scale-armor formed by nature, and a still more 
singular instance of natural plate-armor is found in the following little group of animals. 

The ARMADILLOs are inhabitants of Central and Southern America, and are tolerably 
common throughout the whole of the land in which they live. The general structure of the 
armor is similar in all the species, and consists of three large plates of horny covering; one 
being placed on the head, another on the shoulders, and the third on the hind quarters. These 
plates are connected by a series of bony rings, variable in number, overlapping each other, 
and permitting the animal to move freely. Each plate and band is composed of a number of 


ARMADILLO.—Désypus sexcinctus. 


small plates, joined together, and forming patterns which differ in the various species. The 
whole of the animal, even to the long and tapering tail, is covered with these horny scales, 
with the exception of the upper part of the legs, which are concealed under the armor of the 
body, and need no other protection. At and soon after birth, the infant Armadillo is quite 
soft, like parchment, but the skin is marked in a similar manner to that of the adult animal, 
excepting that the hairs that protrude between the shelly plates are more numerous. 

The common ARMADILLO, or Poyou, is about twenty inches in total length, the tail occu- 
pying some six or seven inches. It is very common in Paraguay, but is not easily captured, 
owing to its remarkable agility, perseverance, and wariness. Encumbered as it appears to be 


THE PHBA. 629 


with its load of plate-armor, it runs with such speed that it can hardly be overtaken by a 
quick-footed man, and if it should contrive to reach its burrow, it can never be got out except 
by dint of hard work. Its hearing is exquisitely acute, and as during the daytime the 
creature never ventures very far from its home, it readily evades the attacks of every foe 
excepting man. 

The natives, to whom time is of little value, employ a long but a sure process of obtaining 
the Armadillo after it has taken refuge in its home. In order to ascertain whether the animal 
is at home, they push a stick into the hole, and if a quantity of mosquitoes come buzzing out, 
it is a sure sign that the tenant is within. It seems very strange that the mosquitoes should 
attach themselves to an animal so well defended against their attacks, but such is neverthe- 
less the case. Having ascertained the presence of the Armadillo, they push a stick into the 
hole, and sinka pit so as to catch the end of the stick. The stick is then pushed still farther, 
and another pit sunk, and so on, until the Armadillo is fairly captured. 

The food of the Armadillo is nearly as varied as that of the swine, for there are few eatable 
substances, whether vegetable or animal, which the Armadillo will not devour, provided they 
are not too hard for its little teeth. Various roots, potatoes, and maize are among its articles 
of vegetable diet, and it will also eat eggs, worms, insects, and small reptiles of every descrip- 
tion. Wherever wild cattle are slain the Armadillo is sure to make his appearance in a short 
time, for the purpose of devouring the offal which the hunter leaves on the ground. It is not 
at all particular in taste, and devours the half-putrid remains with great eagerness, becoming 
quite fat upon the revolting diet. 

As the Armadillo is a nocturnal animal its eyes are more fitted for the dark than for the 
bright glare of sunlight, which dazzles the creature, and sadly bewilders it. If it should be 
detected on the surface of the ground, and its retreat intercepted before it can regain its hole, 
the Armadillo rolls itself wp as it best can, and tucking its head under the chest, draws in its 
legs and awaits the result. Even when taken in the hand it is not without a last resource, for 
it kicks so violently with its powerful legs that it can inflict severe lacerations with the 
digging claws. The legs are wonderfully powerful in comparison with the dimensions of the 
animal. I have seen an Armadillo run about the ground with perfect ease, although it was 
carrying on its back three monkeys who had chosen to take their seats upon its mail-clad 
person. The Armadillo swims well, but does not enter the water from choice. 

In spite of the unpleasant diet on which the animal feeds, its flesh is eaten by the natives, 
and is held by them in some estimation. It is, however, very rank and strong in flavor, and 
to civilized palates is rather disagreeable. The young of this animal are from six to eight in 
number. 


ANOTHER curious species of Armadillo is the Apara, or Mavaco (Tatisia tricincta), 
which is often found on the Pampas. It is remarkable for the solid manner in which it is 
covered by its armor, there being only three bands in the centre of the body, the remainder of 
the creature being sheltered under the horny plates. When attacked, it can draw itself into 
a perfect ball, which is impervious to the teeth of predaceous animals, for it is too large to be 
taken into the mouth and cracked, and is so hard and smooth that the teeth glide harmlessly 
from its polished surface. The tail is very short, and, with the head, can be completely envel- 
oped in the shell. On account of its shape when rolled together the Spaniards call it the 
‘“* Bolita,”’ or little ball. 

The claws of this animal are feeble, and its legs weak, so that it is unable to burrow in the 
ground, and depends for defence totally on its coat of mail, which is the more required, as it 
is a diurnal animal. 


Tuer Presa, or Tarounou (Tatisia septemcinctus), is a native of Guinea, Brazil, and Para- 
guay, and is larger than either of the preceding species, being about thirty inches in total 
length, the slender and tapering tail being fourteen or fifteen inches long. Its color is a very 
dark brown-black, from which circumstance it is sometimes called the Black Tatu. It is found 
in the open country, and is a good burrower. The natives seek it on account of the flesh, 


630 THE TATOUAY. 


which is tender and well flavored. In Messrs. Audubon and Bachman’s well-known work, is 
the following account of the Peba: ‘‘The Armadillo is not a fighting character, but, on the con- 
trary, is more peaceable than even the opossum, which will at times bite in a sly and treacher- 
ous manner quite severely. 

‘A friend of ours, who formerly resided in South America, had a pet Armadillo in his 
bed-chamber, where it generally remained quiet during the day, but in the dark hours was 
active and playful. One night after he had gone to bed, the Armadillo began dragging about 
the chairs and some boxes that were placed round the room, and continued so busily engaged 
at this occupation that our friend could not sleep. He at length arose and struck a light, 
when, to his surprise, he found that boxes which he had supposed too heavy for such an ani- 


APARA, OR MATACO.—Tatisia tricincta. 


mal to stir, had been moved and placed together, so as to form a sort of den or hiding-place in 
a corner, into which the animal retreated with great apparent satisfaction, and from whence it 
could only be drawn out after a hard struggle, and the receipt of some severe strokes from its 
claws. 

‘But, in general, the Armadillo does not evince any disposition to resent an attack, and, 
in fact, one of them, when teased by a pet parrot, struck out with its claws only till pressed 
by the bird, when it drew in its head and feet, and, secure in its tough shell, vielded, without 
seeming to care much about it, to its noisy and mischievous tormentor, until the parrot left it 
to seek some less apathetic and more vulnerable object.” 


Tur little Pronry ArwaprL1o (Zatisia minita) is only fourteen inches in length, the tail 
being four inches long. Like many of the African antelopes, it appears to be almost indepen- 
dent of water, and can live for months together without needing to drink. The food consists 
of various insects, small reptiles, and several kinds of roots, from the latter of which articles 
‘it hardly obtains the needful supply of moisture. It is a very active and rapid burrower, 
sinking below the ground with such celerity, that if a man on horseback sees a Pichey 
scrambling over the ground, and wishes to secure it, he can hardly leap from his steed and 
stoop to take it up, before it has burrowed out of his reach. It also endeavors to escape 
observation by crouching closely to the ground, as if it were a stony pebble or lump of earth. 
Another example of the Armadillos is the Tarouay (Xentirus unicinctus). This animal is 
mostly remarkable for the undefended state of its tail, which is devoid of the bony rings that 


THE PICHICIAGO. 631 


encircle the same member in the other Armadillos, and is only supplied with a coating of 
brown hair. For about three inches of the extremity the under side of the tail is not even 
furnished with hair, but is quite naked, with the exception of a few rounded scales. 


TATOU.—Priodonta gigas. 


THE last and largest of these animals is the Tarou, or Giant ARMADILLO (Priodonta 
gigas). 
This creature measures more than four feet six inches in length, the head and body being 
oe 2 rather more than three feet long. It is as good a 
burrower as its relatives, and is so keen in its scent 
after the food which it loves, that the inhabitants of 
the same country are forced to line the graves of 
their departed friends with boards, in order to pre- 
vent the Tatou from exhuming and devouring them. 
The teeth are very remarkable, there being from six- 
teen to eighteen small molars on each side of the 
jaws. The tail is about seventeen inches long, and 
tapers gradually to a point from the base, at which 
spot it is nearly ten inches in circumference. This 
member is covered with regularly graduating horny 
rings, and when dried and hollowed, is used as a 
trumpet by the Botocudos.- The Tatou is found in 
Brazil and Surinam. 


FamiLty Dasypodide includes several genera. 
The Prpa is the more familiar form. This is found 
in Central America as well as in South America, 
where it is called Texan Armadillo. Its length is 
about 30 inches. 


NEARLY related to the armadillos is the remark- 
able little animal called the Proutc1aco (Chlamydo- 
phorus truncatus), a native of Chili, which looks 
like a mixture of the mole and the armadillo. 

The top of the head, the back, and the hind quarters of the Pichiciago are covered with 
a shelly plate, which runs unbroken to the haunches, over which it dips suddenly, looking 


PICHICIAGO.—( Chlamydophorus truncatus.) 


632 THH AARD VARK. 


as if the creature had been chopped short by the blow of a hatchet, and a piece of shell stuck 
on the cut extremity. The remainder of the body is covered with long silken hair, very like 
that of the mole in its soft texture. It is a very little creature, scarcely surpassing the 
common mole in dimensions, and living, like that animal, almost entirely below the surface of 
the earth. Its feet are formed for burrowing, and are most powerful intruments for that 
purpose, though they are not well fitted for rapid progress over the ground. 

Its food consists, as far as is known, of worms, and other subterranean creatures, in addi- 
tion to those which it may catch in its nocturnal expeditions into the open air. As is the case 
with the mole, and other subterranean animals, the eyes are of minute dimensions, and are 
hidden under the soft and profuse fur of the face. 


Famity Clamydophoride has representatives of two genera. The Chlamydophorus is 
an extraordinary looking creature. It is somewhat like the armadillo, but the shell, instead 


AARD VARK.—Orycteropus capensis. 


of being of the graceful oval convex pattern, resembles the top of a Virginia baggage-wagon— 
its rear end being abruptly truncated. It is regarded as nearer allied to the Megatherium 
than to any living species. 

Another species was discovered by Burmeister ; its size being only that of a common rat. 


THE ANT-EATERS, as their name imports, feed very largely on ants, as well as on termites 
and various other insects, their long flexible tongue acting as a hand for the purpose of con- 
veying food into the mouth. The tongue of the Ant-eater, when protruded to its fullest 
extent, bears some resemblance to a great red earth-worm, and as it is employed in its food- 
collecting task, it coils and twists about as if it possessed a separate vitality of its own. 


Tor AarD VARK, or Earth-hog, is a native of Southern Africa, and is a very curious 
animal. The skin of the Aard Vark is not protected by scales or plates like those of the manis 
and the armadillo, but rather thinly covered with coarse bristly hair. Its length is about five 


TAMANOIR, OR GREAT ANT-EATER. 


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THE TAMANOIR, OR GREAT ANT-EATER., 633 


feet, the tail being twenty inches long, and it is a very powerful creature, especially in the 
fore-limbs, which are adapted for digging, and are furnished with strong hoof-like claws at 
their extremities. These claws can be used with marvellous rapidity and force, and are 
employed for the purpose of destroying the dwellings of the ants on which the Aard Vark 
feeds, as well as for digging a burrow for its own habitation. 

The burrows are not very deep, but are of tolerably large dimensions, and are often used, 
when deserted, as extempore tombs, to save the friends of the deceased from the trouble of 
digging a grave for their departed comrade. The creature makes its burrows with marvellous 
rapidity, and can generally dig faster with its claws than a man with a spade. 

The Aard Vark is a nocturnal animal, and can very seldom be seen during the day-time. 
At night it issues from its burrow, and, making its way towards the ant-hills, begins its work 
of destruction. Laying its fore-feet upon the stone-like walls of these edifices, the Aard Vark 
speedily tears them down, and as the terrified insects run about in the bewilderment caused 
by the sudden destruction of their tenements, it sweeps them into its mouth with rapid move- 
ments of its long and extensile tongue. This member is covered with a tenacious glutinous 
secretion, to which the ants adhere, and which prevents them from making their escape during 
the short period of time that elapses between the moment when they are first touched and that 
in which they are drawn into the mouth. 


THE remaining Ant-eaters possess no teeth whatever, and the aperture of their mouth is 
extremely small. 

In its general habit and structure, the TAMANOTIR, or GREAT ANT-EATER, Or ANT-BEAR, iS 
very similar to the preceding animal. It is, however, entirely destitute of teeth, possesses a 
wonderfully elongated and narrow head, and is thickly covered with long, coarse hair, which 
on the tail forms a heavy plume. The color of this animal is brown, washed with gray on the 
head and face, and interspersed with pure white hairs on the head, body, and tail. The throat 
is black, and a long triangular black mark arises from the throat, and passes obliquely over 
the shoulders. There are four toes on the fore-feet, and five on the hinder. In total length 
it measures between six and seven feet, the tail being about two feet six inches long. 

The claws of the fore-feet are extremely long and curved, and are totally unfitted for loco- 
motion. When the animal is not employing these instruments in destroying, it folds the 
long claws upon a thick, rough pad which is placed in the palm, and seems to render the 
exertion of walking less difficult. As, however, the Ant-bear is forced to walk upon the outer 
edge of its fore-feet, its progress is a peculiarly awkward one, and cannot be kept up for any 
long time. Its mode of feeding is similar to that of the aard vark, which has just been detailed, 
and the creature seems to possess considerable grasping power in the toes of the fore-limbs, 
being able to pick up a small object in its paws. Though nota fighter, it can defend itself 
right well by means of these powerful instruments, and can not only strike with considerable 
violence, but when attacked by a dog or similar enemy, it clasps him in such a terrific gripe, 
that the half-suffocated animal is only too glad to be able to escape. 

The Ant-bear is said to make no burrow, but to content itself with the shade of its own 
plumy tail whenever it retires to rest. While sleeping, the creature looks very like a rough 
bundle of hay, thrown loosely on the ground, for the hair of the mane and tail is so long and 
so harsh that it can hardly be recognized at the first glance for the veritable coat of a living 
animal. The eye of this creature has a peculiar and indescribably cunning expression. The 
Tamanoir is a native of Guinea, Brazil, and Paraguay. 


Famity Myrmecophagide is represented by a few species in South America. Among 
them, notably the Great Ant-eater, which is exceedingly well represented in the annexed 
engraving. It is the largest of living Edentate animals ; yet, what a pigmy, compared to the 
vast frames of the megatherium and mylodons. 

The Tamandua, next in size, is closely allied to the preceding. The figure of this is also 
very excellent, conveying more than any description can do of its peculiarities. 

The Little Ant-eaters, Cyclothurus, are possessed of prehensile tails, which aid them in 


634 THE LITTLE ANT-EATER. 


traversing the tree-tops. Like some of the preceding species this little creature produces but 
one at a birth; yet it has four mammee. Excellent figures of this animal are seen here. 


THE TAMANDUA possesses an elongated head, like that of the tamanoir, but the skull is 
not so extraordinarily long as in that animal, and the hair is short over the entire body. Indeed, 
the Tamandua looks like a small specimen of the tamanoir, which has been clipped from its 
neck to the tip of its tail. The color of this species is much lighter than that of the tamanoir, 
and a black stripe passes over each shoulder. In size it is comparatively small, measuring, 
when full grown, barely three feet and a half in total length. 

It is a more active animal than the preceding species, and is a good climber of trees, which 
it ascends in search of the insects on which it feeds. The tail is long and tapering, and 
possesses something of the prehensile quality, though not so strongly as that of the little ant- 
eater, which will shortly be described. It is naked at the tip, but at the base is thickly 


TAMANDUA.—WMyrmecophaga tetradactyla. 


covered with hair of the same short, coarse kind that is spread over the body. When young, 
its fur is a pale cinnamon. 


Tue Livrie ANT-EATER is a truly curious animal, possessing many of ‘the habits of the 
two preceding animals, together with several customs of its own. The head of this creature is 
comparatively short ; its body is covered with fine silken fur, and its entire length does not 
exceed twenty or twenty-one inches. The tail is well furred, excepting three inches of the 
under surface at the extremity, which is employed as the prehensile portion of that member, 
and is capable of sustaining the weight of the body as it swings from a branch. On looking at 
the skeleton, a most curious structure presents itself. On a side view, the cavity of the chest 
is completely hidden by the ribs, which are greatly flattened, and overlap each other so that 
on a hasty glance the ribs appear to be formed of one solid piece of bone. There are only two 
claws on the fore-feet and four on the hinder limbs. 

The Little Ant-eater is a native of tropical America, and is always to be found on trees, 
where it generally takes wp its residence, and where it finds its sustenance. It possesses many 
squirrel-like customs, using its fore-claws with great dexterity, and hooking the smaller 
insects out of the bark crevices in which they have taken unavailing refuge. While thus 
employed it sits upon its hind limbs, supporting itself with its prehensile tail. The claws are 
compressed, curved, and very sharp, and the little animal can use these instruments with 
some force as offensive weapons, and can strike smart blows with them. It is a bold little 


THE DUCK-BILL, OR MULLINGONG. 635 


creature, attacking the nests of wasps, putting its little paw into the combs, and dragging the 
grubs from their cells. 

Like its larger relations, it its nocturnal in its habits, and sleeps during the day with its 
tail safely twisted round the branch on which it sits. The generic name Cyclothurus, signifies 
“‘ twisted-tail,’? and is very appropriate to the animal. 


Or the Edentate Order, embracing the toothless animals, so called, South America is 
especially the home. Allof the animals of this order are not toothless. Most, however, agree 
in the absence of incisors and canines. Some have no teeth. Though these animals vary 
exceedingly in form and habits, yet, in certain points of structure, there is a manifest affinity. 
The strong feet and claws of most species, and their general sluggishness, clumsy forms and 
want of intelligence, are quite characteristic of 
the group. They are nearly peculiar to South 
America, although feebly represented in Africa 
and India. The teeth are very simple, when 
present; there are no roots, nor enamelled cap- 
pings to the crowns. 

It is a notable circumstance that though the 
present living forms of this order are compara- 
tively small and insignificant, the extinct species 
are remarkable for the gigantic dimensions many 
or most of them exhibit, as we may judge from 
the very perfect remains that are found in the 
caves and alluvial deposits. 

The bone caves of South America have fur- 
nished forth most wonderful and numerous relics 
of this order, which once inhabited that region. 
In 1789, a Spanish officer sent home some bones, 
gigantic in size. Cuvier found a sufficient number 
to determine the frame of the great creature 
known as the Megatherium. Though enormous 
in size—larger than the elephant—yet this crea- 
ture was like a true sloth. Its great frame was 
supported by a massive pelvis and hind legs ; the 
anterior extremities were constructed for grasp- 
ing, and the head small, with teeth suitable for 
browsing on the limbs of trees. The length of one 
specimen was eighteen feet. The femur or thigh bone is three times the thickness of that 
of the elephant. The remains of other species of this animal were found in South Carolina. 

The Megalonyx was another creature of great bulk, allied to the preceding. It is found 
in both hemispheres. The term which is used to distinguish this species means great claws, 
and refers to its enormous fore-feet. Specimens have been found in Virginia and several of 
the Southern States. 

The Mylodon is another extinct sloth-like animal, the remains of which are found in Big- 
bone Lick, in Kentucky. It is not so large as the Megatherium, yet had a length of eleven 
feet. The distinct species are already made out, so abundant and comparatively perfect are 
the bones found. Several other extinct genera of this order are found, indicated by very 
perfect remains of bones, in North and South America. 

The remarkable Glyptodon, an extinct representative of the Armadillos, is found in South 
America. The shell of this animal has been found resembling that of a turtle. Some attained 
the length of fifteen feet. 


LIVTLE ANT-EATER.—Cyclothurus didactylus. 


(or) 
oD 
fon) 


THE Al, OR THREE-TOED SLOTH. 


SOs aS) LOM Bless, 


In the last group of the mammalia we find a very remarkable structure, adapted to serve a 
particular end, and long misunderstood by zoologists. The common Sioru, sometimes called 
the Two-ToED SLorH, is a native of the West Indies, where it is not very often seen, although 
it is not an uncommon animal. 

The peculiarity to be noticed in all the Sloths, of which there are several species, is, that 
they pass the whole of their lives suspended, with their backs downwards, from the branches 
of trees. The Sloth never gets upon 
a bough, but simply hooks his 
curved talons over it, and hangs in 
perfeet security. In order to enable 
the animal to suspend itself with- 
out danger of falling, the limbs are 
enormously strong, the fore-legs are 
remarkable for their length, and the 
toes of all four feet are furnished 
with strong, curved claws. Upon 
the ground the Sloth is entirely out 
of its element, as its limbs are 
wholly unadapted for supporting 
the weight of the body, and its long 
claws cannot be employed as ad- 
juncts to the feet. The only man- 
ner in which a Sloth can advance, 
when he is unfortunately placed in 
such a position, is by hitching his 
claws into any depression that may 
afford him a hold, and so dragging 
himself slowly and painfully for- 
ward. On the trees, however, he 
is quite a different creature, full of 
life and animation, and traversing 
the branches at a speed which is 
anything but slothful. The Sloth 
travels best in windy weather, be- 
cause the branches of trees are 
blown against each other, and per- 
mit the animal to pass from one 
tree to another without descending 
to the ground. 

The food of the Sloth consists 
of leaves, buds, and young shoots. It appears to stand in no need of water, being satisfied 
with the moisture which clings to the herbage on which it feeds. In gathering the leaves 
and drawing the branches within reach, the Sloth makes great use of its fore-paws, which, 
however helpless upon the ground, can be managed with great dexterity. It is very tenacious 
of life, and is protected from any injury which it might receive from falls, by the peculiar 
structure of its skull. In length it is about two feet. 


Tuk At, or THREE-TOED SLorn, is an inhabitant of South America, and is more common 
than the preceding animal, from which it can easily be distinguished by the third toe on 
its feet. The color of this animal is rather variable, but is generally of a brownish-gray, 


THE DUCK-BILL, OR MULLINGONG. 637 


slightly variegated by differently tinted hairs, and the head and face being darker than the body 
and limbs. The hair has a curious, hay-like aspect, being coarse, flat, and harsh towards the 
extremity, although it is very fine towards the root. Owing to the color and structure of the 
hair, the Ai can hardly be distinguished from the bough under which it hangs, and owes much 
of its safety to this happy resemblance; for its flesh is very good, and, in consequence, the 
poor creature is dreadfully persecuted by the natives, as well as by the white hunters. The 
cry of this creature is low and plaintive, and is thought to resemble the sound Ai. The head 
is Short and round, the eyes deeply sunk in the head, and nose large and very moist. 

The young of the Ai, as well as those of the other Sloths, cling to their mother as soon as 
they are born, and are carried about by her until they are able to transfer their weight from 
their parent to the branches. Several other species of Sloths are known to exist, but all are 
similar in appearance and habits. 

The family Bradypodide embraces the present living Sloths. They are especially confined 
to the forests of Brazil, Bolivia, and Guatemala. Two species are known of the genus Cho- 
lepus—the Two-toed and Hoffman’s Sloths. 

The genus Bradypus includes one species—the Ai, or Three-toed Sloth. A good figure is 
seen herein. Several small Sloths, embraced in the genus Arctopithecus, are indigenous in 
South America. 


THE MONOTREMES. 


THERE are few animals which have attracted such universal attention, both from scientific 
men and the reading world in general, as the MuLLINGoNG, DuCK-BILL, or PLATYPUS, of 
Australia. This little creature, the largest being but twenty-two inches in length, has excited 
more interest than animals of a thousand times its dimensions, on account of its extraordinary 
shape and singular habits. It is most appropriately called the Duck-bill, on account of the 
curious development of the intermaxillary bones, which are very much flattened and elon- 
gated, and their ends turned inwards in a kind of angular hook. The lower jaw is also 
lengthened and flattened, although not to such an extent as the upper, and the bones are 
covered with a naked skin. 

In the stuffed and dried specimens the ‘‘beak’’ appears as if it were composed of the 
black leather taken from an old shoe, but in the living animal it presents a very different 
aspect, being soft, rounded, and of a pinky hue at its tip, mottled with a number of little 
spots. Dr. Bennett, to whom the zoological world is so much indebted for his researches into 
the habits of this curious animal, kindly showed me some excellent drawings, which gave a 
very different idea of the animal from that which is obtained by the examination of stuffed 
skins. The beak is well supplied with nerves, and appears to be a sensitive organ of touch, 
by means of which the animal is enabled to feel as well as to smell the insects and other 
creatures on which it feeds. 

The Mullingong is an essentially aquatic and burrowing animal, and is formed expressly 
for its residence in the water, or under the earth. The fur is thick, soft, and is readily dried 
while the animal enjoys good health, although it becomes wet and draggled when the creature 
is weakly. The opening of the ears is small and can be closed at will, and the feet are fur- 
nished with large and complete webs, extending beyond the claws in the fore-limbs, and to 
their base in the hind-legs. The fore-feet are employed for digging as well as for swimming, 
and are therefore armed with powerful claws rather more than half an inch in length, and 
rounded at their extremities. With such force can these natural tools be used, that the Duck- 
bill has been seen to make a burrow two feet in length through hard gravelly soil in a space of 
ten minutes. While digging, the animal employs its beak as well as its feet, and the webbed 
membrane contracts between the joints so as not to beseen. The hind-feet of the male are 
furnished with a spur, about an inch in length, curved, perforated, and connected with a gland 
situated near the ankle. It was once supposed that this spur conveyed a poisonous liquid 


633 THE DUCK-BILL, OR MULLINGONG. 


into the wound which it made, but this opinion has been disproved by Dr. Bennett, who fre- 
quently permitted, and even forced the animal to wound him with its spurs, and experienced 
no ill consequences beyond the actual wound. The animal has the power of folding back the 
spur so as to conceal it entirely, and is then sometimes mistaken for a female. 

The color of the adult animal is a soft dark brown, interspersed with a number of glisten- 
ing points which are produced by the long and shining hairs which protrude through the inner 
fur. Upon the abdomen the fur is a light fawn, and even softer than on the back. The under 
surface of the tail is devoid of hair—denuded, as some think, in forming its habitation—and 
the upper surface is covered with stiff, bristly hairs, brown towards the base and quite black 
at the extremity. The first coat of the young Duck-bill is always a bright, reddish-brown, 

Tt can run on land and swim in water with equal ease, and is sufficiently active to be able 
to climb well. Some of the animals that were kept by Dr. Bennett were in the habit of ascend- 


DUCK-BILL, OR MULLINGONG.—Oriithorhynchus paradoi us. 


ing a perpendicular book-case, performing this curious feat by placing their backs against the 
wall and the feet upon the shelves, and so pushing themselves upwards as a sweep ascends the 
chimney. Its pace is not very swift, but it gets over the ground with ease. The burrow in 
which the Mullingong lives is generally from twenty to forty feet in length, and always bends 
upwards, towards a sort of chamber in which the nest is made. This nest is of the rudest 
description, consisting of a bundle of dried weeds thrown carelessly together. The burrow has 
a very evil odor, which is unpleasantly adherent to the hand that has been placed within it. 

Owing to the extremely loose skin of the Mullingong, it can push its way through a very 
small aperture, and is not easily retained in the grasp, wriggling without much difficulty from 
the gripe of the fingers. The loose skin and thick fur are also preventives against injury, as 
the discharge of a gun which would blow any other animal nearly to pieces, seems to take but 
little external effect upon the Duck-bill. The animal is, moreover, so tenacious of life, that 
one of these creatures which had received the two charges of a double-barrelled gun was able, 
after it had recovered from the shock, to run about for twenty minutes after it had been 
wounded. 

The food of the Mullingong consists of worms, water insects, and little mollusks, which it 
gathers in its cheek-pouches as long as it is engaged in its search for food, and then eats quietly 
when it rests from its labors. The teeth, if teeth they may be called, of this animal are very 
peculiar, consisting of four horny, channelled plates, two in each jaw, which serve to crush 
the fragile shells and coverings of the animais on which it feeds. It seems seldom to feed 
during the day, or in the depth of night, preferring for that purpose the first dusk of evening 


THE HCHIDNA. 63% 


or the dawn of morning. During the rest of the day it is generally asleep. While sleep- 
ing, it curls itself into a round ball, the tail shutting down over the head and serving to 
protect it. 

The young Mullingongs are curious little creatures, with soft, short, flexible beaks, naked 
skins, and almost unrecognizable as the children of their long-nosed parents. When they 
attain to the honor of their first coat, they are most playful little things, knocking each 
other about like kittens, and rolling on the ground in the exuberance of their mirth. Their 
little twinkling eyes are not well adapted for daylight, nor from their position can they see 
spots directly in their front, so that a pair of these little creatures that were kept by Dr. Ben- 
nett used to bump themselves against the chairs, tables, or any other object that might be 
in their way. They bear a farther similitude to the cat in their scrupulous cleanliness, and 
the continual washing and pecking of their fur. 

In endeavoring to accustom Duck-bills to a life of confinement, the chief difficulty lies 
in feeding them, for the Mullingong requires its food to be given at very frequent intervals, 
and soon perishes if not watched with the utmost care. The precise range of the animal is 
not satisfactorily ascertained, but it has never yet been seen in Southern Australia. 


Tur Ecutpna is found in several parts of Australia, where it is popularly called the 
hedgehog, on account of the hedgehog-like spines with which the body is so thickly cov- 
ered, and its custom of rolling itself wp when alarmed. A number of coarse hairs are 
intermingled with the spines, and the head is devoid of these weapons. The head is strangely 
lengthened, in a manner somewhat similar to that of the ant-eater, and there are no teeth of 
any kind in the jaws. 

The food of the Echidna consists of ants and other insects, which it gathers into its 
mouth by means of the long extensile tongue. It is a burrowing animal, and is therefore 
furnished with limbs and claws of proportionate strength. Indeed, Lieutenant Breton, who 
kept one of these animals for some time, considers it as the strongest quadruped in existence 
in proportion to its size. On moderately soft ground it can hardly be captured, for it gathers 
all its legs under its body, and employs its digging claws with such extraordinary vigor 
that it sinks into the ground 
as if by magic. The hind- 
feet are employed by the 
animal for two purposes, 
i. e., locomotion and the 
offices of the toilet. There 
is a spur on the hind part 
of the male similar to that 
of the duck-bill. The flesh 
of the Echidna is very good, 
and is said to resemble that 
of the sucking-pig. There 
is another species of this 
curious animal, very simi- 
lar in every respect except 
that of color, which is of 
a darker brown, instead of 
the black and white which 
decorates the spines of the : 
common Echidna. Its sci- KCHIDNA.— Echidna hystriw. 
entific title is Echidna 
setosa. The Echidna is tolerably widely spread over the sandy wastes of Australia, but has 
not been seen in the more northern portions of that country. 

In a letter addressed to Professor Owen, the Sydney (New South Wales) Herald, Sep- 
tember 16, 1884, says: ‘‘In both Ornithorhynchus and Echidna the amount of food-yolk in 


640 THE ECHIDNA. 


the egg is very large, and that consequently there is only a partial seementum (meroblastic 
type). The egg is laid at an age equal to a thirty-hour-old chick, and is enclosed in a strong, 
flexible, white shell. The latter is three-quarters of an inch long, and half an inch broad. 
The Ornithorhynchus lays two at a time; the Echidna one. The former places the eggs at the 
end of one of its burrows; the latter in a ventral pouch.”’ 

It seems, then, that these two mammals actually do lay eggs. The latter are hatched, in 
one case by the warmth of the stomach-pouch in which it is carried, and in the other it is 
dependent on the warmth of the sun or the nursing of the mother. 


SPEAKING in the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society, in November, 1883, Professor 
Huxley said: ‘‘It certainly is high time that British science should deal with a problem of 
the profoundest zoological interest, the materials for the solution of which abound in and are 
at the same time confined to those territories of the Greater Britain which lie on the other side 
of the globe.’’ These words had reference to the series of investigations which Mr. Caldwell— 
the first Balfour student—had then gone to Australia to prosecute with regard to the embry- 
ology of the lowest mammalian forms—the monotremes and marsupials. 

Somewhat less than a year later, August, 1884, and whilst the British Association was 
holding its meetings in Montreal, Professor Mosely, the President of the Biological Section, 
was enabled to communicate the following brief but suggestive message from Australia : 
‘Caldwell finds monotremes oviparous, ovum meroblastic.”’ Brief as was the message, it yet, 
as Professor Mosely said, contained the most scientific news which had been communicated to 
the Association in Canada. 

Zoologists will now look forward to the publication of Mr. Caldwell’s more detailed 
account of his investigations. That monotremes are oviparous has been maintained by various 
naturalists for now some sixty years, but up till the present time no sufficient evidence has 
been brought forward to place the matter beyond dispute, the chief difficulty in elucidating 
the problem lying in the fact that the two curious groups of animals which alone are placed 
in the monotremata inhabit exclusively the Australian region, and hence have been studied 
but little in their native habitat. 

Though the two are closely allied, yet the Ornithorhynchus and Echidna differ markedly 
from each other in external appearance—the one being adapted to the water, having its feet 
webbed, and its muzzle of that peculiar shape which has earned its present title of Duck-bill 
Platypus ; while the other is essentially a land animal, feeding on ants, which it licks up by 
means of a long, flexible tongue, and having its body covered with sharp spines, much as a 
hedgehog. 

The question how these animals reared their young, and in what condition the latter were 
born, has long been a matter of much dispute, and for information we are indebted to Horne, 
Mechel, Groff, St. Hilaire, and perhaps most of all to Owen. 

In 1829, St. Hilaire laid a communication before the Royal Academy of Science in Paris, 
in which he stated his opinion that the monotremes could no longer be admitted among the 
mammals, nor could they be classed with birds or reptiles, but they must, though including 
only two groups of animals, be formed into a distinct fifth class among vertebrates, the order 
being as follows: Mammals, Monotremes, Birds, Reptiles, and Fishes. An interesting part of 
his paper is the following: ‘‘A Mr. Holmes, while shooting on the River Hawksburgh, in 
Australia, discovered a nest of eggs in a small burrow that the Ornithorhynchus had just left. 
In a nest of twigs were nine eggs—more than has since been credited to the creature—of pecu- 
liar shape.” 


" 


‘ Popularly they are called “ grinders.” 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


EXPLANATION OF SIGNS AND TERMS. 


TEETH. 


Incisors.—These are the teeth which are placed in the front 
of the jaw. They are inserted in the premaxillary bones, and 
in the corresponding portion of the lower jaw. They are termed 
“incisors,’’ or cutting teeth, from the Latin word incidere, which 
signifies ‘‘to cut,’’? even though their edges should not be 
formed for cutting. 


CanineEs.—These teeth are situated next to the incisors, and 
are inserted at or close to the suture of the premaxillary bones 
in the upper jaw. In the lower jaw, the canines are set opposite 
to those of the upper jaw, and when the mouth is closed pass 
in front of the crowns of the upper canines. They are called 
“canines,’? from the Latin word canis, a dog, because they are 
largely developed in the dogs. 


Pra&MOoLARS.—These teeth are situated behind the canines, and 
next to the true molars. The word “molar” is derived from the 
Latin mola, a mill, because these teeth serve to grind the food. 
In human subjects the 
premolars are sometimes termed the “ bicuspids,” on account of 
the double cusp on their surfaces, 


Mo.uars.—These teeth are permanent, and are situated behind 
all the others. They are often not developed until comparatively 
late in life. 


The Dentat Formua is a concise mode of describing the 
number and positions of the various teeth, and is easily com- 
prehended. The accompanying formula is that of Man :— 

2—2 1—1 2—2 


lieay & yr Pe op 


In these formulas the upper figures refer to the teeth of the upper 
jaw, and the lower line to those of the lower jaw, while the short 
hyphen — serves to separate the right from the left side. In man, 
therefore, there are two incisor teeth on each side of the upper 
jaw, and the same in the under jaw ; one canine on each side of 
the upper jaw, and the same in the lower jaw; two premolars 
on each side of the upper jaw, and the same in the lower; 
three molars on each side of the upper jaw, and the same in the 
lower: in all, thirty-two in number. The dentition is always 
presumed to be that of the adult animal. 


CLASS I.—MAMMALIA. 


ANIMALS possessed of vertebrae ; breathing atmospheric air by 
lungs ; heart with two auricles and two ventricles; blood warm 
and red; producing living young; nurturing them by milk, which 
is secreted in the ‘‘mammary glands ;”’ skin covered with hair, 
spines or scales. 


Order.—BiMANA. 


Hands and feet five-fingered, the nails all flat and broad. All 
the teeth even and close to each other, the molars equally enam- 
elled. In this order there is but one species, namely, Man,— 
Homo sapiens. 

1—1 


9 
Death = Ty 9 n= GP? 
Pa ae a 


Order.—QUADRUMANA. 


Hinder feet five-toed, the thumb opposable to the others; fore- 
feet sometimes four-fingered, the thumb being absent. Molar- 
teeth equally enamelled ; with one exception, the Cheiromys, they 
possess incisor, canine, premolar, and molar teeth. Skin covered 
with hair, with the exception of the palms of the hand, the face, 
and the callosities of the hinder quarters. Mamme placed on the 
breast. 

Family —SmMiav&. 

Teeth.—Molars, ° the false molars being tuberculate. Nails 
rather flat or slightly rounded, and not pointed like claws. 
Fore-feet almost always five-toed. Thumb opposable. Tail 
never prehensile. 

641 


Genus.—Troglodytes. 
= mn) 
gerry =e Gul SE a ee ie es 
SEO poy ES ing ec EC pe 


Canines slightly elongated, and placed close to the incisors, 

Head.—Muzzle rather short—Cheek-pouches none—Fars large 
and projecting. 

Tail.—None. 

Habitat— Western Africa. 


Genus.—Simia. 


Teeth.—Canines much exceeding the others in length, and 
overlapping each other when the mouth is closed.—Two central 
incisors extremely broad. 

Head.—Muzzle projecting very considerably—Ears small, and 
placed close to the head—Cheek-pouches none. 

Limbs.—Arms extremely long, the fingers resting on the ground 
when the animal stands erect. 

Habitat.—Borneo and Sumatra. 


Genus.—Siamanga. 


Head small, and muzzle short—Chcek-pouches none. 

Throat furnished with a large air-pouch. 

Limbs.—Arms extremely long—First and second fingers of the 
hands united as far as the middle of the second joint—Slight 
callosities on hinder quarters. 

Habitat.—Sumatra. 


642 


Genus.—Hy lobates. 


Head, throat, and limbs, resembling Siamanga, except that the 
fingers of the hand are all free. Many systematic naturalists con- 
sider the two genera to be really one, and that the Siamanga is 
only a species of Hylobates. 

Habitat. —Malacca. 


Genus.—Presbytes. 


Teeth.—Last molar of lower jaw with five tubercles. 

Head.—Muzzle very slightly produced—rudiments of cheek- 
pouches. 

Feet.—Elongated—Thumb of fore-fect very short. 

Tail.—Extremely long, often surpassing the body. 

Habitat.—India, China, etc. Only known in Asia. 


Genus.—Célobus. 
Teeth 
Head As in Presbytes. © 
Tail 
Feet.—Thumb of fore-feet altogether wanting, or only repre- 
sented by a small tubercle. 
Habitat.—Western Africa. 


Genus.—Cercopithécus, 


Teeth.—The last molar teeth of the lower jaw furnished with 
four tubercles. 

Head.—Cheek-pouches large—Face rather long and rounded. 

Tail.—Long, sometimes longer than the body. = 

Habitat.—Spread over the greater part of Africa. 


Genus. —Cercocébus. 


Teeth.—The last molar teeth of the lower jaw furnished with 
five tubercles, the others with four tubercles. 

Head.—Muzzle more elongated than in Cercopithécus—Cheek- 
pouches large. 

Tail.—Long, and not tufted. 

Habitat.—Africa. 


Genus.—Macacus. 


Similar to Cercocébus, excepting that the tail is very varied in 
length, several species being almost destitute of the member, and 
others possessing it very slightly developed. 

Habitat.—India, Sumatra, Japan, and the North of Africa. 


Genus.—Silénus. 


Similar to the genus Macacus, excepting the tail, which is fur- 
nished with a conspicuous tuft of hair. 
Habitat.—India. 


Genus.—Cynocéphalus. 


Teeth.—Last molar of lower jaw furnished with one or two 
accessory tubercles, the others with four tubercles. 

Head.—Face lengthened into a conspicuous snout, and abruptly 
terminated, the nostrils being placed at the extremity—Cheek- 
pouches large. ‘ 

Tail.—Moderately long, and inserted high. In the Gelada it is 
furnished with a tuft, a peculiarity which has induced some 
writers to place the animal in a different genus. 

Habitat.—A frica. 


Genus.—Papio. 
Similar to Cynocéphalus, excepting that the tail is extremely 
small, and set nearly perpendicularly to the line of the back. 
Habitat,—Africa. 
Family.—C&BIDE. 
Nostrils very wide, separated by a broad septum, opening lat- 
erally. Tail long, and in most instances prehensile. Thumb of 


fore-hands totally distinct from the fingers. | Cheek-pouches 
absent. Molar teeth comparatively small. 


Genus.—Ateles. 


Head.—Rounded and small. 
Limbs.—Long and slender—Thumb of fore-hands wanting. 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Tail.—Prehensile, naked below towards the tip. 
Fur.—Long, stiff, and rather harsh. 
Habitat.—Brazils. 


Genus.—Brachfyteles. 
Head as in Ateles. 
Limbs.—Thumb of fore-hands extremely small. 
Tail.—Prehensile, and naked below towards the tip. 
Fur.—Woolly. 
Habitat.—Tropical America. 


Genus.—My cétes. 


Head.—Rather pyramidal—A large beard on the cheeks and 
chin—Throat furnished with large, resonant pouch, formed by 
expansion of the hyoid bone. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet five-fingered. 

Tail.—Naked below towards the tip. 

Habitat.—Tropical America. 


Genus.—Cebus. 
Head.—Rounded. 
Tail.—Long, and entirely covered with hair. 
Habitat.—Tropical America. 


Genus.—Callithrix. 


Teeth.—Incisors straight, the two middle being broad—Canines 
short, hardly exceeding incisors. 

Tail.—Slender and rounded. 

Habitat.—Brazils. 


Genus.—Brachy arus. 


Teeth.—Incisors rather oblique, the lower being long—Canines 
large and stout—Molars small. 

Tail.—Very hairy, shorter than body. 

Habitat.—Guiana. 


Genus.—Pithécia. 


Teeth.—Like preceding genus. 
Tail.—Equalling body in length. 
Habitat.—Brazils. 


Genus.—Nyctipithécus. 


Teeth.—Lower incisors rather obliquely pointing forwards, two 
middle upper incisors broad-—Canines moderate. 

Head.—Ears small, and partially buried in hair—Eyes large, 
orbits very large. 

Limbs.—Hind-feet longer than fore-feet. 

Tail.—Longer than body. 

Habitat.—Brazils. 


Genus.—Jacchus. 


Teeth.—Lower incisors long and rounded, rather convex exter- 
nally—Premolars with one tubercle in the outer margin—Molars 
with two tubercles. 

Head.—Face short and blunt—nostrils wide. 

Tail.—Long, and thickly furred. 

Habitat.—Brazils. 


Family.—LEMURIDA&. 


Teeth.—Upper incisors, 2—2, generally set in pairs, and sepa- 
rated from the canines by a small space; lower incisors, either 
2—2 or 1—1, often slightly projecting. 

Limbs.—All the feet with five fingers, the fourth being the 
largest—Hind-feet larger than fore-feet—All the nails flat, except- 
ing that of the second finger, which is narrow and curved. 


Genus.—Lemur. 


333 
Teeth.—I. 4 ACh P: , M. 
3—3 


3—3 _ 
33 


36. 


Head.—Eyes large, and set closely together—Ears short and 
rounded. 

Limbs.—First finger of fore-feet extremely short. 

Tail.—Rather short. 

Habitat.—Madagascar, 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Genus.—Propithécus. 


Teeth.—Upper incisors expanded towards the canines. 
Habitat.—Madagascar. 


Genus.—Loris. 


Head.—Muzzle long and sharp, slightly directed upwards— 
Eyes extremely large. 

Body and limbs.—Slender and delicate. 

Tail.—None. 

Habitat.—Ceylon. 


Genus.—Nycticébus. 


Resembling Lemur, but having the tail extremely short. 
Habitat.—Sumatra, Borneo, and Bengal. 


Genus.—Gilago. 
Teeth as Lemur. 
Head.—Ears large and naked—Kyes large. 
Limbs.—Tarsus elongated. 
Tail.—Long, and thickly furred. 
Habitat.—Madagascar, and various parts of Africa. 


Genus.—Indris. 


Tighe: ee ee as 
2—2 1—1 

Head.—Ears small and rounded. 

Limbs.—Tarsus not elongated. 

Habitat.—Madagascar. 


Genus.-—Tarsius. 


Teeth.—I. ze, Cc. ial P. Sew M. == 36. Lower in- 
2-2 1—1 33 3-3 

cisors oblique—False molars conic—Molars furnished with several 
sharp tubercles. 

Head.—Eyes large—Ears rather large, very thinly supplied 
with hair. 

Limbs.—Hinder feet extremely long, with elongated tarsus. 

Tail.—Very long, with tuft at the tip. 

Habitat.—Borneo and Philippine Islands. 


Family.—GALEOPITHECIDA. 


There is only one genus in this family. 


Genus.—Galeopithécus. 
— 2-2 3-3 
Teeth.—I. cam C. i E 1, M. = 34, Some au- 
3—3 1—1 33 
thors give the formula in a slightly different manner, as the 
2 0—0 2 
teeth seem to be rather obscure :—I. ae a On Hull ee bee 
4 2-2 1—1 2-2 
M. —— = 34. The lower incisors are set pointing forwards, and 


? 
2-3 


’ 


are deeply notched on their crowns like the teeth of a comb. 
Habitat.—Java, Borneo, Sumatra. 


Family.—(?). 
» Genus.—Chéiromys. 
Teeth.—I. = Cc. =. M. = = 18.  Incisors pointed, 


compressed, and very sharp and powerful. 

Head.—Rouxded, and muzzle short and pointed. 

Limbs.—Feet, with five fingers—Fore-feet with toes long, the 
middle toe long and slender—Thumb of hind-feet with flat and 
broad nail. . 

Tail—Long, and heavily furred. 

The family in which this animal (the Aye Aye) ought to be 
~ placed is very doubtful, as is even the order to which it really 
belongs. 


Family.—CHEIROPTERA. 
The bones of the fore-limbs, and especially those of the fingers, 


much elongated, and sustaining a membrane of large dimensions, 
by means of which the animals fly in the air. The thumb-joint is 


643 


not attached to the web, but is left free. It is furnished with a 
nail. The hinder-feet are small, and the toes furnished with 
sharp claws. 


Genus.—Vampirus. 


Teeth.—I. , C. Lael M. ese 

33 1—1 5—5 
cially those of the lower jaw, and nearly contiguous at their 
bases—Canines large. 

Head.—Nose with a double leaf-like membrane, one lying almost 
horizontally, and the other being erect—The ears are moderate, 
and the tragus is small and elongated. 

Habitat.—Soutb America. 


Saat ies 


Incisors small, espe- 


Genus.—Rhin6lophus. 


= =~ P G8 
Noe eli, ae [0h Ee a eee 
2-2 1—1 3—3 3—3 
Or thus :—I. » C. aoa M. ye o Incisors small, 
22 1—1 5-5 5—5 


and distinct from each other. 

Head.—A complicated leaf-like membrane upon the nose—Ears 
large, without tragus. 

Habitat.—Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. 


Genus.—Barbastellus. 


Teeth.— I. 5 (o}; iad Sane Me ay 
3—3 1—1 2-2 33 
Head.—Ears united at their bases, moderate in size—On the 
upper part of the muzzle is a depressed naked spot, in which the 
nostrils are set. 
Habitat.—Europe. 


Genus.—Plecétus. 
2 ~ =e 3-3 
Teeth.—I. ae Gye x P. , M. = 36. 
3—3 1—1 3—3 3—3 


Head.—Ears very large, and united at their bases. 
Habitat.—Europe. 
Genus.—Noctilinia. 


amie 
=— 


22 


Teeth.—I. (Oh 34. 
33 


Habitat.—Europe and Asia. 

In Bell’s British Quadrupeds, and in Van der Hoeven’s Hand- 
book of Zoology, Noctilinia is merged into the genus Vespertilio, 
together with Plecotus. 


Genus.—Ptéropus. 


fen, eG es jp ee 
2-2 3—3 3—3 
flattened crowns, and a longitudinal groove. 

Head.—Ears small, tragus none. 

Limbs.—First finger of fore-paws with only three joints. 

Tail.—None. 

Habitat.—Indian Archipelago. 


= 34. Molars with 


Order.—FER A. 


3—3 
Teeth.—Incisors always ——-— Canines large, strong, and 


pointed—Molars uniformly enamelled, with crowns more or less 
sharp, uneven, or tuberculated. 


Family.—FE11Dz. 


Teeth,—I. a C. — P. , M. = 
3—3 1—1 2-2 1-1 


Limbs.—Feet digitigrade, soles of feet furnished with hairs. 


= 30. 


Genus.—Felis. 


Feet.—Fore-feet with five toes, hinder-feet with four toes— 
Claws retractile. 

Habitat.—Most parts of the world. 

By some zoologists this genus is separated into four, namely :— 
Leo, Tigris, Leopardus, and Felis, but apparently on insufficient 
grounds. 


644 


Genus.—Lyncus. 


Separated from Felis on account of the short tail, and pencils 
of hairs which tuft the ears. 

Habitat.—Europe, Asia, and Africa. 

In this genus are included Chaus, Caracal, and Lyncus. 


Genus.—Gueparda, 


Separated from Felis on account of the semi-retractile claws, 
larger limbs, and the short mane that runs along the neck and 
shoulders ; and from Lyncus by the absence of the ear tufts and 
the long tail. 

Habitat.— Asia and Africa. 


Family —VWERRID#. 


Teeth.—Three premolars on each side in the upper jaw, and 
either three or four in the lower. 

Limbs.—Feet generally digitigrade—Claws often semi-retractile. 

Glands.—Placed near junction of hinder limbs, secreting a sub- 
stance of offensive odor. 

In this family the Hyznas are placed by the best authorities. 


Genus.—Hyena. 


33 


Teeth.—I. as? C. On each 


eR == Me 
a. 


side in the upper jaw is one tuberculate tooth. 
Limbs.—Feet all with four toes. 
Body.—Sloping from shoulder to tail. 
Tail.—Short. 
Habitat.—Asia and Africa. 
In this genus Crocuta is included. 


Genus.—Priteles. 


Teeth.—Molars either —— or ——, small and distant. 
4{—4 5—5 


Limbs.—Fore-feet with five toes, the thumb being rather raised ; 
\ hind-feet with four toes. 

Body.—Sloping like that of Hyzna. 

Tail.—Rather short, and very bushy. 

Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Genus.—Viverra. 
= a deed 9) OEE 
Testi Os ean 
3=5 ia 44° 2-9 


Limbs.—All the feet with five toes, the claws small and curved, 
the thumb-joint small and rather raised. 
Habitat.—Africa, Asia, etc. 


Genus.—Linsang. 


Separated from preceding by its very slender and elongated 
body, its long legs, and very long whisker hairs. 
Habitat.—Java and Nepal. 


Genus.—Genetta, 


Separated from Viverra by its smaller size and longer tail. 
Habitat.—A frica. 


Genus.—Bassaris. 


Separated from Viverra by its small, pointed head, long ears, 
and the different texture of its fur. 

Habitat.—Mexico. 

In the opinion of very many excellent zoologists this genus, 
together with its two predecessors, ought to be merged into the 
genus Viverra. 


Genus.—Herpestes. 

Teeth as in Viverra. 

Head.—Ears small and rounded. 

Feet.—All with five toes, furnished with large, curved, com- 
pressed claws. 

Hair.—Long and wiry, frequently annulated with different tints. 

Habitat.—Southern Europe, Asia, and Africa. 

This genus includes Mungos and Urva. 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Genus.—Cynictis. 


Separated from the preceding genus because the hinder feet 
have only four toes. The limbs are rather longer, and the ears 
larger than in Herpestes. 

Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Genus.—Crossarchus. 

2-2 33 
agp ~~ Geasy 

Head.—Muzzle elongated, the nose resembling a proboscis— 
Ears small. 

Limbs.—Feet with five toes, gait plantigrade. 

Tail.—Rather shorter than body. 

Habitat.—Western Africa. 


Teeth.— P. 


Genus.—Suricita. 


Rea Oe eee 
3—3 1-1 
Limbs.—Feet with four toes, furnished with long, curved, com- 
pressed claws. 
Tail.—Rather exceeding half the length of the body. 


Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


= 36. 


Genus.—Cynégale. 


4-4 2-2 
Teeth.— P. ——, M. ——, laniary teeth with tubercles. 
44 2—2 


Head.—Ears small—Muzzie elongated, blunt, and depressed— 
Whisker hairs remarkably long. 

Limbs.—Feet with five short toes, gait plantigrade. 

Tail.—Short. 

Habitat. —Borneo. 


Genus.—Paradoxirus. 


Teeth.—Molars as in Viverra—Laniary teeth thick and furnished 
with conical tubercles. 

Limbs.—Feet with five toes conjoincd by skin, the thumb not 
raised, gait plantigrade. 

Tail.—Long and cylindrical, mostly capable of being spirally 
rolled, but not prehensile. 

Habitat.—Africa and Asia. 

This genus includes Nandinia and Paguma. 


Genus.—Artictis. 


33 Sl A 2 De 
Teeth.—I. se z 2 P: » M. = 40. Canines con- 
33 I 2-9 


ical and compressed—Laniary teeth curiously tuberculated. 

Head.— Ears furnished with pencil of long hairs; whisker 
hairs long. 

Tail.—Nearly as long as body, prehensile, and heavily covered 
with hair at the base. 

Habitat.—Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. 

This genus is placed by V. der Hoeven among the Ursine animals. 


Genus.—Cryptoprocta. 


Limbs.—Feet with five toes and plantigrade, furnished with 
retractile claws. 

Habitat.—Madagascar. * 

It is the opinion of many excellent zoologists that the genera of 
the Viverrine animals might be still further reduced. 


Family —CANIDm. 


Teeth.— Molars either ae} (eral Co) 
TT 7 
former. Two or three on each side of both jaws tuberculated. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet mostly with five toes, thumb raised; gait 


digitigrade, hinder feet with four toes. 


-, but usually the 


Genus.—Canis. 
3—3 


8 _ 2 
Teeth.—I. = (Gh . S P. , M. Zs 
3—3 1—1 t—4 22 
tooth of upper jaw bi-lobed, with a small tubercle inside and 
rather forwards ; the lower laniary divided into three portions. 


= 42) 


Laniary 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Head.—Pupil of eye round. : 
Tail.—Moderate, covered with short hair. 
Habitat.—All parts of the world. 
Includes Cuon. 


Genus.—Vulpes. 


Separated from Canis by the oblong pupil of the eye, and the 
heavily brushed tail. 
Habitat.—Most parts of the world. 


Genus.—Otécyon. 


Teeth.—Molars rar Laniary teeth less than the tuberculate ; 


lower tuberculate with four sharp tubercles. 
Head.—Ears very large, nearly as long as head, standing erect. 
Tail.—Moderaie, and covered with thick hair. 
Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Genus.—Lycaon, 


Separated from Canis because the fore-feet are furnished with 
only four toes. 
Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Family.—_MvstTELID&. 


Teeth.—Molars generally 4—4 or 5—5 in upper jaw, 5—5 or 
6—6 in lower. On each side of both jaws there is a single tuber- 
culate tooth. 

Head.—Rather long, muzzle moderate and rounded, skull much 
elongated behind the eyes. 

Limbs.—Feet with five toes. 


Genus.—Putorius. 


Teeth.—I. cea C. es P. es M 
3-3 2—2 3—3 

Head.—Ears small and rounded. 

Limbs.—Toes separated from each other. 

Tail.—Moderate, of various lengths. 

Habitat.—Europe and Asia. 

Includes the Stoats, Weasels, and Polecats. 


1—1 


0 = 34. 
1—1 


Genus.—Mustéla, 
Teeth.—P. poet 
4—t 
Habitat.—Europe, Asia, and North America. 
Includes Martes. 
Genus.—Grisonia. 
Teeth.— M. =, 
5—5 
Limbs.—Feet with soles naked, gait partly plantigrade. 
Tail.—Hairy, partly ‘‘ distichous.”’ 
Habitat.—Brazil and Guiana. 
Includes Galera. 


Genus.—Mellivora. 


Tog Oe AS ea 
3—3 1-1 1 
tuberculate tooth on each side of upper jaw. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet armed with large and powerful claws, all 
the feet short, and the gait plantigrade. 
Head.—Short. 
Habitat.—Africa and Asia. 


Only one 


Genus.—Gulo. 


33 1-1 t—-t 
Teeth.—I. C. Pe. M 

psy ae et 
Head.—Ears short and rounded. 
Limbs.—Gait nearly plantigrade. 


Habitat.—Northern Europe, Asia, and America. 


1—1 


0 = 38. 
2-2 


Genus.—Mephitis. 


Teeth.— M. pai An accessory tubercle in the middle of upper 


laniary tooth. 
Tail.—Moderste, and thickly covered with long hair. 
Habitat,—America. 


Genus.—-Mydaus. 
3-3 


tel pete a! 
1—1 33 2-2 

Head.—Muzzle much elongated, ears very small, and buried 
in fur. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet with large, compressed, and nearly straight 
claws, gait nearly plantigrade. 

Habitat.—Asia and Jaya. 

Includes Arctonyx. 


Teeth.— I. cae C. 
3—3 


= 32. 


Genus.—Meles. 


Meth! SCP 
3—3 1—1 44 
tuberculate teeth often missing. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet with large digging claws, gait plantigrade. 
Tail.—Short. 
Habitat.—Europe and Asia. 


1—1 


= 36. Lower 
1—1 


Genus.—Lutra. 
11 44 
is cay 


33 
3—3 
laniary teeth very large. 

Head.—Ears small, and set higher than the eyes. 

Limbs.—Feet short and webbed, middle toe the largest. 

Tail.—Moderate, rounded, but flattened beneath and towards 
the tip. 

Habitat.—Europe and Asia. 


1—1 


Teeth.—I. D 
2-2 


’ 


= 36. Upper 


Genus.—Enhydra. 
Teeth.—I. fs 
Q 


9 
a) 


Head.—Ears set at the side of the head, and below the eyes. 

Limbs.—Feet webbed, hair covering fore-feet even to claws, 
external toe of hind-feet the largest. 

Tail.—Short. 

Habitat.—Kamschatka and Northern America. 


Family.—Urstoa. 


Teeth.—Upper jaw with two tuberculate teeth on each side, 
lower jaw with either one or two tuberculate teeth. The laniary 
tooth resembling the tuberculates, the crown, however, being 
flattened. ¥ 

Limbs.—Feet all with five toes, gait plantigrade. 


Genus.—Ursus. 
1—1 t—} 
ta" 


3—3 


Reth—_l =) C cae 
33 


, M. = 42, 
3-3 


P. 


Tubercu- 


2-2 
late teeth, an the last in the upper jaw and last but one in 


the lower being very large. 

Head.—Ears small and erect; muzzle elongated, but blunt at 
extremity, and very movable. 

Tail.—Very short. 

Habitat.—Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, 

Includes all the Bears. 


Genus. —Précyon. 


stewie eigners owe ato 
Teste! C. : > P M = 40, 


, : , M. - Tubercu- 
3—3 4—4 2-2 


2-2 
late teeth, at Laniary teeth of upper jaw with conic tubercles. 


Head.—Muzzle sharp. 
Tail.—Moderate. 
Habitat.—Northern America, 


Genus.—NaAsua. 


Teeth.—Molars smaller than those of Procyon, but similar in 
arrangement. Canines compressed, very sharp. 

Muzzle.—Extremely elongated and movable. 

Limbs.—Claws rather curved, long and compressed. 

Tail.—Long. 

Habitat.—Brazil and Surinam. 


646 COMPENDIUM OF 
Genus.—Cercoleptes. 
Menthe 1 eee Cen Pee ype eran: 
Sas ay SiS 2-2 


Head.—Short, and face rounded; tongue long and very flexible. 
Tail.—Long and capable of being rolled round any object. 
Habitat.—Guiana and Peru. 


Genus.—Ailirus. 


Teeth.—Arrangement as in Cercoleptes. On each side of upper 
jaw a false molar with one tubercle; two tuberculate teeth on 
cach side below. 

Head.—Ears small and rounded. 

Limbs.—Claws semi-retractile, curved, and compressed. 

Tail.—Moderate, and very hairy. 

Habitat.—Nepal. 


Family.—TALPIDA. 


Teeth.—Incisors variable in number; canines often wanting, 
their place being taken by false molars; molars with sharp con- 
ical tubercles. 

Feet.—Mostly with five toes, gait plantigrade. 


Genus.—Talpa. 


Ter ag DED IE 
4-4 


GES} 
ea Sse 


33 


= 44. According 


to some, C. ——, their place being occupied by the first molars. 


Head.—Muzzle elongated, and blunt at extremity—Hyes hidden 
under fur, and very small. ; 
Limbs.—Feet with five toes; fore-feet with sole turned back- 
wards ; claws very strong. 

Tail.—Very short. 
Habitat.—Europe. 


Genus.—Scalops. 


Teeth Tigo == yi Ca ae we 
33 1—1 4-4 3—3 

dle incisors of upper jaw large, and the others small. 

Head.—Muzzle elongated, with a proboscis-like nose —Eyes 
mninute. 

Limbs.—Feet with five toes. . 

Tail.—Short, and thinly covered with hair. 

Habitat.—Northern America. 


vet) = 44. Two mid- 


Genus.—Chrysochléris. 
33 : , ep 
Teeth.— I. 3-3 on either side; seven molars on each side in 


each jaw, having a space between them. 

Head.—Muzzle elongated and naked—Eyes covered with skin. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet with five toes, the fourth being small; the 
claw of the third toe powerful, curved, and broad; hinder feet 
with five toes. 

Tail.—None. 

Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Genus.—Astromyctes. 


Teeth.—I. oes, 
p=o 


the lower projecting forward; seven molars 


on each side of upper jaw, and eight in the lower. 
Head.—Muzzle elongated, with a curiously radiated extremity— 
Ears very small. 
Limbs.—Feet with five toes. 
Tail.—Moderate, sparsely covered with hair. 
Habitat.—Northern America. 


Genus.—Tupaia. 


3s— 


2-2 
Teeth.—I. 39 those of lower jaw projecting forwards, and 


| 


the four central larger than the others ; lower molars divided by 


a transverse groove ; true molars, 


. 


Head.—Muzzle slender and elongated—Kars rather large. 


GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Limbs.—Feet with five toes. 

Tail.—Long, and thickly covered with hair, nearly “ distichous.” 

Habitat.—India, Borneo, Sumatra. 

Ptilocercus may be referred to this genus, from which it has 
been separated on account of the extraordinary tail. 


Genus.—Macroscélides. 


Teeth.— I. ood 


, all small; seven molars on each side of upper 


2-2 
jaw, and either eight or nine on each side of the lower. There 
F 4—4 4—4 
are no true canines; true molars, ——, or ——. 
4—4 


Head.—Muzzle elongated into a slender proboscis, the nostrils 
being at the extremity—Eyes moderately large—Ears large, 
thickly covered with hair. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet with five toes; hind-feet much larger than 
fore, and furnished with short, sharp, slight, and compressed claws. 

Tail.—Long. 

Habitat.—Africa. 


Genus.—Sorex. 
3—3 . 
Teeth.—I. 39! the upper being long, curved, and notched at 


their bases, the lower projecting almost horizontally. No true 
canines. Five small teeth in upper jaw between the incisors and 


ee 44 
true molars; the lower incisors serrate. True molars, ——. 


Head.—Muzzle lengthened and sharp—Eyes small, and ears 
broad. 

Limbs.—Feet all with five toes. 

Tail. —Moderate. 

Habitat.—Europe. 


Genus.—Crossopus. 


Teeth.—Only four small intermediate teeth in upper jaw, and 

the lower incisors not serrate. : 
Limbs.—Feet and toes edged with stiff hairs. 
Habitat.—Europe. 


Genus.—Solénodon. 


Teeth.—I. ——, M. ah 
3-3 (7 

The middle incisors of upper jaw large and triangular, separated 
from the others by a narrow space. Two middle incisors of lower 
jaw small and narrow, next two long, conical, and grooved on the 
inside. 

Head.—Upper jaw larger than the lower—Muzzle elongated, 
with a proboscis—Eyes very small—Ears round, and nearly naked. 

Limbs.—Feet with five toes. 

Tail.—Long and cylindrical, covered with scales for the greater 
part of its length. 

Habitat.—St. Domingo. 


338 a 4—4 
No true canines; true molars, ——. 
4-4 


Genus.—Galemys. 


Teeth.—I. =~ those of upper jaw large, broad, and trian- 


i—a 


- 44 
gular; no true canines; true molars, 3-3" 


Head.—Muzzle elongated, with a slender, depressed proboscis. 
Limbs.—Feet with five toes, and palmate. 

Tail.—Long, compressed at tip, and scantily covered with hair. 
Habitat.—South-eastern parts of Russia and the Pyrenees. 


Genus.—Gymnira. 


Testh; 1 =" 1) Pe 
3—3 1—1 44 3—3 

sider the canines to be only false molars; two middle incisors of 
upper jaw large, two next small. 

Head.—Muzzle elongated, and blunt at extremity—Ear round 
and naked. 

Limbs.—Feet with five toes, three central toes largest. 

Body.—Long bristles scattered among the fur. 

Tail.—Rather long, scantily haired, and scaly. 

Habitat. —Malacca and Sumatra, 


= 44, Some con- 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Genus.—Eriniceus. 


Teeth.—I. oe 13 aed M. = = 36. 
3-3 22 33 

Head.—Muzzle rather elongated. 

Limbs.—Feet with five toes. 

Body.—Thickly covered with sharp quills or spines above, and 

with quills and hair below ; capable of contraction into a ball. 
Tail.—Short. 
Habitat.—Europe, Asia, and Africa. 


Genus.—Centétes. 


Teeth.—I. ae Cc. cael iB pa M. = 38. Sometimes 
3-3 3—3 1—1 3—3 3—3 
I. ——. Canines large, round, and conical, separated from other 


teeth by vacant space. 
Head.—Muzzle elongated—Ears short and rounded. 
Body.—Covered on upper surface with mixed spines and bristles. 
Tail.—None. 
Habitat.—Madagascar. 


Family.—Macropip&. 
Sub-family.—Phalangistina. 


Skin of flanks developed into a parachute-like expansion, and 
affixed to the fore and hinder limbs. Hind-feet with five toes, 
the thumb opposable to the others, and without a claw, the two 
next joined together as far as the claws. 


Genus.— Acrobates. 


de ee ae ees Yee 
fa iy MS OS eS 


molars furnished each with four acute cusps, premolars large 
and sharp pointed. 

Hairs of tail stiff, and set in double row like the barbs of a 
feather. 


33 = 36. The true 


Genus.—Petaurus. 


Teofth aot eee a eer 
pepe ea ag 


Tail hairy, but not prehensile, and extremely long. 


Genus.—Petaurista. 


Teeth.—Space between the molars and incisors occupied by two 
5) 


o— 


rudimentary minute teeth. The four last are true 


molars, and are furnished each with four pyramidical cusps, except 
the last tooth in the upper jaw, which only bears three cusps. 


Genus.—Cuscus. 


Teeth, as in Phalangista. 
Tail.—Prehensile, destitute of hair except at the base, and coy- 
ered with small tubercles. 


Genus.—Phalangista. 


3. 
Teeth.—Variable, incisors always = and true molars always 


[7 

7 

small, and close to the incisors. 
Tail.—Prehensile, and colored with hair except at tip, and a 

naked stripe along the under side of the extremity. 
Ears.—Elongated and triangular. 


[a 
ss 


6—6 
——, Molars, either —_, Inferior canines very 


Genus.—Phascolarctos. 


= c. = P. ae 4-4 
1-1 0—0 
of each true molar furnished with four angular pyramidical 
tubercles. 

Toes of fore-feet in two sets, the one comprising the two inner, 
and the other the three outer toes. 


Tail.—None. 


Teeth.—I. = 30. The crown 


647 


Sub-family.— Macropina. 


Hinder feet much longer than those of fore-limbs, furnished 
with four toes, the two inner toes being small, and connected 
together as far as the small claws. 

Teeth.—Six incisors above, two below, lying nearly horizontally 
in the jaw, and projecting. Canines either wanting, or only in 
upper jaw, very close to the incisors. A considerable space 


between the canines and molars, which are ar The front 


molar has its crown narrow and compressed, but the others are 
furnished with two transverse tubercles. 
Tail.—Long, covered with hair, but cannot be curled or twisted. * 


Genus.—Dendrologus. 


Teeth.—I. pas) C: desl) iP Las M. = 2. 
1—1 0o—0 1-1 
middle incisors of upper jaw hardly larger than the lateral. 
Feet.—Hinder feet scarcely longer than fore-feet—Claws of 
fore-feet very strong, curved, and compressed—Fore-feet them- 
selves larger than ordinary. 
Tail.—Longer than body, powerful, and covered with hair. 


The two 


Genus.—MAcropus. 


Teeth.—Same as in preceding genus, but the two middle incisors 
of the upper jaw are equal in length to the other. The outermost 
on each side being broad. 

Feet.—Hind-feet much longer than fore-feet—Ciaws, only of 
fore-feet, strong, curved, and compressed. 

Tail.—Powerful, covered with hair, not so long as body. 


Genus —Halmatirus. 


Teeth.—Two middle incisors of upper jaw longer than the 
lateral. 

Head.—Rather elongated. Muzzle, naked. 

Feet.—Hinder far surpassing the fore-feet—Claws of fore-feet, 
flattish and strong. 

Tail.—Shorter than the body, and covered with scales towards 
the tip. 

Genus.—Petrégale. 


Teeth.—Canines wanting ; upper incisors equal, but the front 
rather the longest, and slightly curved inwards; hinder one 
hatchet-shaped, dilated towards the edge, and notched in the 
centre. 

Head.—Muzzle bald. 

Tail.—Cylindrical, furnished with a well-marked tuft at tip. 


Genus.—Bettongia. 


Teeth.—Canines placed near the incisors, the space being about 
equal to one of the incisor teeth. Foremost compressed molar 
furnished with many vertical grooves; true molars nearly square. 

Head,—Short and broad. 


Genus—Hypsipry mnus. 


Teeth.—Two middle incisors of upper jaw rather long, the two 
lateral incisors being small in proportion. 

Feet.—Claws of fore-feet curved and compressed, the three 
middle claws very much longer than the two outer. 

Tail.—Shorter than body, and slight. 


Genus.—Lagorchestes. 


Teeth.—Foremost upper incisor largest, and hinder the smallest. 
Behind the incisors, a very small canine. The last incisor has one 
vertical groove. 


Genus. —Phascélomys. 


Teeth.—I. = oye . P. , M. —_ 
1—1 0—0 


A considerable interval between the incisors and the 


= 24. Molars with 


flat crowns. 
molars. 
Feet.—Furnished with five toes, thumb-joint of hinder feet very 
short, and without a claw. The remaining claws powerful, and 
used for digging. 
Tail.—Extremely short, only half an inch in length. 


648 


Sub-family.—Peramelina. 


Very rat-like in general aspect. 

Teeth.—Middle incisors of upper jaw not longer than the others. 

Head.—Elongated, the snout being sharp, long, and pointed. 

Feet.—Second and third toes of hinder feet joined as far as the 
claws—Thumb-joint of hinder feet very small. 


Genus.—Perimeles. 


Teeth.—I. Saad Gh cist pan ae 
3—3 1—1 3—3 
outer incisors on each side separated from the others. 
squared, with tubercles on the crown. 

Feet.—Outer toe of fore-feet very short, and apart from the 
others—Thumb of hind-foot without a claw, sometimes entirely 
wanting. 

Tail.—Rather short. 


= 48. Upper and 


Molars 


Genus.—Chéropus. 


Teeth.—As in Perameles. 

Feet.—Fore-feet with two toes, resembling those of swine; 
hind-feet without thumb-joint. 

Tail.—Small and slight. 


Sub-family.—Dasyurina. 
8 
Teeth.—I. 6 Canines longer than incisors. 


Feet.—Fore-feet with five toes ; hinder feet either five or three- 
toed; thumb small, and without claw; second toe separated 
from third. 

Tail.—Covered with hair, not prehensile. 


Genus.—Paricyon (or Thylacinus). 


Teeth.—I. a KO; ied iP. Saath M. ees = 46. External 
3—3 1—1 3—3 4—4 


incisor on each side is the strongest—Canines very long, powerful, 
and sharply pointed—Last molars of upper jaw smaller than others; 
molars furnished with one large pointed cusp in centre, and two 
smaller lateral, one blunt cusp on inner side of crown. 

Feet.—Fore-feet with five toes, the middle being slightly the 
longest —Hinder feet with four toes—Claws straight, strong, and 
blunt. 

Tail.—Moderate, thick at root, covered with short hair. 


Genus.—Didbolus. 


Test ee Ona pean raehaDS 
3—3 1—1 22 41—+ 

arranged regularly without any interval, and of same length. 
Canines long and powerful. Grinding surface of upper molars 
triangular, the first having four sharp cusps, the second and 
third five, and the fourth three. All the molars of lower jaw 
covered with sharp cusps. 

Head.—Short, and large in proportion. 

Feet.—Thumb of hinder feet almost wanting. 

Tail.—Short. 


Incisors 


Genus.—Dasy trus. 


Teeth.—As in Diibolus, but not so strongly carnivorous. 
Tail.—Long, and heavily covered with hair. 


Genus.—P hascégale. 

1—1 33 

3-3) 1-1 ° 3-3 

upper incisors longer than others, and separated from them by a 

narrow space; they are slightly curved, and projecting; the 

outermost incisors are the smallest. Canines not so large as in 

the preceding genera, The third premolar of lower jaw is 
smaller than the others. 

Tail.—Covered with short hair, and often tufted at extremity. 


Teeth.— I. 


= 46. Twomiddle 


Genus.—An techinus. 


Teeth.—As in Phascégale, except that the two middle upper 
incisors are not larger than the others. 
Tail,—Sparsely sprinkled with very short heire and very long. 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Genus.—Myrmecéobius. 


Mesthi— 1. ==, (C= epee 
33 33 6—6 

very small, pointed, and slightly compressed, separated from 
each other by considerable intervals—Canines hardly longer than 
premolars—Molars very small, and separated from each other by 
a slight interval; covered with sharp, conical tubercles. 

Head.—Pointed, skull very small. 

Feet.—Hinder feet with four toes, the thumb being wanting, 
the claws curved, compressed, and sharp. 

Tail.—Long, and very bushy. 


=) bs Incisors 


Sub-family.—Didelphina. 


Teeth.—Incisors always ea 
+t 


Feet.—Furnished with five toes, the thumb of the hinder foot 
being broad, opposable to the other toes, and without a claw. 


Genus.—Didelphys. 


Teeth = T, 2=” 0) Ss ee = = ogy amide 
4+ 1-1 33 


incisors of upper jaw rather longer than others, and separated 
from them by a slight interval—Upper canines stronger than the 
lower—Premolars conical—Molars furnished with sharp cusps. 

Head.—Long, gape of jaw very far back. 

Pouch.—Tolerably developed. 

Tail.—Long, covered with fur at the base, and with scales 
towards the extremity; prehensile. 


Genus.—Cheironectes. 


Feet.—Toes of the hinder feet connected by a web. There is 
also a development of the pisiform bone, which supports a fold 
of the skin, and looks like a sixth toe. 

Pouch.—Well developed. 

Tail.—Longer than body. 


Family.—P Hoc zs. 


Teeth.—Incisors variously deciduous; molars with flattened 
crowns, or sometimes furnished with cusps. 

Feet.—Furnished with five toes, short and palmate; the hinder 
feet being turned backwards so as to approach each other. 

Body.—Gradually tapering from the shoulders to the tail, which 
is very short and conical. Clothed with smooth hair, pressed 
firmly against the body. 


Sub-family.—Phocina. 


Teeth.—Incisors permanent ; molars caw or ne 
Ears.—Very small, or wanting. 
Genus.—Leptonyx. 
B= = = 22 
Teeth.—I. 5 (Ob Z a 12, g 3 M. —— = 82. Incisors 
peo Tes Sey B=} 


much pointed; molars divided into three long, conical, and 
slightly curved points. 

Head.—Muzzle narrow and elongated. 

Neck.—Long and tapering. 

Limbs.—Nails very small, especially those of the hinder feet. 


Genus.—Stemmitopus. 


Tecth = Ge 
1—1 1—1 2-2 
conical; canines stout and large. 
Head.—Adult male furnished with a large membranous and 
muscular sac, which is divided into two channels by a develop- 
ment of the septum of the nose. 


= 30. 


Incisors 


Genus.—Phoca. 


Teeth.—I. Sa) C. P. —, M. = 
9-9) = a 3—3 2—2 
molars except the first furnished with double roots.. 


All the 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Genus—Trichecus. 


Teeth. — Upper canines enormously developed, and without 
roots. 

Head.—Muzzle tumid and protuberant, covered with thick 
bristles—External ears wanting. 


Genus.—Morunga. 


Teeth as in Stemmatopus. 
Head.—Proboscis-like expansion of nose. 


Genus.—Arctocéphalus. 


Teeth.—I. — ’ C. ’ 12) fam M. Ey (or rarely — ) 
2-2 33 2-2 2-2 
= 34. Four upper and middle incisors broad crowned, with 
groove, two others conical. 
Limbs.—First toe of fore-feet longest, the middle hinder toes 
nearly equal; membrane of hinder feet projecting like leathern 
straps beyond the toes. 


3—3 


Order.—CETE. 


Teeth.—When present, conical and similar, the palate frequently 
furnished with baleen. 

Body shaped like a fish. 

Limbs.—Short and fin-shaped, the hinder pair forming a hori- 
zontal tail. 

Skin.—Smooth and hairless, nostrils developed into blowing- 
tubes. 


Family —BALZNIDH. 


Nostrils two, palate with baleen, jaws without teeth. 
Head.—Very large, equal to one-third the size of the body. 


Genus.—Baléna. 


No dorsal fin, abdomen smooth, baleen very long. 
Teeth.—None in adult, only rudimentary in young. 


Genus.—Megiptera. 


Dorsal fin, abdomen furnished with longitudinal folds, pectoral 
fins long, equalling the head in length, baleen short, broad, and 
triangular. 


Genus.—Balenéptera. 


Dorsal fin sharp and faleate, abdomen and throat furnished 
with longitudinal folds, pectoral fins moderate, baleen short. 


Genus.—Physalus. 


Dorsal fins faleate, pectorals moderate, abdomen and throat 
with longitudinal folds. Blow-holes semi-lunar, divided from 
each other by a groove, and covered with a valve or flap. Baleen 
short. 


Family.—CaToDONTIDz. 


Head very large, upper jaw apparently toothless, the lower jaw 
furnished with many conical teeth, which are received into cay- 
ities in the upper jaw. Blow-holes united, with a semi-lunar 
opening. 


Genus—Citodon. 


Dorsal hump rounded, blow-holes in front of the head. 
Head.—Blunt at muzzle, skull much elongated. 


Genus.—Physéter. 


Upper jaw longest, blow-holes on the top of the head near the 
middle, separate, but covered with a common flap or valve. 
Dorsal fin high and falcate. 


Family. DELPHINIDA. 


Head moderate—Both jaws furnished with teeth, which are 
frequently shed at an early age. Blow-holes united, forming a 
transverse semi-lunar opening on the top of the head, 


649 


Genus.—Ziphius. 


Jaws tapering, upper jaw toothless, lower with two large, com- 
pressed teeth. Throat furnished with two diverging furrows. 
Lower jaw broad. Dorsal fin. 


Genus.—Mé6nodon. 


Few and early deciduous teeth in both jaws. Forehead convex. 
Upper jaw of male with one or two long, projecting teeth, spirally 
twisted. Dorsal fin. 


Genus.—Beliga. 


Both jaws with conical, deciduous teeth. Head rounded. No 
dorsal fin. 


Genus.—Phocena. 


Both jaws with compressed and permanent teeth. Dorsal fin 
triangular, and placed in the middle of the back. 


Genus. 


Delphinus. 


Head beaked, and rather convex in front. Dorsal fin fuleate in 
centre of back. Teeth many, small and conical. 


Sub-order.—SIRENTA. 


Body hairy. Muzzle with bristles. Two nostrils at extremity 
of snout. Fore-limbs like arms, hinder like fin or tail. 


Genus.—Manatus. 


Tea Se oe egg ees 

0-0 0—0 88 

Tail or caudal fin rounded and oblong. 

In adults the incisors are wanting, and in the young animal they 


are very small. 


Genus.—Halicoré. 


Tete 2S Gl EL =. 


0—0’ ~~" 0-0 
Tail or caudal fin semi-lunar. Incisors are large in adults. 


Genus.—Rhytina. 


Teeth none, the jaws being furnished in their stead with a 
horny plate. Tail semi-lunar. 


Order.—RODENTIA. 


Teeth.—_Two, long, curved, sharp-edged, rootless incisors in 
each jaw. Canines absent. Molars very few, and separated by a 
wide interval from the incisors. 

Feet furnished with claws. 


Family —Mbriw 2. 


Teeth.—Lower incisors compressed and pointed. Molars gen- 
erally six in each jaw. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes, hind-feet with five toes. 


Genus.—Mus. 
1—1 


— ky 
Teeth. —I. P, cae aa 


; : = i 
= = 2-2 


; Incisors mostly 


smooth. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes, and a nailed wart instead of a 
thumb. Hind-feet with five toes. 

Habitat.—A1ll lands. 


Genus.—Cricétus. 


Teeth. —Incisors smooth, lower compressed. Molars with 
tubercles. 

Head.—Ears rounded. Cheek-pouches 

Limbs.—Feet as in Mus. * 

Tail.—Very short, and covered with hair. 


Habitat.—Northern Europe. mee 


650 COMPENDIUM OF 
Genus.—Arvicola. 
= = 2-2 
Teeth.—I. z a 13 e uM M. 2 = 16. Molars curiously 


1—1 1—1 2-2 
folded so as to form a double series of triangles on their crowns. 
Head.—Ears rounded and very short. 
Limbs.—Feet as in Mus, soles without hair. 
Tail.—Rather short. 
Habitat.—Europe. 


Genus.—My odes. 


Teeth, as in Arvicola. 

fead.—Ears not visible beyond the fur. 

Limbs.—Feet with soles hairy, fore-feet with digging claws. 
Tail.—Very short, covered with hair. 

Habitat.—Norway and Sweden. 


Sub-family.—Castorina. 


Teeth.—Incisors covered with colored enamel, and smooth in 
front. Molars with four folds of enamel. 

Limbs.—Feet with five toes, hinder feet webbed. 

Head.—Ears small and round. 


Genus.—Castor. 


— 8 
5 PAS ce ee = 20. 
—1 1—1 3—3 
Limbs.—Hind-feet entirely webbed. 
Tail.— Wide, flat, and covered with scales. 


Habitat.—North America and part of Europe. 


Tee 
1 


Genus.—My opétamus. 


Teeth, as in Castor. 

Limbs.—Only four toes of hind-feet webbed. 

Tail.—Round and hairy. 

Habitat.—Chili. 

Genus.—Fiber. 
Teeth.—I. ee P. deal Meee 
1—1 1-1 2-2 

Limbs.—Claws curved and flattened. Toes of hinder feet long, 
and edged with thick, stiff hairs. 

Tail.—Moderate and compressed, a few short hairs eppearing 
through the scales with which it is covered. 

Habitat.—North America, 


= 16. 


Genus.—Hydromys. 


Teeth.—I. ta P. , M. eet 
iT 1-1 1-1 


Limbs.—Hinder feet partially webbed. 
Tail.—Round, hairy, and large at the base. 
Habitat.—New Holland and Van Diemen’s Land. 


=) 12} 


Sub-family.—Echimygna. 


Teeth.—Incisors straight, and abrupt at their extremities. 


Genus.—Aulacédus. 


Teeth.—Incisors broad and short, brown in front, three furrows 
in those of the upper jaw. Molars with four folds of enamel. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet with thumb and outer toe short. Hind-feet 
with four toes. 

Tail.—Rather short, slightly covered with hair. 

Fur.—Composed of flattened and grooved hair, or grooved 
spines. 

Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Fumily.—HystRiciw2, 
Teeth.—Incisors smooth and large; molars with waving strips 
+4 
of enamel, always ——. 
4t—4 
Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes, a wart instead of the thumb- 


joint. 
Fur.—None, being replaced by strong and sharp spines, 


GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Sub-family.—Hystricina. 


Teeth.—Molars with undivided roots, set deeply in the bone; 
third molar placed under the anterior margin of the orbit. 
Limbs.—F eet with soles smooth, but grooved. 


Genus.—Hystrix. 


Limbs.—Hind-feet with five toes. 

Tail.—Not prehensile. 

Habitat.—Parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. 
Atherura is included in this genus. 


co 


Sub-family.—Cercolabina. 


Teeth.—Molars with short, divided roots, set shallow in the 
bone. First molar placed under margin of orbit. 
Limbs.—Feet with warty soles. 


Genus.—HErethizon. 


Tail.—Short and spined. 

Limbs.—Hind-feet with five toes. 

Fur.—Long hair, interspersed with short, sharp spines. 
Habitat.—Canada. 


Genus.—Cercélabes. 


Tail.—Long and prehensile. 
Limbs.—Hind-feet with four toes. 
Habitat.—Brazils. 


Sub-family.— Subungulata. 


Teeth.—Molars complex. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet with four or five toes, hind-feet with three 
or four. Claws large and keeled above. 


Genus.—Dasy procta. 
Head.—Lips cloven. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes and a wart for the thumb; 
hind with three toes. 
Tail.—Represented by a small, naked tubercle. 
Fur.—Hair long on hind-quarters. 
Habitat.—Brazils. 


Genus. —Celégenys. 


Head.—Lip cloven. Great development of zygoma, lined with 
a fold of skin. Cheek-pouches. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes and nailed wart for thumb. 
Hind-feet with three toes. 

Tail.—Very short. 

Habitat.—Tropical America. 


(/enus.—Hydrocherus. 


Teeth.—Slight longitudinal groove on upper incisors. Molars 
without roots. 

Head.—Thick, lips not cleft. 

Limbs. —Feet partially webbed. 
hinder with three. 

Tail.—None. 

Habitat.—Tropical America. 


Fore-feet with four toes, 


Genus.—Cavia. 


Teeth.—Incisors smooth. Molars without roots, and curiously 
laminated. 

Head.—Ears short and rounded. 

Limbs.—Feet cloven; fore-feet with four toes, hinder with 
three; feet short. 

Tail.—None. 

Habitat.—Brazils. 


Family.—LEPOoR D2. 


Teeth.—Four incisors in upper jaw, a pair of these teeth being 
placed behind the two usual incisors. Molars without roots, 
formed of two lamina. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet with five toes, hinder with four; soles hairy. 

Tail.—Short, or absent. 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 651 
Genus.—Lepus. Genus.—Sciurépterus. 
Teeth.—I. — P. a ea Teeth.—I. sey ie cod um, 3=3 99. Motarawith tubercles, 
1—1 2-2 3—3 1—1 1—1 338 


Head.—Ears long. 

Limbs.—Hind-legs longer than fore-limbs. 
Tail.—Short, and curved upward. 
Habitat.—Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. 


Family.—JERBOIDA. 


"  Limbs.—Fore-feet short. Hind-feet long, and formed for 
leaping. 


Tail.—Long, and thickly haired. 


Sub-family.—Chinchillina. 


Teeth.—Incisors smooth. Molars rootless, and composed of 


narrow lamine. 
G@enus.—Chinchilla. 
Teeth.— M. ——, three laminz in each. 
44 


Head.—Ears large, rounded, and scantily haired ; whisker hairs 
very long. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet with five toes, hind with four. 

Habitat.—Peru. 


Genus.—Lagétis. 


Head.—Ears long, like those of the hare. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes. 
Habitat.—Peru. 


Sub-family.—Dipina. 


Teeth.—Molars with roots, and complex. 


Genus.—Hélamys. 


1—1 1—1 3-3 

Teeth.—I. =e 12 Fah M. 
broad. Molars with crown, divided into two portions by a fold 
of enamel. 

Head.—Ears long. 

Limbs.—Fore-feet with five toes, sharp, long claws; hinder 
with four toes, much elongated. 

Habitat.—South Africa. 


= 20. Incisors smooth and 


Genus.—Dipus. 
1—1 1—1 2-2 eae 
Teeth.—I. al P. ree M. pat 16. Upper incisors 


grooved, all slender and sharp. Molars with roots. 
Head.—Ears short. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet with five toes, hind-feet with three. 
Tail.—Long, covered with hair set in double row. 
Habitat.—Part of Europe and Egypt. 


Sub-family.— Myoxina. 
Teeth.—Incisors smooth and compressed. Molars ——, with 


roots, and with transverse bands on the crown. 


Genus.—Myoxus. 


Head.—Ears moderate, rounded, and covered with short, fine 
hair. Whisker hairs, long. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes, and a wart for thumb, without 
“claw. Hind-feet with five toes. 
Tail.—Long and thickly haired. 
Habitat.—Europe. 


Sub-family.—Seiurina. 
Teeth.—Incisors smooth, brown or orange-colored in front. 
5—5 


. Molars complex. M. —. 
4—4 


Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes, and clawed wart for thumb, 


Tail.—Rather short and flat. 

Development of skin along sides so as to form a flying mem- 
brane. 

Habitat.—India, North America, and Siberia. 


Genus.—Sciurus. 


Skin.—Not expanded along the sides. 
Head.—Cheek-pouches none. 
Habitat.—Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. 


Genus.—Tamias. 


Head.—Cheek-pouches. 

Feet.—Shorter than those of the true squirrels. 
Tail.—Shorter than the body. 

Habitat.—North America. 


Genus.—Arctomys. 
1-1 +--+ 
ses , M. 
—l1 1—1 3—3 
rounded. Molars with tubercles set transversely on the crown. 
Head.—Cheek-pouches none. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes, and nailed wart for thumb; 
hind-feet with five toes. 
Tail.—Short, covered with long hair. 
Habitat.—Northern Europe and America. 


Teeth.—I. = 


= 22. Incisors smooth and 


Genus.—Sperméphilus. 


Head.—Cheek-pouches. 
Tail.—Moderate. General form more slender than Arctomys. 
Habitat.—Northern Europe and America. 


Family.— ASPALACIDE. 


Teeth.—Incisors very long, and visible outside the mouth. 


4—4 3—3 

Molars —— or —. 

“4-4 33 
Head.—Kars none, or very small. 
Limbs.—Front, five toes, cloven. 


General form, thick, heavy, and clumsy. 


Genus.—Spalax. 
Teeth.— Molars oe complex, and small. 
3—3 


Head.—Very flat, and abrupt at muzzle. Eyes hidden under 
the skin. Ears, none externally. 
Limbs.—Feet short, with small claws. 
Tail.—None. 
Habitat.—Europe. 
Genus.—Bathyergus. 


Tec a, Be 
1—1 1—1 3—3 
deep groove, a stripe of enamel across the crown. 
Head.—Eyes very small. Ears none externally. 
Limbs.—Large digging claws on fore-feet, the claw of second 
toe the largest. 
Habitat.—Cape of Good Hope. 


= 20) 


Upper incisors with 


Genus.—Sacedphorus. 


Teeth.—Incisors with deep longitudinal grooye—Molars = 
rootless. 44 

Head.—Ears very small, and rounded. Eyes very small. Very 
large cheek-pouches, nearly retractile when empty. 

Limbs.—Three middle claws of fore-feet long, the third the 
longest. 

Tail.—None. 

Habitat.—Canada. 

N.B. Diplostoma may be separated from Saccophorus by the 
smooth incisor teeth. 


652 


Genus.—Rhizomys. 


Teeth.—Incisors broad, smooth, and red in front; molars 
3—3 


3-3 
Head.—Broad, short, and abruptly terminated in front. 
very small. Eyes also small. 
Limbs.—Fore-feet four-toed, with clawed wart for thumb. 
Habitat.—Malacea and China. 


Ears 


Genus.—Cténomys. 


Rest a ee 
i et iss 


in size from first to last ; rootless and simple. 


= PN, 


Molars decreasing 


Order.—UNGULATA. 


Teeth.—Incisors and canines often absent in one or both jaws. 
Molars all similar, when present. 
Limbs.—Toes large, covered with hoofs. 


Furcipeda. 


Two middle toes large and equal. 


Family.—Bovipz&. 


Teeth.—I. —— or Saat M. o, 

4—4 4—1 6 
Head.—Mostly horns on frontal bones. 
Limbs.—Two middle toes separate. 


Gullet and stomach, complex. 


Tribe IT—BOVINA. 


Horns developed into permanent sheath, set upon the bony 
‘‘eore’’ or process from the frontal bone. 


Sub-tribe.—Bovee. 


Teeth.—Incisors nearly equal, and projecting slightly outwards. 
Horns.—Smooth, bent outward, and curved upwards at tip. 
Head.—Nose broad, nostrils at side. 

Limbs.—Knee below the middle of fore-leg. 


Horns not ridged or knobbed. 
Genus.—Bos. 


Horns.—Cylindrical and conical, curved upwards and outwards. 
Head.—Frontal and facial portions of skull equal. 

Dorsal ridge distinct. 

Habitat.—Nearly all the world. 


Genus.—Bibalus. 


Horns.—Depressed or angular at base. 
Head.—Forehead convex. 
Habitat.—Africa and Asia. 


Genus.—Bibos. 
Horns depressed at base. 
Shoulders very high, on account of the processes of the dorsal 
vertebre. 
Habitat.—Asia. 
Genus.—Bison. 


Horns round, and rather depressed at base ; lateral, and curved 
upwards and outwards. 

Head.—Muzzle short and rather wide. 

Body covered with short crisp hair, longer on the head, neck, 
and shoulders. Dewlap none. 

Habitat.—Europe and North America. 


Genus.—Poéphagus. 


Horns nearly cylindrical, curved outward. 

Nose hairy; muzzle narrow and bald between nostrils. 
Tail moderate, with thick, long hair. 
Habitat.—Thibet. 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Genus.—Ovibos. 


Horns (of male) very broad at base, bent downwards over sides 
of face, and hooked upwards at tip. Those of the female smuller, 
and their bases farther apart. 

Nose all hairy. 

Tail short, and hidden by long hair of hind-quarters. 

Habitat.—North America. 


Sub-tribe.—Antilopee. 


I. Antelopes of the Field. Nostrils without hair inside. 
Horns lyrate, sometimes conical ; set over eyebrows. 
Limbs slight, and hoofs small. 

Tail short, with long hairs at base. 


Genus.—Gazella. 
Horns.—Moderate, lyrate; nose, tapering. Females hornless. 
Crumen (or tear-bag, situated below the eyes) distinct. 
Habitat— Part of Asia and Africa. 
Genus.—Antidorcas. 


Known by expansile white streak across back. Crumen small. 
Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Genus.—Mpyceros. 


Horns rather long, wide, and spreading. Tuft of black hair on 
posterior. 
Habitat.—South Africa. 


Genus.—Antilopé. 


Horns erect, slightly spiral. 
Habitat.—India. 


Crumen large. 


Genus.—Tetracerus. 


Male with four horns, straight, and conical; female hornless. 
Muzzle large. Crumen longitudinal. 
Habitat.—India. 


Genus.—Calotragus. 


Horns ‘erect, slight, and tapering; female hornless. Crumen 
arched. Knees tuftless. 


Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Genus.—Scopéphorus. 


Horns slight and tapering ; female hornless. Crumen trans- 
verse. Knees tufted. 


Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Genus.—Oredtragus. 


Horns slight and tapering; female hornless. Crumen trans- 
verse. Hoofs square, high, and contracted. 


Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Genus.—Nedtragus. 


Horns short and conical; female hornless. 
Muffle none. Crown crested. 
Habitat.—A byssinia. 


Crumen large. 


Genus.—Cephilopus. 


Horns short and conical, set far back. Muflfle large. Crumen 
represented by double serics of pores. Crown crested. 
Habitat.—Africa. 
Genus.—Eleétragus. 
Horns conical and diverging ; bent forward at tips. Nose con- 


ical. Crumen none. Crown not crested. 


Habitat.—Africa, 
Genus.—Kobus. 


Horns nearly lyrate, tips slightly recurved; female hornless. 
mane on sides of neck. Crumen none, 
Habitat.—South Africa. 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Genus.— Mgécerus. 


Horns recurved. Females horned. Compressed mane running 
down nape of neck ; tuft of hair over crumen. 
Habitat.—South Africa. 


Genus.—Oryx. 


Horns very long and slender, straight or slightly curved. 
Crumen none. Mane on nape of neck. 
Habitat.—South Africa. 


Genus.—Addax. 


Tuft of hair over crumen. 
No mane on nape of neck. 


Horns long and spiral. 
on forehead and on throat. 
Habitat.—North Africa. 


Long hair 


Genus.—Rupicapra. 


Horns erect, hooked abruptly backward at tips. 
Habitat.—Parts of Europe. 


Nose hairy. 


Genus—Conndéchetes. 


Horns broad at base, bent downward and outwards on sides of 
head, then recurved at tip. Tail long and hairy from base. 
Habitat.—South Africa, 


Genus.—Alcéphalus. 


Horns lyrate, thick at base, then suddenly bent backwards, 
nearly at right angles; set on upper edge of frontal bones. Tuft 
of hair on crumen. Muzzle broad. Muffle small and moist. 

Habitat.—South Africa. 


Genus —Damalis. 


Horns lyrate and diverging. Muzzle rather broad. Muffle 
small and moist. Crumen without hair-tuft. 


Habitat.—A frica. 
Horns ridged. 
Sub-tribe.—Strepsicéree. 


Horns spiral, inclining backward. Crumen distinct, and nos- 
trils near each other in front. No beard on chin of male. 


Genus.—Strepsiceros. 


Horns spiral, with bold keel or ridge. Short mane on neck. 
Limbs equal. 


Habitat.—South Africa. 


Genus.—Oreas. 


Horns spirally keeled, but nearly straight. Short mane on neck. 
Limbs equal. 
Habitat.—South Africa. 


Genus.—Portax. 


Horns short, almost triangular. Muffle large and moist. Hind- 
limbs shorter than fore-legs. 
Habitat.—Asia. 


Sub-tribe.—Capree. 


Forehead convex, chin of males mostly with beard. Horns 
compressed, curved backward and outwards, with keel in front. 
Males with strong odor. 


Genus.—Hemitragus. 


Horns nearly triangular, compressed, heavily knobbed in front. 
Male without beard. Muffle naked. 
Habitat.—Nepal. 


Genus.—Capra. 


Horns (of male) very large, heavily wrinkled and knobbed, and 
nearly square. Smaller in female. Muffle hairy. 
Habitat.—Parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. 


653 


Genus.—Hircus. 


Horns triangular and compressed, slightly keeled and knobbed 
in front. Muffle hairy. ; 
Habitat.—Europe, Asia, and Africa. 


Sub-tribe.—Ovee. 
Forehead flat or concave. Horns spiral; females often hornless. 
Hoofs triangular, and shallow behind. Males not odorous. 
Genus.—Ovis. 


Crumen large; tail long. Skin with thick woolly coat, or flat- 
tened hair. 
Habitat.—Europe, Asia, and Africa. 


Genus.—Caprovis. 
Crumen large. Tail very short. Wool hidden under thick hair. 
Habitat.—Siberia, many parts of Asia and California. 


Genus.—Ammotragus. 


Crumen none. Tail long, and forehead concave. 
maned beneath. Chin not bearded. 
Habitat.—North Africa. 


Neck heavily 


Tribe.—GIRAFFINA, 


Horns covered with hairy skin, tufted with hair at the tips. 


Genus.—Giraffa. 


Neck exceedingly elongated, back sloping. Lips not grooved, 
and totally hairy. Tongue very extensile. Tail long, with tuft 
of hair at extremity. 

Habitat.—A frica. 


Tribe. —CERVINA. 


Horns, when present, shed and renewed annually. 
Teeth.—Incisors wanting in upper jaw. False hoofs large. 


Sub-tribe.—Alcee. 


Muzzle broad and hairy. Small bald muffle between nostrils. 
Horns large and palmed, without any basal snag near crown. 


Genus.—Alces. 


Neck short and thick ; hair thick and brittle. Mane on throat. 
Hind-legs with tuft of hair above middle of metatarsus. 
Habitat.—Northern Europe and America. 


Sub-tribe—Rangerine Deer. 


Horns with large basal snag near crown. No naked muffle. 


Genus.—Tarandus. 


Muzzle hairy; crumen with pencil of hairs. 
Habitat.—Northern Europe and America. 


Sub-tribe.—Elaphine Deer. 


Muzzle tapering, with bald, moist muffle, separated from muzzle 
by a hairy band. Horns with basal snag. Tuft of hair on hind- 
leg, above middle of metatarsus. 


Genus.—Cervus. 


Horns round and erect, medial snag in front dividing into 
branches at tip (one or two branches on middle of front of beam). 
Crumen large. Hoofs narrow, triangular, and compressed. 

Habitat.—Europe, Asia, America, and Africa. 


Genus.—Dama. 


Horrs round below and expanded above; branched on hinder 
edge. Crumen large. Hoofs like Cervus. Fur spotted in 
summer. 

Habitat.—Europe and Asia. 


654 


Sub-tribe—Rusine Deer. 


Horns with anterior basal snag. Muffle not separate from 
muzzle, and set high. Hair tuft in hind-legs, as in Elaphines. 


Genus.— Axis. 


Horns set on rather long footstalks. Fur reddish, and spotted 
white at all seasons. Tail and ears rather long. 
Habitat.—India. 


Sub-tribe—Capreoline Deer. 


Horns without basal snag. Crumen small. 


Genus.—Capréolus. 


Horns small, erect, and round; slightly branched, with short 
footstalk. Tail none. Tuft on hind-legs slightly above middle 
of metatarsus. Outer incisors of lower jaw very narrow, two 
central wide above. 

Habitat —Europe and Northern Asia. 


Genus.—Cariacus. 


Horns round and arched, central internal snag, tips bent for- 
ward, lower branches on hinder edge. Tail moderate, lower part 
dark, upper pale. 

Habitat.—North America. 


Tribe.—MOSCHINA. 


Horns none. 
without hair. 


Upper incisors none. Hinder edge of metatarsus 
False hoofs large. Male with odoriferous gland. 


Genus.—Moschus. 


Muffle naked. Crumen none. Canine teeth of males extremely 
long. 
Habitat.—Thibet and Nepal. 


Genus.—Tragulus. 


Throat and chin partially hairless. 
rather callous. 
Habitat.—Parts of Asia. 


Hinder edge of metatarsus 


Tribe-—CAMELINA. 


Incisor teeth = Upper lip hairy, but naked in front, and 


elongated. Canines in each jaw. Neck long. Legs long. Toes 
two, callous beneath, the hoofs only covering their upper surfaces. 


Cenus.—Camélus. 


6—6 
Back humped. Molar teeth =e) the foremost being conical, 


like canines, and separated from the others. 
not divided. 
Habitat.—Africa. 


Toes broad, soles 


Genus.—Lama. 


Back without hump—no conical molar teeth ——. Toes long, 
soles separate. ree 


Habitat.—South America. 


Family —kqu a. 


Two middle toes united, and covered with a common hoof. No 


false hoofs. Incisor teeth ae) Cc Lee M. ae 
: 6—6 


b ¢ Neck maned. 
3—3 1—1 


Genus.—Equus. 


Tail entirely covered with long hair. 
inner side. 

Habitat.—Europe, Asia, and Africa. Also naturalized on plains 
of America. 


All the legs with wart on 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 


Genus.—Asinus. 


Tail with long hair only at extremity. Hind-leg without inner 
wart. Neck maned. 
Habitat.—All the Old World. 


Family —ELEPHANTIDA, 


Feet either ungulate, or furnished with flat and angular nails. 
Molars in both jaws, with very broad crowns; incisors and canines 
sometimes absent. Skin mostly very thick, and generally with 
scanty hair. 


Sub-family.— Elephantine. 


Teeth.—I. = very long and projecting—Canines none— 
Molars extremely long, with elongated crowns. Nose produced 


into proboscis. Feet with five toes. 


Genus.—Elephas. 


Teeth.—M. = formed of a series of lamine, succeeding each 
as they are worn. 
Habitat.—Asia and Africa. 


Sub-family.— Tapirina. 


Incisor, canine, and molar teeth in both jaws. Three or four 
toes on fore-feet, three on hind-feet. Nose developed into a 
small proboscis. 


Genus.—Tapirus. 


Testh! 41s = Cn = PM 
33 


Fore-feet with four toes. Tail very short. 
Habitat.—Asia and America. 


Sub-family.—Suina. 


Feet mostly with four toes, hinder feet sometimes with three 
toes. Nose abruptly truncated, not forming proboscis. Tail 
short, or almost absent. 


Genus.—Sus. 


2 
Teeth. —I. aa or Bee lower incisors directed forward. 
3—3 38—3 


Canines of lower jaw directed upward. Molars with tubercles. 
Feet with four toes. Tail short. 
Habitat.—Nearly the whole world. 


Genus. —Phacocheerus. 


33 —5 
Teeth.—Molars with ——, or ea, according to age. Canines 
33 55 


very large. A large wart under each eye. 
Habitat.—Africa. 


Genus.—Dicétyles. 


6—6 
Teeth, —I. ——, with tubercles. 


3-3’ 66 

directed downward, and not projecting. Tubercle for tail. 

Hind-feet with three toes. Odoriferous gland in back. 
Habitat.—Brazils. 


Upper canines 


Sub-family.—Rhinocerina. 


T—7 
Teeth.— Canines none, molars mostly ai One or more 


“horns” on nose and forehead. Feet with three toes. Skin 
very thick, and hanging in folds. 


Genus.—Rhinéceros. 


Upper lip rather extensile, and very mobile. ‘‘ Horn” com- 
posed of aggregated longitudinal fibres. 


Habitat.—Asia and Africa. 


COMPENDIUM OF GENERIC DISTINCTIONS. 655 


Genus.—Hyrax. 
1-1 : a : 
Teeth.—I. Sao! canines none, molars six or seven on each side 


Fore-feet with four toes, hind with three. Hoofs 
Tubercle for tail. 


of each jaw. 
small and flat, somewhat resembling claws. 
Habitat.—Asia and Africa. 


Sub-family.—Hippopotamina. 


Teeth.—I. = the two lower projecting forward. Canines 


x 6—6 


large. Molars in adult ——. 
6—6 


Feet with four toes. Short hoofs. Tail short. 


Genus.—Hippopotamus (as the Sub-family). 
Habitat.—Southern Africa. 


Order.—EDENTATA. 


Teeth, none in forepart of jaws, sometimes wholly wanting. 
When present they are not enamelled, and are rootless. Feet 
furnished with strong curved claws. 


Family. — Das¥piwa. 


Teeth, when present, small and similar. 
snout long and narrow. 


Head produced and 


Sub-family.— Manina. 


Teeth none. Body and tail covered with horny, sharp-edged 
seales, overlapping each other. Tongue round, and very long. 
Tail long. 


Genus.—Manis (as the Sub-family). 
Habitat.—Asia and Africa. 


Sub-family.— Dasypina. 


Teeth small and cylindrical, rootless in both jaws. Body coy- 
ered with rows of scales, arranged in bands; hair between the 
scales and bands. 


Genus.—Disypus. 


Feet with five toes. Tail short. 
Habitat.—South America. 


Body very convex. 


Sub-family.— Myrmecophagina. 


Teeth none. Body covered with thick, coarse hair. Tail long. 


Genus.—Oryctéropus. 


Teeth.—I. 252 Oy M. , or - 
0—0 6—6 55 
form is cylindrical and their crowns flat. 


when aged, Their | 


Limbs.—Fore-feet with four toes, hind with five. 
powerful, adapted for digging. 
Tail moderate and covered with hair. 


Claws very 


Genus.—Myrmecéphaga. 


Fore-feet with four toes, hind with five. 
Habitat.—South America. 


Genus.—Tamandua. 


Distinguished from Myrmecéphaga by the shorter head and 
plumeless tail. 


Genus.—Cyclothirus. 


Fore-feet with two toes, hind with four. Nose not so long as 
in preceding genus. Ribs very broad and flat, overlapping each 
other. 

Habitat.—South America. 


Sub-family.—Ornithorhyncina. 


Hind-feet in males with hollow spur. 
Snout long, and covered with 


Teeth horny, or none. 
Feet with five toes, and short. 
naked skin. 


Genus.—Platypus. 
22 
2—2 
duck's bill. Lower jaw shorter and narrower. 
with soft hair. Tail broad and flattened. 


Habitat.—Australia. 


Teeth 


, flat and horny, without fangs. Snout flattened like 


Body covered 


Genus.—Echidna. 


Teeth none. Snout long, slender, and rather pointed; and very 
little mouth. Tongue long and extensile? Feet with large, curved 
claws. Tail short. Body covered with spines, mixed with hairs. 

Habitat.—Australia. 


Family.— BRADYPID&. 


Head flat and short. Legs long, and furnished with large, 
curved, compressed claws. 


Genus.—Choleepus. 


First molar tooth long, and like a canine. Fore-feet with two 
toes. Tail none. 
Habitat.—West Indies. 


Genus.—Brady pus. 


Teeth of adult.—M. a8. separate and cylindrical, Ears very 


short. Fore-feet with two or three toes, hind with three, joined 
as far as the claws. Tail none, or very short. 
Habitat.—South America. 


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CGEASS IFICATION 


THE arrangement of Orders and Families in this table is 
in accordance with that of Prof. Flower, President of the 
London Zoological Society, lately published in the Encyclo- 
pedia Britannica. The enumeration of species accords with 
Wallace’s “Geographical Distribution of Animals.” The 
latest, best approved views are here expressed ; 


Order—PRIMATES. 


1. Family.—Hominipa—Mavn. 
2. Family. Sm. 

Genera.—Troglodytes, Gorilla, Simia, Hylobates. 12 
species. 

3. Family.—CERCOPITHECIDE. 

Genera.—Semnopithecus, Colobus, Cercopithecus, Ma- 
cacus, Cynocephalus. 97 species. 

4. Family.—CEsBip&. 

Genera.—Ateles, Eriodes, Lagothrix, Cebus, Mycetes, 
Pithecia, Brachyurus, Nyctipithecus, Chrysothrix, 
Callithrix. 78 species. 

5. Family HaPaipa&. 


Genera.—Hapale, Midas. 32 species. 


Order—CARNIVORA. 


Though the Carnivora, as at present restricted, form a 
very natural and well-defined Order among Mammalia, it 
is difficult to find any important common diagnostic char- 
acters by which they can be absolutely separated ; but as 
in the case of so many other natural groups, it is by the 
possession of combination of various characters that they 
must be distinguished. 

They are unquiculate; have never less than four well- 
developed toes on each foot, with nails more or less pointed, 
rarely rudimentary or absent; pollex and hallux never 
opposable to other digits. They are regularly diphyodont 
and heterodont, and their teeth are always rooted. The 
Walrus presents in some degree an exception. 

Dentition consists of small, pointed incisors, usually three 
in number, on each side of each jaw—of which the first 
is always the smallest, and the third the largest—the dif- 
ference being most marked in the upper jaw; strong conical, 
recurved canines ; molars variable, but generally, especially 
in the anterior part of the series, more or less compressed, 
pointed, and trenchant; if the crowns are flat and tuber- 
culated, they are never complex or divided into lobes by 
deep inflections of enamel. 

The condyle of lower jaw is a transversely-placed half- 
cylinder, working in a deep glenoid fossa of corresponding 
form. The brain varies much in relative size and form, but 
the hemispheres are never destitute of well-marked con- 
volutions. Stomach is always simple and _pyriform. 
Cxceum absent or short and simple, and the colon is not 
sacculated or greatly wider than the small intestine. Vesi- 
cule seminales never present. Cowper’s gland present in 
some, absent in others. Uterus bicornuate; Mammez abdom- 
inal and very variable in number; placenta is deciduate, and 
almost always zonary. Clavicles often entirely absent, and 


657 


OF MAMMALIA. 


when present, never complete. Radius and ulna distinct. 
Scaphoid and lunar bones always united in one, and there 
is never a distinct or centrale in the adult. Fibula is 
always a distinct slender bone. 

The large majority of the species of this Order subsist 
chiefly upon animal food, though many are omnivorous, and 
some few chiefly, not entirely, vegetable eaters. The more 
typical ones live altogether on recently-killed warm-blooded 
animals. 

The Order is naturally divided into two sub-orders, em- 
bracing, respectively, the typical, true, and mainly terres- 
trial carnivores, and those fitted for living in the sea, called 
Pinnipeds, or fin-footed. 

The highest forms of the true Carnivora are embraced in— 


Family.—FEvipv&. 

Genera.—Felis—embracing Lion, Tiger, Leopard, Ja- 
guar, Puma, Ounce, Servals, Tiger Cats, Wild Cats, 
Lynx. 66 species. 

Family.—V1vERRID&E. 

Genera.—Cryptoprocta, Viverra, Viverricula, Genetta, 
Arctictis, Paradoxurus, Nandinia, Hemigalea, Cy- 
nogale, Herpestes, Helogale, Bdeogale, Cynictis, 
Rhinogale, Crossarchus, Suricata, Galidictis, Eu- 
pleres. These genera embrace the Civet Cats, 
Genetts, Ichneumons, and other less familiar ani- 


mals. 100 species. 


Family. Hy &£nNiD&. 


Genera.—Proteles, Hyena. 4 species. 


Family. Caniv&. 
Genera.—Canis, Vulpes, Cyon, Lycalopex, Nycterentes, 
Ictieyon, Fennecus, Lycaon. The Wolves, Foxes, 
Wild Dogs, Fennecs, and Jackals. 54 species. 


Family.—MvstELip&. 

Genera.—Lutra, Aonyx, Enhydriodon, Enhydra, Me- 
phitis, Arctonyx, Mydaus, Meles, Taxidea, Melli- 
vora, Helictis, Ictonyx, Galictis, Mustela, Putorius, 
Gulo. Embracing Otters, Sea Otter, Skunks, Bad- 
gers, Martens, Pole-cats, and Wolverine. 92 species. 

Family.—PrRocyonw&. 

Genera.—Procyon, Bassaris, Bassaricyon, Nasua, Cer- 

coleptes, which include the Racoons, Coatimundis, 


and Kinkajou. 8 species. 
Family. AILURIDz. 
Genera.—Ailurus. 2 species. 


Family.—Ursiw&. 
Genera.—Ailuropus, Ursus, Melursus; which embrace 
the Bears and a few less familiar forms. 15 species. 


Sub-order—PINNIPEDIA. 


Animals differing from the preceding, the true Car- 
nivora, mainly in the structure of their limbs, which are 
modified for progression in the water. The brain is relatively 
large ; cecum very short. Kidneys divided into numerous 
distinct lobules. There are no Cowper’s glands. Mammez 
are two or four, abdominal. Eyes very large and exposed, 


658 


with flat cornea. Nostrils close at will. All are aquatic, and 


are fish-eaters. Three families are recognized— 


Family.—OTaRup&. 

Species have been grouped by some zoologists into many 
genera founded upon very slight modifications of 
teeth and skull. The species include the Sea Lions 
and Sea Bears, or Fur Seals. 

J. A. Allen arranged the genera and species as follows : 
Family.—O?TaRuD&. 

Genera.—Otaria (Gill ex Peron), Phocaretos (Peters), 
Eumetopias (Gill), Zalophus (Gill), Callorhinus 
(Gray), Arctocephalus (F. Cuvier), embracing eight 
species. 

Family.—PHociw#. 

Genera.—Phoeca (Linné), Histriophoca (Gill), Halichoe- 
rus (Nilsson), Cystophcea (Nilsson), Macrorhinus 
(F. Cuvier), Ogmorhinus (Peters), Lobodon (Gray), 
Leptonychotes (Gill), Ommatophoca (Gray), with 
fifteen species. 


Order.—UNGULATA. 


The recent discoveries of great numbers of extinct forms, 
more or less nearly allied, cannot be embraced under the 
older definitions. The present term for the Order is agreed 
upon as most satisfactory ; certainly for the present. 

These animals are all eminently fitted for terrestrial life, 
and in the main for a vegetable diet. Though a few are 
more or less omnivorous, none are distinctly predaceous. 
Their toes are provided with blunt, broad nails, or in the 
majority of cases with hoofs, more or less enclosing the 
ungual phalanges. 

The whole group is divided into UNGULATA VERA; 
containing the Sub-orders PertssopactyLa and ARTIODAC- 
TYLA, and a less well-known group of animals which are 
called Sub-Ungulata. By far the greater number of the 
latter group are extinct. 


Sub-order—HY RACOIDEA. 


Family. Hyraciw®. 


Genera.—Hyrax, Dendrohyrax. 10 or 12 species. 


Sub-order.—PROBOSCIDEA. 


Family.—ELEPHANTID. 
Genera.—Elephas, Mastodon, 
Two living species. 


Dinotherium (extinct). 


Sub-order.—AMBLY PODA. 
(Extinct forms.) 


UNGULATA VERA. 


In the typical ungulates the feet are never plantigrade, 
and the functional toes never exceed four, the inner digit 
being suppressed. The testes descend into a scrotum; there 
is never an os penis. The uterus is bicornuate. The 
mammez are usually few and inguinal, or may be numerous | 
and abdominal, as in Suina, but are never solely pectoral. 


Sub-order.—PERISSODACTYLA. 


Family.—T arrrip&. 


Genera.—Tapirus, Elasmognathus. 6 species. 


Family.—Hyracopoytipa. (Lxtinct.) 


CLASSIFICATION OF MAMMALIA. 


Family.—RuINocERONTIDE. 
Genera.—Rhinoceros. 9 species. Three families con- 
sisting of extinct forms are naturally placed here. 


Family.—Equip&. 
Genera.—Equus. 8 species. 


Sub-order— ARTIODACTYLA. 


Famaly.—HippoporamMiD&. 


Genera.—Hippopotamus. 2 species. 


Family.—Suw. 3 
Genera.—Dycoteles, Sus, Phacocherus, Babirusa, Pota- 


mocherus. 22 species. 


Family.—CaMELID&. 
Genera.—Camelus, Arfchena. 6 species. 
Family.—TRAGULIDE. 


Genera.—Tragulus, Hyomoschus. 6 species. 


The next group, called, collectively, Pecora, or true Rumi- 
nants, forms an extremely homogeneous one—one of the 
best defined, and most closely united of any of the Mam- 
malia. 

Two prominent sub-groups are noticed, the Antlered and 
the Horned Ruminants, the Cervide and the Bovide. 


Family. CERVID&. 
Genera.—Alces, Tarandus, Cervus, Dama, Capreolus, 
Cervulus, Moschus, Hydropotes. 8 species. 


Family.—CAMELOPARDALIDA. 


Genus.—Camelopardalis. 1 species. 


Family. Bovip&. 

Genera.—Bos, Bison, Bibos, Poephagus, Bubalus, Anoa, 
Oreas, Tragelaphus, Portax, Oryx, Addax, Hippo- 
tragus, Gazella, Procapra, Antelope, piceros 
Saiga, Panthalops, Antilocapra, Cervicapra, Kobus, 
Pelea, Nanotragus, Neotragus, Cephalophus, Tetra- 
ceros, Alcephalus, Catoblepas, Budorcas, Rupicapra, 
Nemorhedus, Aplocerus, Capra, Ovibos. 149 species. 


A group of extinct animals, combining the characters of 
Rodents, Ungulates, and Carnivora, is placed here succeeding 
the Ruminants. 


Order—RODENTIA. 


Terrestrial, rarely arboreal or natatorial mammals, of small 
size ; with plantigrade, or semi-plantigrade, generally penta- 
dactyle, unquiculate, rarely subungulate, feet ; with clavicles 
(sometimes imperfect or rudimentary); with never more 
than two incisors in the mandible, and without canines. 

The upper incisors resemble the lower in growing uninter- 
ruptedly from persistent pulps, and (excepting in Lago- 
morpha), agree with them in number. The Rodents form 
a very compact Order, readily distinguished by their large 
chisel-shaped incisors, and by the absence of canines. They 
include by far the greatest number of species—over nine 
hundred—and have the widest distribution of a y of the 
Orders of terrestrial mammals, being, in fact, cosmopolitan. 
Although more abundant in some parts, as in South America, 
which may be considered their head-quarters, than in others, 
as in Australia and Madagascar, where representatives of a 
few genera of one family, Murida, only are found. Thus 
contrasting remarkably with the Insectivora, which con- 
stitute at least half the mammalian fauna of Madagascar, 
but are without living representatives in South Americ: 


CLASSIFICATION 


Sub-order—SIMPLICIDENTATA. 


Family.—ANOMALURIDS. 


Genus.—Anomalurus. 5 species. 


Family. Scrurwe. 
Genera.—Pteromys, Xerus, Tamias, Sciurus, Spermo- 
philus. According to Wallace, eight genera, and 
from 180 to 200 species. 


Family.—HaPLopontip&. 
u Genera.—Haplodon. 
Family.—Castorip&. 
Genera.—Castor. 


2 species. 


Family.—Myox1p &. 
Genera.—Myoxus, Muscardinus, Eliomys, Graphiurus. 
12 species. 


Family.—Lorxiomyip&. 
Genera.—Lophiomys. 
in family Muride. 
Family.—Movriw 2. 
Genera.—Sminthus, Hydromys, Platacanthomys, Ger- 
billus, Pachyuromys, Mystromys, Otomys, Da- 
symys, Phleomys, Nesokia, Dendromys, Steatomys, 
Lophuromys, Cricetus, Saccostomus, Cricetomys, 
Mus, Acomys, Echiothrix, Uromys, Hapalotis, Bra- 
chytarsomys, Nesomys, Hallomys, Hypogeomys, 
Drymomys, Holocheilus, Ochetodon, Hesperomys, 
Reithrodon, Arvicola, Myodes, Fiber, Ellobius, 
Siphneus, Chrysochloris. According to Wallace, 
37 genera and 330 species. 


One species, included by Wallace 


Family. SPaLacips&. 

Genera.—Spalax, Rhizomys, Bathyergus, Georychus, 
Heliophobius. According to Wallace, 7 genera and 
17 species. 

Family.—GEOMYID&. 

Genera.—Geomys (5 species), Thomomys, Dipadomys, 
(5 species), Perognathus (6 species), Heteromys 
(6 species). According to Wallace, 7 genera and 
17 species. ; 

Family.—Dirovw . 

Genera.—Zapus, Dipus (20 species), Alactaga, Platycer- 

comys, Pedetes (1 species). 
Family.—Octopontip&. 

Genera.—Ctenodactylus, Pectinator, Octodon, Pteromys, 
Aulacodus, Myopotamus, Capromys, Plagiodontia, 
Loncheres, Echinomys (19 species). 

Family.—Hystricip&. 
Genera.—Krethezon, Sinetheres, Chetomys, Hystrix, 
Atheura. 12 species. 

Family. CHINCHILLID. 

Genera.—Chinchilla, Lagidium, Lagostomus. 6 species. 
Family.—DasyPROctrip&. 

Genera.—Dasyprocta (9 species), Coelogenys (2 species). 
Family. DrnomyD&. 

Genera.—Dinomys. 

e Family. Cava. 


Genera.—Cavia, Dolichotis, Hydrochxrus. 28 species. 


Sub-order.—DUPLICIDENTATA. 


Rodents with four incisors in the upper jaw, two of them 
very small and placed behind the large middle pair. At 
birth there are six of these incisors, but the outer one on 
each side is soon lost. 


OF MAMMALIA. 659 
Family.—LaGomyip &. 


Genera.—Lagomys. 11 species. 


Family.—LEroriD&. 


Genera.—Lepus. 35 to 40 species. 


Order—CHIROPTERA. 


Animals adapted for flying, having the fore-limb specially 
modified for that purpose. Murray’s Distribution of Animals 
records about 400 species of Bats. 


Sub-order—_MEGACHIROPTERA. 


Fruit-eating Bats of large size. 


Family.—PTEROPODID. 
Genera.—Epomophorus, Pteropus, Cynopterus, Harpyia, 
Cephalotes, Notopteris, Eonycteris, Macroglossus, 
Melonycteris. 


Sub-order.—MICROCHIROPTERA. 


Family.—V ESPERTILIONID&. 
Genera.—According to Wallace there are 18 genera and 
200 species. 
Family.—NYcrEeriD&. 
Genera.—Nugaderma, Nycteris. 
Family. RHINOLOPHID. 

Genera.—Rhinolophus, Phylorhina, Rhynonycteris. 
Trienops, Ceelops. According to Wallace, 7 genera 
and 70 species. 

Family.—EMBALLONURIDE. 

Genera.—Furia, Amorphochilus, Emballonura, Coleura, 
Rhynchonycteris, Epomorphorus, Taphozons, Dicli- 
durus, Noctilis, Chiromeles, Molossus, Nyctinomus, 
Mystacina. 

Family.—PHYLLOSTOMID&. 

Genera.—Chilonycteris, Mormops, Vampyrus, Mega- 
derma, Macrotus, Lonchorina, Macrophyllun, Lo- 
phostoma, Schizostoma, Trachyops, Phylloderma, 
Phyllostoma, Tylostoma, Mimon, Corollia, Rhino- 
phylla, Glossophaga, Phyllonycteris, MonophyHa, 
Ischnoglossa, Lonchoglossa, Chzronycteris, Glos- 
sonycteris, Brachyphilla, Centurio, Sturnira, Arti- 
beus, Desmodus, Diphyla. According to Wallace, _ 
31 genera and 60 species. 


Order—INSECTIVORA. 


Terrestrial, rarely arboreal or natatoriai, placental mam- 
mals, of small size; with plantigrade, or semi-plantigrade, 
generally pentadactyle, unquiculate feet; clavicles, except in 
Potamogale ; with more than two incisors in the mandible. 

The Insectivora are divisible into two very distinct Sub- 
orders, of which the first consists of a single genus only. 


Sub-order—DERMOPTERA. 


Family.—GaLEorirHEcip &. 


Genus.—Galeopithecus. 2 species. 


Sub-order—INSECTIVORA VERA. 
TRUE INSECTIVORA. 


Family.—Touraw&. 
Genera.—Tupaia, Ptilocercus. 
3 genera and 10 species. 


According to Wallace, 


660 CLASSIFICATION 
Family.—MscrocE.ip&. 
Genera.—Macrocelides, Rhynchocyon. 
Family.—ERINACEIDA. 
Genera.—Gymuura, Erinaceus. 
3 genera and 10 species. 


According to Wallace, 


Family.Soriciw®. 
Genera.—Anonsorex, Diplomesidon, Crocidura, Blarina, 
Neosorex, Sorex, Crossopus, Nectogale. 65 species. 
Family.—TaLPip&. 
Genera.—Myogale, Uropsilus, Urotrichus, Scalops, Sca- 
panus, Scaptonyx, Talpa. 19 species. 
Family.—PotaMoGaLIDA&. 
Genera.—Potamogale, Geogale. 
Family.—SoLENODONTIDA. 
Genera.—Solenodon. 2 species. 
Family.—CENTETIDE. 
Genera.—Centetes, Hemicentetes, Ericulus, Microgale, 
Oryzorictes. 8 species. 
Family.—CHRYSOCHOLORID&. 


Genera.—Chrysochloris, Calcochloris. 3 species. 


Order.—CETACEA. 


This is perhaps the most distinctly circumscribed and 
natural of all the larger groups into which the Class of 
Mammals is divided. The form is fish-like; the head is 
very large, amounting in some instances to one-third the 
entire length. 


Sub-order.—MYSTACOCETI. 
WHALE-BONE WHALES. 
Genera.—Baliena, Neobaleena, Rachianectes, Megaptera, Ba- 


leenoptera. 14 species. 


Sub-order—A RCH HOCETI 


is established to include certain extinct cetzecans. 


Sub-order—O DON TOCETI. 


TOOTHED WHALES. 
Family.— PHYSETERID. 
Genera.—Physeter (1 species), Kogia (2 species), Hy- 
peroodon, Ziphius, Berardius, Mesoplodon. 
Family.—SquaLopontip& (genera extinct). 
Family.—PLALANISTIDE. 
Genera.—Platanista, Inia, Pontoporia. 


Family.—DELPHINIDS®. 
Genera.—Monodon, Delphinapterus, Phoczena, Orcella, 
Orca, Pseudorca, Globicephalus, Grampus, Del- 
phinus. 


Order—SIRENTA. 


Aquatic animals, living in shallow bays and lagoons, near 
the shore. Their food consists entirely of aquatic plants. 
Two kinds of teeth, incisors and molars, separated by a 
wide interval, are present. 


Family.—Manitip&. 


Genera.—Manatus, Halicore, Rhytina. 5 species. 


OF MAMMALIA. 


Sub-clas.—M ON ODELPHIA. 
Order —EDENTATA. 


Either toothless animals, or having the teeth more or less 
imperfect. 


Family.—BRADYPODID. 


Genera.—Bradypus, Choleepus. 12 species. 


Family.— MEGATHERIIDZ. 


This family embraces extinct forms. 
therium or Gigantic Sloth is an example. 


The great Mega- 


Family.—MvyRMECOPAGIDE. 
Genera.—Myrmecophaga, Tamandua, 
5 species. 


Cyclothurus. 


Family.—DasyPoDID&. 
Genera.—Tatusia, Chlamydophorus, Dasypus, Priodon, 


Tolypeutes. 17 species. 
Family Maniv&. 
Genera.—Manis. 3 species. 


Family.—ORYCTEROPODIDA. 
Genus.—Orycteropus. 2 species. 


Sub-clas.—DIDELPHIA. 
Order—MARSUPIALIA. 


Brain small in proportion to size of animal. There are 
always true teeth. Marsupial bones are present in both 
sexes, of nearly all species. During the very short time 
the embryo is retained in the uterus its nourishment seems 
to be derived from the umbilical vesicle, the allantoic 
vessels not reaching the surface of the chorion to form a 
true placenta. Mamme vary in number, and are always 
abdominal. The young are attached to the long teats very 
early, and the milk is injected into their mouths by con- 
traction of the muscles of the mammary glands. 


Family.—DivELPHID&. 
Genera.—Didelphys, Chironectes. 22 species. 
Family.—DasyuRIp&. 
Genera.—Thylacinus, Dasyurus, Phascogale, Myrme- 
cobius. 30 species. 
Family.—PERAMELIDE. 
Genera.—Perameles, Macrotis, Cheeropus. 10 species. 
Family.—Macrorov1p&. 
10 genera and 56 species, according to Wallace. 
Family.—PHALANGISTID&. 
Genera.—Tarsipes, Petaurus, Belideus, Acrobata, Pha- 
langista, Phascolarctos, Kaola. 27 species. 


Family.—P HascoLoMyID&. 


Genera.—Phascolomys. 3 species. 


Sub-class —O RNITHODELPHIA. 
Order—MONOTREMATA. 


Family.—ORNITHORHYNCHID&. 


Genera.—Ornithorhynchus. 1 species. 


Family.—Ecuwinp&. 


Genera.—Echidna, Acanthoglossus. 3 species. 


A. 


Aard Vark, 632. 
Aard Wolf, 182. 
Acari, White, 88. 
A®quitoon, 540. 
fBgocerus, 541. 
Agaphelus, 425. 
Agouara, 334. 
Agouarapope, 330. 
Agouta, 352. 
Agouti, 474. 

Abu, 526. 

Ai, 636. 

Ailurus, 337. 
Alactaga, 488. 
Alcephalus, 535. 
Alces, 559. 
Alouattes, 80. 
Alpaca, 577, 579. 
Alpine Spaniel, 215. 
Amer Genett, 188. 
Ammotragus, 554, 
Andra, 526. 
Angola Cat, 163. 
seals Wing - Handed, 


Antechinus, 391. 

Antelope, Goat, 526. 

Antelope, Indian, 536. 

Antelope, Prong-Horned, 
32, 554. 

Antelope, Sable, 541. 

Antelopes, 523. 

Antilocapra, 533, 554. 

Antilocaprine, 554. 

Antilope, 526, 536. 

Ajdtes, 89. 

Aoudad, 553. 

Apara, 629. 

Ape, Barbary, 48. 

Apes, 15. 

Aplocerus, 554, 

Arab Horse, 582. 

Arctocephalus, 417. 

Arctomys, 500, 501. 

Arctonyx, 303. 

Arctopithecus, 637. 

Argali, 551. 

Argali, Bearded, 553. 

Ariel, 366. 

Armadillos, 626. 

Armadillo, Common, 628. 

Armadillo, Giant, 631. 

Armadillo, Pichey, 630. 

Armadillo, Texan, 631. 

Arvicola, 460. 

Arvicolinz, 460. 

Ashkoko, 623. 

Asinus, 593. 

Aspalacid, 501. 

Aspalax, 501. 

Ass, Domestic, 589. ; 

‘Ass, Wild, of Thibet, 593. 

Assapan, 492. 

Asse, 272. 

Asses, Wild, 593. 

Aswail, 326. 

Atak, 403. 

Ateles, 72. 

Atherura, 471. 


Vou. L. 


Aucheniz, 559, 576. 
Aurochs, 512. 
Avahi, 98. 

Axis, 567. 
Aye-Aye, 99. 


B. 


Baboon, 63. 

Baboon, Ursine, 58. 

Baboons, 55. 

Babyroussa, 611. 

Badger, 303, 

Badger, American, 305. 

Badger, Australian, 381. 

Badgers, 275. 

Bajjerkeit, 627. 

Baleena, 423. 

Balenidae, 423. 

Balenoptera, 427. 

Balisaur, 303. 

Banea Tarsier, 99. 

Bandicoot, 383, 

Bandicoot, Banded, 383. 

Bandicoot, Long- Nosed, 
384. 

Bandicoot, Striped- 
Backed, 383. 

Banteng, 517. 

Barbary Mouse, 456, 

Barbastelle, 108. 

Barbastellus, 108. 

Barbet, 216. 

Bassaris, 188, 

Bat, Great, 111. 

Bat, Great Horseshoe, 107. 

Bat, Lesser Horseshoe, 


Bat, Long-Eared, 109. 
Bat, Vampire, 104, 
Bathycrgus, 607. 

Bats, Short-Headed, 102. 
Beagle, 223. 

Bear, Australian, 371. 
Bear, Black, 317. 

Bear, Bornean Sun, 325, 
Bear, Brown, 312. 

Bear Family, 311. 

Bear, Grizzly, 320. 
Bear, Honey, 336. 

Bear, Malayan Sun, 324. 
Bear, Polar, 328. 

Bear, Sea, 417. 

Bear, Sloth, 326. 

Bear, Spectacled, 331. 
Bear, Sun, 325. 

Bear, Syrian, 317. 

Bear, Thibetian Sun, 324. 
Bear, White, 328. 
Beaver, 463. 

Beaver Rat, 469. 

Beech Marten, 277. 
Bekker-el- Wash, 535, 
Beluga, 439. 

Berbuba, 546. 

Bettongia, 374. 

Bettens Brush - Tailed, 


Bhunder, 46. 

Bibos, 507. 

Big Horn, 552. 
Binturong, 194. 

Bison, American, 512, 518. 
Bison, European, 512. 
Black Fish, 454. 

Black Tail, 526. 


MN Delt: x 


Blau Bok, 541. 
Blenheim Spaniel, 214. 
Bless Bok, 542. 

Blood, 3. 

Bloodhound, 217. 

Bo Ethiopian Wild, 


Boar, Wild, 611. 
Boarhound, 239. 
Bobae, 499. 
Bonassus, 518. 
Bonnet Macaque, 45. 
Bonte Bok, 542. 
Borele, 619. 

Bos, 513. 

Bosch Vark, 612. 
Bouquetin, 545, 
Bovide, 512. 
Brachyteles, 78. 
Brachyurus, 88. 
Bradypodide, 637, 
Bradypus, 637. 
Bruang, 324. 
Bruang, Bornean, 325. 
Bruang, Malayan, 325. 
Bruh, 52. 

Buansuah, 199. 
Bubal, 535, 

Bubalis, 535, 

Buck, Blue, 539, 541. 
Buck, Natal Bush, 539. 
Buck, Reed, 540. 
Buck, Spring, 532. 
Buck, Water, 540. 
Buffalo, 514. 
Buffalo, Cape, 514. 
Bulau, 353. 

Bull, Brahmin, 621. 
Bull Terrier, 245. 
Bulldog, 240. 

Bush Cat, 147. 

Bush Hog, 612. 
Bushman, 19, 


Cc. 


Caama, 272. 

Cabrit, 532. 

Cacajao, 86. 

Cachalot, 430. 
Cacomixle, 188. 

Caffre Cat, 165. 
Cajote, 265. 

Callithrix, 38, 85. 
Callocephalus, 410. 
Camel, 573. 

Camel, Bactrian, 576. 
Camelide, 559. 
Camelus, 573. 
Campagnol, 459. 
Campagnol, Bank, 459. 
Canide, 266. 

Canis, 200. 

Canna, 543. 

Capra, 544. 

Capreoline Deer, 567. 
Caprine, 522. 
Caprovis, 552. 
Capucin, Horned, 83. 
Capybara, 477. 
Caracal, 166. 

Caribou, 562. 

Caribou, Woodland, 563. 
Carbon; Barren Ground, 


Carjacou, 569. 
A 


Caruiri, 88. 
Castor, 466. 
Castoride, 451. 


Cat, American Wild, 171. 


Cat, Angola, 163. 
Cat, Black, 294. 
Cat, Caffre, 165. 
Cat, Domestic, 162. 
Cat, Egyptian, 158. 
Cat, Fisher, 294. 
Cat, Hunting, 171. 
Cat, Manx, 163. 
Cat, Marbled, 152. 
Cat, Marten, 276. 
Cat, Pampas, 157. 
Cat, Red, 171. 

Cat Tribe, 116. 
Cat, Wild, 159. 
Catodon, 434. 
Catodontide, 434. 
Cattle, 507. 


Cattle, White, of Chilling- 


ham, 508. 
Cavia, 478. 
Cavy, Patagonian, 475. 
Cawquaw, 471. 
Cayou, 78. 
Cebide, 72. 
Cebus, 84. 
Centetes, 362. 
Cephalophus, 528, 539. 
Cereocebus, 45, 
Cercolabes, 473. 
Cercoleptes, 336, 
Cercopithecus, 37, 
Cervidz, 559. 
Cervus, 569, 571. 
Cetacea, 418. 
Chaema, 58. 
Cheeropus, 384, 
Chameck, 72. 
Chamois, 530. 
Chati, 156. 
Chaus, 165. 
Cheiromys, 100. 
Cheironectes, 397, 
Cheiroptera, 102. 
Chetah, 171. 
Chickaree, 492. 
Chikara, 526. 
Chimpanzee, 19. 
Chinchilla, 484. 
Chipmuck, 493. 
Chipmuck, Harris’, 493. 
Chipmuck, Northern, 

493. 
Chiromys, 100. 
Chittra, 567. 
Chlamydophorus, 631. 
Choiropotamus, 613, 
Cheeropus, 384. 
Cholzpus, 636. 
Chouka, 526, 527. 
Chousingha, 527. 
Chrysochlore, 343. 
Chrysochloris, 343, 
Chucuto, 88. 
Chucuzo, 88. 
Chuva, 78. 
Cioutlamacasque, 335. 
Civet, 183. 
Civets, 182. 
Cladobates, 345. 
Clamydophoride, 632. 
Cleveland Horse, 587. 
Cleveland Bay, 587, 


Pelydesuale Cart Hortn 
089. 


Coaita, 73. 

Coaiti, 332. 

Coaiti Mondi, 335. 
Coaiti, Red, 335. 
Coast Rat, 402. 
Cocker Spaniel, 211. 
Celogenys, 476. 
Coendoo, 473. 
Coffee Rat, 197. 
Colley, 234. 
Colobus, 36. 
Colobus, Bear-Like. 5? 
Colobus, Black, 3b. 
Colugo, 101. 
Condylura, 344. 
Connochetes, 534. 
Coon, California, 335. 
Corsira, 347. 
Couguar, 148. 
Coyote, 265. 

Coypu Rat, 466. 
Crab Eater, 334. 
Cretan, 550. 
Cricetus, 461. 
Crocuta, 178. 
Cryptoprocta, 197. 
Cuniculus, 460. 
Cur Dog, 235. 
Cuscus, 368. 
Cuscus, Spotted, 368. 
Cuxio, 85 
Cyclothurus, 635. 
Cynictis, 192. 
Cynocephalus, 51, 
Cynocephali, 55. 
Cynogale, 194. 
Cynomys, 497. 
Cystophora, 402. 


Dz 


Dabuh, 70. 

Daesman, 353. 

Damalis, 542. 
Dasypodide, 631. 
Dasyprocta, 474. 
Dasypus, 628. 

Dasyure, 289. 

Dasyure, Ursine, 389. 
Dasyurus, 339. 

Dauw, 595. 

Deer, 558. 

Deer, American Red, 571. 
Deer, Black-Tailed, 571. 
Deer, Capreoline, 567. 
Deer, Fallow, 566. 
Deer, Moschine, 571. 
Deer, Mule, 571. 

Deer, Musk, 571, 

Deer, Ravine, of India, 526. 
Deer, Red, 565. 

Deer, Senora, 571. 
Deer, Bpotied Hog, 567. 
Deer, Virginian, 569. 
Deer, White-Tailed, 571. 
Dephinide, 443. 
Delphinus, 444. 
Delundung, 186. 
Dendrolagus, 373. 
Desman, 353. 

Devil, Native, 387. 
Devil, Tasmanian, 387, 
Dhole, 199. 

Diabolus, 387. 


Diana, 43. 

Dicotyles, 615. 
Didelphyide, 396. 
Didelphys, 392. 

Dingo, 255. 
Dipodomys, 503. 
Dipus, 488. 

Dog, Bull, 240. 

Dog, Coach, 226. 

Dog, Cur, 235. 

Dog, Dalmatian, 226, 
Dog, Drover’s, 335. 
Dog, Eared, 273. 

Dog, Esquimaux, 208. 
Dog, Great Danish, 201. 
Dog, Hunting, 275. 
Dog, Hyena, 275. 

Dog, Lion, 214. 

Dog, Maltese, 214. 
Dog, Newfoundland, 206. 
Dog, Pomeranian Fox, 


210. 
Dog, Prairie, 496. 
Dog, Pug, 252. 
Dog, Retriever, 230. 
Dog, Scotch Sheep, 23+. 
Dog, Sheep, 282. 
Dog, Shepherd’s, 232. 
Dog, Spaniel, 210. 
Dog, St. Bernard’s, 215. 
Dog, Thibet, 201. 
Dog, Turnspit, 251. 
Dog, Western Prairie, 498. 


Dolphin, 444. 
Dolphin, Bottle - Nosed, 


445. 
Dolphins, 435. 
Dormouse, Common, 489. 
Dormouse, Fat, 483. 
Dormouse, Garden, 488. 
Douroucouli, 83. 
Drill, 71. 
Dsheren, 526. 
Dubb, 317. 
Duck Bill, 637. 
Dugong, 448. 
Dugongs, 447. 
Duyker Bok, 527. 
Dziggetai, 593. 


E. 


Earth Hog, 632. 
Earless, 89. 

Echidna, 639. 

Eland, 545. 

Eland, Striped, 543. 
Elasmognathus, 607. 
Elephant, Asiatic, 599. 
Elephant, African. 603. 
Elephant, Sea or Seal, 413. 
Elephant Shrew, 346. 
Elephants, 597. 

Elk, 560. 

Emgalla, 613. 
Enhydris, 305. 
Entellus, 33, 

Equus, 580. 

Erd Shrew, 347. 
Erethizon, 472. 
Erinaceus, 354. 
Ermine, 290. 

Ermine, Kane’s, 295. 
Eyra Cat, 155. 


F. 


Felidw, 116. 
Felis, 158. 
Fennee, 273. 
Ferret, 280. 
Ferret, Black-Footed,25, 
Ferret. Polecat, 282. 
Fiber, 467. 
Finner, 425. 
Finner, Sulphur Bottom, 
425. 
Fisher, 294. 
Fox, American, 269. 
Fox, Arctic, 271. 
Fox, Blue, 271. 
Fox, Coast, 272. 
Fox, Cross, 269. 
Fox, Flying, 112. 
Fox, Gray, 272.~ 
Fox, Kit, 279. 
Vou. I, 


Fox, Pied, 271. 
Fox, Prairie, 272. 
Fox, Swift, 272. 
Fox, Sooty, 271. 
Fox, White, 271. 
Foxes, 267. 
Foxhound, 220. 


G. 


Galago, Little, 97. 
Galago, Moholi, 98. 
Galemys, 353. 
Galeopithecus, 101. 
Galictis, 295. 
Garangan, 159. 
Gaur, 517, 
Gazella, 524. 
Gazelle, 524. 
Gazelle, Ariel, 525. 
Gazelle, Dorcas, 525. 
Gelada, 56. 
Gems Bok, 528. 
Genett, Amer, 188. 
Genett, Blotched, 187. 
Genett, Common, 187. 
Genett, Pale, 187. 
Genett, Senegal, 187. 
Genetta, 187. 
Genetts, 187. 
Geomyide, 503. 
Geomys, 504. 
Gerbilles, 488. 
Gerboa, 487. 
Gerboa, Cape, 486. 
Gerboas, 456. 
Gibbon, Lar, 30. 
Gibbon, Silvery, 31. 
Gibbons, 30. 
Giraffes, 556. 
Glutton, 299. 
Glutton, Masked, 195. 
Glyptodon, 635. 
Gnoo, 533. 
Gnoo, Brindled, 554. 
Goat, Cashmir, 546. 
Goat, Domestic, 545. 
Goat, Jemlah, 543. 
Boat Rocky Mountain, 
54. 
Goat, Snake-Eating, 546. 
Goat, Spanish, 546. 
Goat, Syrian, 546. 
Goats, 545. 
Gopher, Pocket, 504. 
Gophers, Pocket, 503. 
Gorilla, 15. E 
Gour, 517. 
Grampus, 443. 
Greyhound, 202. 
Greyhound, Irish, 204. 
Greyhound, Italian, 205. 
Greyhounil, Persian, 204. 
Greyhound, Russian, 204. 
Greyhound, Scotch, 204. 
Grison, 296. 
Grivet, 38. 
Grys Bok, 537. 
Guinaco, 559, 577, 578. 
Guchumbi, 336. 
Guenons, 42, 
Gueparda, 172. 
Guereza, 37. 
Guinea Pig, 478. 
Gymnura, 353. 


H. 


Hackee, 494. 

Hackney, 586. 

Halichorus, 410. 

Halicore, 449. 

Halicyon, 410, 

H lluf, 615. 

Halmaturus, 380. 

Hamster, 460. 

Haplodon, 463, 

Haplodontide, 463. 

Hare, 479. 

Hare, Alpine, 481. 

Hare, Cape Leaping, 486. 

Hare, Irish, 481. 

Hare, Kangaroo, 37. 

Hare, Little Chief, 482. 

Hare, Northern Varying, 
481. 

Hare, Polar, 481. 

Hare, Prairie, 481.-- — - 

Hare, Trowbridge’s, 482, 


INDEX. 


Hare, Variable, 481. 
Hare, Wood, 482. 
Harrier, 222. 

Harrier, Welsh, 237. 
Hartebeest, 535. 
Hartebeest, Bastard, 542. 
Haroja, 615. 

Harvest Mouse, 455. 
Hedgehog, 354, 355. 

Hed ehog, Long - Eared, 


Hedgehog, Madagascar, 
361 


Helarctos, 824. 

Hemigale, 197. 

Hemitragus, 543. 

Hepoona Roo, 367. 

Herpestes, 189. 

Hesperomys, 460. 

Hippopotamus, 623. 

Hireus, 545. 

Hog-Deer, Spotted, 567. 

Hog, Domestic, 609. 

Hog, Earth, 682. 

Hog, Sea, 441 

Honey Bear, 336. 

Hoonuman, 33. 

Horse, Arab, 582. 

Horse, Black Draught, 
587 

Horse, Carriage, 587. 

Horse, Cart, 589. 

Hotes Clydesdale Cart, 

9. 


Horse, Dray, 588. 
Horse, Flemish, 587. 
Horse, Hackney, 586. 
Horse, Race, 558. 
Horse, River, 625. 
Horse, Road, 586. 
Horse, Sea, 410. 
Horse, Trotting, 585. 
Horse, Wild, 551. 
Horse, Wild, of Thibet, 
593. 
Horses, 580. 
Hound, Blood, 217. 
Hound, Boar, 
Hound, Otter, 287. 
Hound, Stag, 218. 
Hunter, 554. 
Hunting Cat, 171. 
Huron, 296. 
Hyena, 176. 
Hyena, Brown, 176. 
Hyena, Cape, 179. 
Hyena, Crested, 176. 
Hyena, Painted, 275. 
Hyena, Spotted, 176. 
Hyena, Striped, 175. 
Hyenas, 175. 
Hydrocheerus, 477. 
Hydromys, 469. 
Hydrophobia, 248. 
Hylobates, 30. 
Hylogale, 345. 
Hypsiprymnus, 874. 
Hyrax, 622. 
Hyrax, Syrian, 628. 


I. 


Tbex, 544. 

Ichneumon, 
190. 

Ichneumon, Crab-Eating, 
190. 


Common, 


Ichneumon, Indian, 191. 
Tchneumon, Javanese, 189. 
Ichneumons, 189. 
Impoofo, = 

Impoon, 527. 

Indri, 97. 

Indris, 98. 

Insectivora, 338, 344. 
Introduction, 1. 

Inuus, 49. 


J. 


Jacchus, 92. 
Jackal, 182, 256. 
Jackal, Black-Backed,258. 
Jaguar, 143. 
Jairou, 526, 
Jemlah Goat, 543. 
Jerboa Kangaroo, 374. 
Jerboide, 487. 
Jharal, 543. 

B 


K. 


Kahan, 35. 
Kainsi, 538. 
Kalan, 305. 
Kalong, 113. 


Kalong, Edible, 114. 

Kalsiepie, 526. 

Kanchil, 572. 

Kangaroo, 376. 

Kangaroo Hare, 375. 

Kangaroo Jerboa, 374. 

Kangaroo Rat, 374, 503. 

Kangaroo, Red, 379. 

Kangaroo, Rock, 380. 

Kangaroo, Tree, 373. 

Kangaroo, Woolly, 879. 

Kangaroos, 3863. 

Kanparooes Nail- Tailed, 
old. 

Keitloa, 620. 

Kentetes, 362. 

Kevel, 526. 

Kholah, 256. 

Kholsun, 199. 

Khur, 593. 

Kiang, 593. 

Kindness, Power of, 39. 

Kinkajou, 336. 

King Charles Spaniels,213. 

Klip Das, 622. A 

Klippspringer, 538. 

Koala, Bt 

Kobaoba, 621. 

Kob, 540. 

Koodoo, 542. 

Kookaam, 528. 

Korin, 526. 

Koulan, 593. 

Kuda Ayer, 608. 

Kukang, 96. 

Kusimanse, 193. 


L. 


Lagomys, 482. 

Lagotis, 485. 

Lamantine, 447. 

Lanier, 97. 

Lapdog. Mexican, 217. 

Lar Gibbon, 30. 

Lecama, 535. 

Lemming, 462. 

Lemming, Collared, 463. 

Lemur, 336. 

Lemur, Diadem, 95. 

Lemur, Flying, 101. 

Lemur, Red, 94. 

Lemur, Ring-Tailed, 93. 

Lemur, Ruffed, 93. 

emus, White - Fronted, 
4, 

Lemur, Yellow, 3536. 

Lemurs, 92. 

Leo, 118. 

Leopard, 137. 

Leopard, Black, 140. 

Leopard, Indian, 140. 

Leopard, Sea, or Seal, 400. 

Leopardus, 137. 

Leporide, 479. 

Leptonyx, 401. 

Lepus, 479. 

Lerot, 488. 

Leucocephala, 88. 

Lion Dog, 214. 

Lion, Gambian, 126. 

Lion, Sea, 416. 

Lion, South African, 117. 

Llama, 559, 577, 579. 

Loire, 488. 

Lophiodontide, 607. 

Loris, 96. 

Loris, Slender, 96. 

Loris, Slow-Paced, 96. 

Lurcher, 236, 

Lutra, 306. 

Luwack, 196. 

Lybicus, 165. 

Lycaon, 275. 

Lynceus, 171. 

Lynx, 168. 

Lynx, Booted, 170. 

Lynx, Canada, 169, 171. 

Lynx, European, 168. 

Lynx, Pardine, 169. 

Lynx, Southern, 169. 

Lynx, Virgatus, 171. 

Lynxes, 165, 


M 


Macacus, 47. 

Macao, 93. 

Macaque, Black, 51, 60. 

Macaque, Bonnet, 45. 

Macaque, Pig-tailed, 52. 

Macaques, 44. 

Macauco, Yellow, 336. 

Macropide, 365 

Macroscelides, 346. 

Madoque, 538, 

Magot, 48. 

Maimon, 71. 

Makkeeshaw, 269. 

Maltese Dog, 214. 

Mammalia, 3. 

Mampalon, 194. 

Manatee, 447. 

Manatees, 447. 

Manatus, 447. 

Manaviri, 336. 

Mandrill, 68. 

Mangabey, Sooty, 43. 

Mangue, 193. 

Manis, 627. 

Manis, Long-Tailed, 627. 

Manis, Short-Tailed, 627. 

Manx Cat, 163. 

Mapach, 382. 

Mara, 475. 

Margay, 155. 

Marikina, 91. 

Marimonda, 77. 

Markhur, 546. 

Marmoset, 89. 

Marmot, 499. 

Marmot, Hoary, 501. 

Marmot, Hood’s, 498. 

Marmot, Leopard, 498. 

Marmot, Poland, 499. 

Marmot, Rocky Moun- 
tain, 501. 

Marsupialia, 564. 

Marten, 276. 

Marten, Beech. 277. 

Marten Cats, 276. 

Marten, Pine, 276. 

ee) White-Throated, 
277. 

Martes, 278. 

Mastiff, 245. 

Mastiff, Cuban, 244. 

Mataco, 629. 

Maxile, 335. 

Mborebi, 606. 

Meerkat, 192. 

Megalonyx, 635. 

Megaptera, 426. 

Megapteride, 425. 

Meianocepha® 88. 


Meles, 3! 

Mephitis, 500. 
Merino, 548. 

Mice, J umping 488. 
Mice, Pouched, 391. 


Mink, 283. 

Mink, Common, 296. 
Mink, Little Black, 296. 
Miriki, 78. 

Moholi Galago, 98. 
Mohr, 526. 

Mole, 338. 

Mole, Blind, 502. 

Mole, Changeable, 348. 
Mole, Long-Tailed, 344. 
Mole, Oregon, 344. 
Mole, Prairie, 344. 
Mole, Radiated, 344. 
Mole, Rat, 502. 

Mole, Sand, 502. 

Mole, Shining, 343. 
Mole, Shrew, 342. 
Mole, Silver, 344. 
Mole, Star-Nosed, 344. 
Mona, 41. 

Monjourou, 346. 

ge rlata  aeEe 


Monkey, Bhunder, 46. 
Monkeys Black Spider, 


Monkey, Green, 38. 
Monkey, Hideous, 88. 
Monkey, Lion, 91. 
Monkey, Night, 89. 
Monkey, Proboscis, 35. 
Monkey, Silky, 91. 
Monkey Tribe. 15. 
Monkey, Weeper, 84. 


Monkeys, American, 72. 

Monkeys, Capucin, 82. 

Monkeys, Dog- Headed, 
55. 


Monkeys, Howling, 73. 
Monkeys, White Eyelid, 
43 


Mono, 7. 

Mono Feo, 8&8. 

Monodon, 437. 

Monoohoo, 621. 

Monotremes, 637. 

Moongus, 191. 

Moors, 41. 

Moose, 559. 

Morse, 410. 

Moschus, 571. 

Mouflon, Sardinian, 551. 

Mouflons, 551. 

Mouse, American Field, 
460. 


Mouse, Barbary, 456. 
Mouse, Bear, 501, 
Mouse, Common, 457. 
Mouse, Common Ameri- 
can Meadow, 460. 
Mouse, Cooper’s, 469. 
Mouse, Deer, 488. 
Mouse, Field, 459. 
Mouse, Harvest, 455. 
Mouse, Red-Backed, +60, 
Mouse, Short - ‘Tailed 
Field, 459. 
Mouse, Shrew, 347. 


Mouse, Yellow- Footed 
Pouched, 391. 

Muchuco, 621. 

males 592. “oH 
ullingong, 6 

Mulo, 54 

Munga, 45. 


Mungous, Banded, 189. 
Mungos, 189, 191. 
Muride, 451, 460. 
Murine, 460. 

Mus, 451. 

Musang, 197. 
Musceardinus, 490. 
Musk Deer, 571. 


Musk Deer, Pigmy, 572. 
Musk, Jaya, 572. 

Musk Ox, 521. 

Musk Rat, 467. 

Musk Rat, of India, 346. 
Musquash, 467. 
Musquaw, 317. 
Mustang, 581. 

Mustela, 275. 
Mustelidx, 294, 
Mycetes, 82. 

Mydaus, 301. 

Mylodon, 635. 

Myodes, 460, 462. 
Myopotamus, 467, 
Myoxus, 489. 
Myrmecobius, 391. 
Myrmecophagide, 633. 


N. 


Nandine, 194. 
Napu, 572. 
Narwhal, 436. 
Nasua, 332. 
Neitsersoak, 403. 
Neotoma, 460. 
Nemorhedinz, 554, 
Nemorhedus, 554. 
Nennook, 328. 
Neotragus, 538. 
Noctilionide, 102. 
Noctule, 111. 
Nunni, 542, 
Nurek Vison, 283. 
Nyctipithecus, 88. 
Nyula, 192. 


0. 


Oared Shrew, 351. 
Ocelot, 153. 

Ocelot, Gray, 154. 
Ocelot, Painted, 154. 
Odontoceti, 430. 
Ochetodon, 460. 

Ondatra, 467. 

Spgs, Crab - Eating, 


Opossum, Ursine, 389, 
Vou, L 


Opossum, Virginian, 392. 
Opossum, Vulpine, 370. 
Opossum, Yapock, 397. 
Opossums, 363. 
Opossums of America,392. 
Orang-Outan, 23. 
Orea, 443. 
Oreotrarus, 538. 
Ornithorhynchus, 638. 
Orycteropus, 632. 
Oryx, 529, 

Otaria, 416. 
Otariide, 400, 415. 
Otocyon, 272. 
Otolicnus, 98. 

Otter, 306. 

Otter, Chinese, 308. 
Otter, Indian, 308. 
Otter, Sea, 305. 
Otter, Smaller, 288. 
Otterhound, 237, 
Ouanderoo, 54, 
Ouistiti, 89, 

Ounce, 148. 

Ourebi, 537. 

Ovibos, 522. 

Ovis, 547. 

Ox, Domestic, 508. 
Ox, Grunting, 520, 
Ox, Javan, 517. 

Ox, Musk, 521. 
Oxen, 507. 


P. 


Paca, Dusky, 476. 

Pacas, 476. 

Paco, 579, 

Paguma, 195, 

Painter, 137. 

Palauchenia, 559. 

Pale, 187. 

Pallah, 536. 

Pampas Cat, 157. 

Panda, 337. 

Panther, 137. 

Papio, 70. 

Papion, 66. 

Paradoxus, 352. 

Paradoxures, 195. 

Paradoxurus, 196. 

Patas, 42. 

Peba, 629, 631. 

Pececary, 615. 

Peceary, White - Lipped, 
616. 

Pedetes, 487. 

Peechi, 595. 

Pekan, 279, 

Pentail, 345, 

Perameles, 583, 

Peszi, 271. 

Petaurist, 366. 

Petaurus, 365. 

Petaurus, Ariel, 366. 

Petaurus, Squirrel, 365, 

Phe poChoere: Abyssinian, 

5. 


Phacocheerus, 614. 
Enalanger, Great Flying, 
367. 


Phalangist, Sooty, 369. 
Phalangist, Vulpine, 370. 
Phalangista, 370. 
Phascogale, 389, 
Phascogale, Brush-Tailed, 
390. 
Phascolaretos, 372, 
Phascolomys, 382. 
Phatagin, 626. 
Philander, 396. 
Phoca, 408. 
Phoceena, 441. 
Phocide, 398. 
Photomok, 540, 
Phyllostoma, 104. 
Physalidz, 425. 
Physalus, 428. 
Physeter, 431. 
Pichey, Armadillo, 630. 
Pichiciago, 631. 
Pig, Ground, 469. 
Pig, Guinea, 478. 
Pig, Hedge, 355. 
Pigmy Musk, 572. 
ila, 482. 


Pinche, 91. 
Pinnipedia, 399, 
Pithecia, 87, 


INDEX. 


Platanista, 446. 

Platypus, 637. 

Plecotus, 109. 

Podji, 99. 

Pointer, 224. 

Polatouche, 492. 

Polecat, 279. 
Polecat-Ferret, 282. 
Poodle, 215. 

Porcupine, 469. 
Porcupine, Brazilian, 473. 
Porcupine, Canadian, 471, 
Beppe ated: Laled) 


Porcus, 612. 
Porpoise, 441. 
Potoroo, 374. 
Potto, 336. 
Pouched Mice, 391. 
Pouched Mouse, Yellow- 
Footed, 391. 
Poyou, 628. 
Presbytes, 33. 
Priodonta, 631. 
Prionodon, 186. 
Procamelus, 559. 
Procyon, 333. 
Propithecus, 95, 
Proteles, 182. 
Psora, 335. 
Pteromys, 491. 
Pteropus, 113. 
Pug Dog, 252. 
Puma, 148. 
Punch, Suffolk, 587. 
Putorius, 288. 


Q. 


Quadrumana, 13. 
Quagga, 594. 
Quarkaria, 88. 
Quata, 75. 


R. 


Rabbit, 482. 

Rabbit, Rock, 622. 

Racoon, 332. 

Racoon, Black - Footed, 
335. 

Racoon, Crab-Eating, 334. 

Racoonda, 466. 

Racoons, 332. 

Ram Sagul, 546. 

Rangifer, 561, 563, 

Rachianectes, 425, 

Rasoo, 492. 

Rasse, 185. 

Rat, Bay Bamboo, 505. 

Rat, Beaver, 469. 

Rat, Black, 455. 

Rat, Brown, 451. 

Rat, Canada Pouched,504. 

Rat, Coast, 502.. 

Rat, Coffee, 197. 

Rat, Coypu, 466. 

Rat, Earth, 503. 

Rat, Florida Wood, 460. 

Rat, Fur Country Pouch- 
ed, 503. 

Rat, Indian Musk, 346. 

Rat, Kangaroo, 374. 

Rat, Madagascar, 97. 

Rats, Mole, 501. 

Rat, Musk, 467. 

Rat, Norway, 451. 

Rat, Pharaoh’s, 190. 

Rat, Water, 458. 

Ratel, 297. 

Ratelus, 297, 

Raton, 335, 

Ravine Deer of India, 526. 

Red Cat, 171. 

Reindeer, 561. 

Respiration, 5. 

Retriever Dogs, 230. 

Rhesus, 46. 

Rhinaster, 619. 

Rhinoceros, 617. 

Rhinoceros, African, 619. 

Rhinoceros, Javanese, 618. 

Rhinoceros, Keitloa, 620. 

Rhinoceros, Kobaoba, 621. 

Rhinoceros, Little Black, 
619. 

Rhinoceros, Long-Horned 
White, 621. 

Rhinoceros,Sumatran,618. 

Cc 


Rhinoceros, White, 620. 
Rhinolophus, 107. 
Rhizomys, 505. 
Rhoode Bok, 539, 
Rhbyziena, 193. 
Riet Bok, 540. 
Rimau Dahan, 155. 
Ritck, 317. 
Rodents, 450. 
Roebuck, 567. 
Roove Bok, 536. 
Rorqual, 427. 
Roussette, 112. 
Rusa, 567. 

Rytina, 449. 


8. 


Sable, 277. 

Sable, American, 294. 

Sable, Antelope, 541. 

Sable, Japanese, 278. 

Saccomyide, 451. 

Sai, 84. 

Saimiri, 85. 

Saki, Bearded, 85. 

Saki, Black Headed, 86. 

Saki, White Headed, 86. 

Samboo, 567. 

Sambur, 567. 

Sand Bear, 303. 

Sand Mole, 502. 

Sapajous, 72. 

Sasin, 536. 

Sassaby, 542. 

Satyrus, 23. 

Saw Tooth, 186. 

Sealops, 342. 

Sciuridee, 451. 

Sciuropterus, 492. 

Sciurus, 492. 

Scotch Sheep Dog, 234. 

Sea Bear, 417, 

Sea Elephant, 413. 

Sea Hog, 441. 

Sea Horse, 410. 

Sea Lion, 416. 

Sea Unicorn, 456. 

Seal, Banded, 410. 

Seal, Bearded, 410. 

Seal, Common, 404. 

Seal, Crested, 402. 

Seal-Elephant, 413. 

Seal, Foetid, 410. 

Seal, Gray, 410. 

Seal, Harp, 408. 

Seal Leopard, 400. 

Seal, Richard’s, 410. 

Seal, Ringed, 410. 

Seal, Ursine, 417. 

Seal, White-Cheeked, 410, 

Seals, 398. 

Seals, Eared, 415. 

Seals, Fur, 415. 

Semnopithecus, 382. 

Serval, 147. 

Setters, 228. 

Sheep, 507, 543, 547. 

Sheep) Stent Fat-Tailed, 
50. 


Sheep, Cape, 550. 

Sheep, Dog, 282. 

Sheep, Highland, 549. 

Sheep, Leicester, 548. 

Sheep, Merino, 548. 

Sheep, Musk, 523. 

Sheep, Rocky Mountain, 
5d. 


Sheep, Spanish, 548. 
Sheep, Wallachian, 550. 
Sheep, Wiltshire, 548. 
Shetland Pony, 589. 
Shrew, Elephant, 346. 
Shrew, Erd, 347. 
Shrew, Etruscan, 352. 
Shrew, Fetid, 347. 
Shrew, Mole, 342. 
Shrew, Mouse, 347. 
Shrew, Oared, 351. 
Shrew, Rustic, 352. 
Shrew, Water, 350. 
Siamang, 28. 
Sigmodontes, 460. 
Sigmodon, 460. 
Silenus, 54. 

Simia, 23. 

Simiade, 15. 

Simpai, 81. 

Sing-Sing, 540. 


Sirenia, 447. 

Skunk, 300. 

Skunks, 275. 

Slepez, 502. 

Sloth, 636. 

Sloth Bear, 326. 

Sloth, Three-Toed. 636, 

Solenodon, 352. 

Sondeli, 346. 

Soosoo, 446. 

Sorex, 347. 

Soricide 344. 

Soricine, 344. 

Southdown, 548. 

Spalax, 501. 

Spaniel, Alpine, 215. 

Spaniel, Blenheim, 214. 

Spaniel, Cocker, 211. 

Spaniel Dogs, 210. 

Spaniel, Field, 210. 

Spaniel, King Charles, 213 

Spaniel, Springer, 211. 

Spaniel, Water, 212. 

Spaniels, Sporting, 210. 

Spaniels, Toy, 210. 

Spermophilus, 499. 

Spring Bok, 526. 

Spring Buck, 532. 

Spring Haas, 486. 

Springer, 211. 

Squirrel, Abert’s, 493. 

Squirrel, Black, 493. 

Rguitrel California Gray, 

Squirrel, Chipping, 494. 

Squirrel, Collies’, 492. 

Squirrel, Fox, 492. 

Squirrel, Gray, 492. 

Squirrel, Ground, 493. 

Squirrel Monkeys, 85. 

Squirrel, Norfolk Island 
Flying, 365. 

Squirrel Petaurus, 365. 

Squirrel, Striped, 493. 

Squirrel, Sugar, 865. 

Stag, 565. 

Stag, Carolina, 564 

Staghound, 218. 

Steinbok, 544. 

Stenops, 96. 

Stoat, 290. 

Suide, 616. 

Suricate, 198. 

Swine, 608. 

Synaptomys, 460. 


At 


Tagnicate, 616, 
Taguan, 366, 491, 
Tajacu, 615, 

Taipa, 338. 

Talpide, 338. 
Tamandua, 633, 634 
Tamanoir, 633. 
Tamias, 493. 
Tangalung, 185. 
Tanrec, 361. 

Tapir, American, 607, 
Tapir, Baird’s, 607. 
Tapir, Malayan, 608. 
Tapirs, 606. 
Tapirus, 607. 
Tapoa, 369. 

Tapoa Tafa, 389. 
Tarandus, 561. 
Tarsier, 99. 

Tarsier, Banca, 99 
Tarsius, 99. 

Tatou, 631, 
Tatouay, 630. 
Tatouhou, 629. 
Tatusia, 629. 
Taxidea, 305, 
Tayra, 296. 

Tee Tee, 85. 

Teledu, 30J. 
Tendrae, 363. 
Tenrec, Banded, 363. 
Tenree, Spiny, 363, 
Tenrec, Varied, 363. 
Tepemaxthalon, 188. 
Terrienniak, 271. 
Terrier, Bull, 245. 
Terrier, English, 244, 
Terrier, Scotch, 245. 
Terrier, Skye, 247. 
Tetracerus, 527. 
Thomomys, 503, 


Thylacinus, 386. 
Thylacinus, Dog-Headed, 


Tiver, 130. 

Tiger Cat, 153. 

Tiger, Clouded, 155. 

Tiger, Smaller Clouded, 
56 


Tiger, Tortoise-Shell, 155, 
156, 


Tiger Wolf, 176. 
Tigris, 131. 
Tikus, 353. 


‘Tragulus, 572. 

| Troglodytes, 20. 
jperoutes American, 586, 
Tucutuco, 506. 

Tupaia, 345. 

Turnspit Dog, 251. 


10% 
Unicorn, Sea, 436. 
Urchin, 355, 
Urocyon, 272. 
Urside, 311. 
Vou. L 


| Ursine, 36. 4 
Ursine Baboon, 58. 
Urson, 471 
Ursus, 314. 

Urva, 190. 
V. 


Vampire Bat, 104. 
Vertebrates, 2. 
Vervet, 39. 
Vespertilionide, 102. 
Vesperugo, 111. 
Vicugna, 577. 
Vison Nurek, 283. 
Viverra, 183, 336. 
Vlacke Vark, 613. 
Vole, Bank, 459. 
Vole, Field, 459. 
Vole, Water, 458. 
Vulpes, 269. 


WwW. 


Wah, 337. 

Wallaby, 380. 
Wallachian Sheep, 550. 
Walrus, 410. 
Wanderoo, 54. 


INDEX. 


Wapiti, 564. 

Warragal, 255. 

Wasch Bir, 335. 

Water Buck, 540. 

Water Polecat, 283. 

Water Shrew, 350. 

Water Spaniel, 212. 

Weasel, Common, 284, 295. 

Weasel, Least, 294. 

Weasel, Long-Tailed, 295. 

Weasel, Mexican, 336. 

Weasel, Peruvian, 295. 

Weasel, Richardson’s,295. 

Weasel, Small Brown, 294. 

Weasel, White, 295. 

Weagel; Yellow-Cheeked, 
295. 

Weasels, 275. 

Weeper Monkey, 84. 

Welsh Harrier, 237. 

Whale, Atlantic Right, 423. 

Whale, Bow-Head, 423. 

Whale, Bunched, 425. 

Whale, California, Gray, 
425, 

Whale, Cape, 423. 

Whale, Great Polar, 423. 

Whale, Greenland, 421. 

D 


| Whale, Hump- Backed, 
425. 


Whale, Japan, 423. 

Whale, New Zealand, 423. 

Whale, Northern, 421. 

Whale, Pike, 426. 

Whale, Right, 421. 

Whale, Rorqual, 427. 

Whale, Scrag, 423. 

Whale, Spermaceti, 431. 

Whale, Western Austra- 
lian, 423. 

Whale, White, 439. 

Whales, 418. 

Whales, Fin-Back, 425. 

Whales, Sperm, 430. 

Whales, Toothed, 480. 

Whales, Whalebone, 423. 

Whallabee, 380. 

Wild Dog, 199. 

Wild Horse, 581. 

Wilde Hund, 27. 

Wolf, 261. 

Wolf, Aard, 182. 

Wolf, Black, 263. 

Wolf, Gray, 266. 

Wolf, Prairie, 264. 

Wolf, Tasmanian, 385. 


Wolverene, 299. 
Wolves, 260. 
Wombat, 381. 
Woodchuck, 279, 501. 


Y. 
Yagouarondi, 151. 
Yak, 520. Se 
Yak, Noble, 521. 


Yak, Plough, 521. 
Yamma, 577, 579. 


Yapock Opossum, 397. 


Yarke, Bhek ee 
YUanraton, 335. 
Youze, 171. 


Z. 
Zapus, 488. 
Zapodide, 488. 
Zebra, 595. 


Zebra, Burchell’s, 595. 


Zebu, 512. 
Zenick, 193. 
Zerda, 273. 
Zibeth, 184. 
Zubr, 518. 


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